Top 11 Human Resources Representative Certifications

Certifications are important for human resources representatives because they demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the laws, regulations, and best practices that affect their job role. Certification also indicates to employers that an individual is dedicated to the profession and has invested the time and energy to become an expert in the field. Certifications can also provide credibility when competing for jobs or promotions, as employers often prefer candidates with relevant certifications. Lastly, certifications can help HR representatives stay up-to-date on industry trends, which is valuable in a rapidly changing job market.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Human Resources Representatives and explain how they can help advance a human resources representative's career.

What are Human Resources Representative Certifications?

Human Resources Representative Certification is a professional certification program designed to help Human Resources (HR) representatives build their knowledge and skills in the field of HR. This certification serves as an affirmation that the individual has achieved a high level of proficiency and expertise in the areas of recruitment, selection, employee relations, labor relations, compensation, benefits and safety.

By earning Human Resources Representative Certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to excellence in service delivery within the HR profession. This certification can help individuals gain access to higher-level positions or promotions within their organization and can also open doors to career opportunities outside of their current organization. It is also an important credential for employers to consider when hiring new HR staff since it demonstrates that the candidate has met established standards for competency in the field.

Furthermore, Human Resources Representative Certification provides individuals with a comprehensive understanding of the legal issues that affect employers and employees. This knowledge can help them better comply with applicable laws and regulations while providing sound advice on best practices related to employment law matters. Additionally, by learning about current trends in Human Resources management, certified professionals can stay ahead of changes in this rapidly evolving area of business operations.

Pro tip: If you are considering becoming a Human Resources Representative, it is important to research and obtain certifications that can help you stand out in the industry. Certifications such as the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) can demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field, making you a more attractive candidate for potential employers.

Related: What does a Human Resources Representative do?

Top 11 Human Resources Representative Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Human Resources Representatives today.

1. Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification

Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification is a professional certification offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate mastery of the technical and operational aspects of HR management. The PHR certification is a mark of distinction for those HR professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in their field.

How long does it take to get it?

The amount of time it takes to get your PHR certification depends on your individual study habits, but typically takes between six months to one year. This includes studying for the exam, taking practice tests, and completing the application process.

How to get it?

To become certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR), you must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least one year of professional-level experience in an HR role and passing an exam administered by HRCI. You can find more information about the application process on HRCI’s website.

How much does it cost?

The cost of obtaining your PHR certification varies depending on whether you are an HRCI member or not. For non-members, the fee is $395 USD while members pay $295 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with purchasing study materials or taking practice exams.

2. Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Certification

The Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification is a professional credential offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of the strategic and policy-making aspects of human resource management. It is intended for experienced HR professionals who are responsible for developing and executing HR strategies, policies, and practices that align with an organization’s overall business objectives.

It typically takes about one year to complete the process of obtaining the SPHR certification. To become certified, applicants must first pass an exam that covers topics such as: employment law; employee and labor relations; compensation and benefits; talent acquisition and retention; organizational development; performance management; total rewards; and global HR management. After passing the exam, applicants must also demonstrate at least four years of experience working in a senior-level role within an HR department or related field.

The cost for obtaining the SPHR certification varies depending on whether you choose to take the exam online or in person. The online version costs $395 while the in-person option costs $495. Additionally, there are additional fees associated with applying for recertification every three years.

In order to maintain your SPHR certification, you must meet certain requirements such as completing continuing education credits each year and submitting a recertification application every three years.

3. SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) Certification

The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) is a professional certification offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The SHRM-CP is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and competencies of human resource professionals. It is one of two certifications offered by SHRM, the other being the Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

In order to become certified as a SHRM-CP, an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and adhere to a code of ethical standards. To be eligible for certification, an individual must have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any field plus one year of professional experience in HR. Alternatively, they can have at least two years of professional experience in HR without a degree.

The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as HR strategy and alignment; workforce planning; talent acquisition; learning and development; total rewards; employee engagement; risk management; and labor relations. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $300 USD for members of SHRM or $400 USD for non-members.

Once certified, individuals must maintain their certification by earning 60 credit hours every three years through activities such as attending conferences or taking courses related to HR. The cost for recertification is $100 USD per year for members of SHRM or $150 USD per year for non-members.

4. SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) Certification

The SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification is an advanced credential for human resources professionals. It is the highest level of certification offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The SHRM-SCP demonstrates a mastery of the technical and operational aspects of HR management, as well as the ability to apply strategies that align with organizational objectives.

It typically takes between one and two years to complete the requirements for the SHRM-SCP certification. To qualify, applicants must have at least three years of experience in a senior HR role or five years in an HR role, as well as a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

In order to get certified, applicants must pass the SHRM-SCP exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and case studies that assess knowledge and skills related to key areas such as talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, labor relations, and organizational development. The exam costs $300 for members of SHRM and $400 for non-members. Additionally, there are fees associated with maintaining certification ($50/year for members; $75/year for non-members).

5. Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) Certification

The Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) certification is a professional credential offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of mastery in the field of human resources management. The GPHR certification is intended for experienced human resources professionals who have at least five years of experience in the field, and who are looking to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the profession.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all of the requirements for the GPHR certification. The process includes completing an application, passing an exam, and meeting certain educational requirements. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as strategic HR management, risk management, workforce planning, and global HR compliance.

In order to be eligible for the GPHR certification, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in human resources or a related field. They must also meet certain educational requirements, including a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution or equivalent international education.

The cost for obtaining the GPHR certification varies depending on whether you are taking the exam online or in person. If you take it online, it costs $595 USD; if you take it in person, it costs $695 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with applying for the certification and taking practice exams prior to taking the actual exam.

6. Society for Human Resource Management – California Certification (SHRM-Cal)

The Society for Human Resource Management – California Certification (SHRM-Cal) is a certification program designed to recognize human resource professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field. It is recognized by employers, government agencies, and professional organizations as a sign of excellence.

To get SHRM-Cal certification, individuals must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of professional experience in the HR field, or two years if they have an undergraduate degree in HR or related field. They must also pass a written exam that covers topics such as employment law, compensation and benefits, recruitment and selection, training and development, labor relations, and more.

It typically takes about four months to complete the certification process. During this time, applicants must complete the application process, take the written exam, submit documentation to verify their experience and education qualifications, and pay any applicable fees. The cost of obtaining SHRM-Cal certification varies depending on whether applicants are members of SHRM or not; members pay $225 while non-members pay $300.

Once applicants have successfully completed all requirements for SHRM-Cal certification, they will receive their certificate from SHRM indicating their achievement. This certificate can then be used to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the HR profession and help them stand out from other job seekers when applying for positions within their field.

7. International Public Management Association for Human Resources – Certified Professional (IPMA-CP)

The International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR) Certified Professional (CP) certification is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills of public sector human resource professionals. It is designed to ensure that those who hold the certification have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage public sector human resources.

The IPMA-HR CP certification program consists of three tests: two written exams and one practical application exam. The two written exams cover topics such as employment law, labor relations, compensation administration, benefits administration, personnel management, and organizational development. The practical application exam requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all three tests and obtain the IPMA-HR CP certification. To begin the process, candidates must first submit an application form and pay an application fee. Once accepted into the program, they will be given access to study materials, which include textbooks, sample questions, practice exams, and other resources.

Once all three tests have been successfully completed, candidates will receive their IPMA-HR CP certification from IPMA-HR International Headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. The cost of obtaining the IPMA-HR CP certification varies depending on the country in which you are located; however, it generally ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

8. WorldatWork – Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)

WorldatWork’s Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and understanding of total rewards principles and practices. The CCP certification is a globally recognized credential that can help demonstrate an individual's commitment to their profession, as well as their expertise in the field.

The CCP certification requires a minimum of three years of experience in compensation or related fields, such as human resources, finance, or accounting. To obtain the certification, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as job analysis and evaluation, base pay administration, incentive plans, executive compensation, international compensation, and more.

It typically takes between 6-9 months to prepare for the exam depending on the individual’s level of prior knowledge and experience. Candidates should plan on studying for at least 10-15 hours per week during this time period. Preparation materials include books, practice exams, webinars, and other resources available through WorldatWork.

The cost of obtaining the CCP certification varies based on whether you are already a member of WorldatWork or not. For non-members it costs $1125 USD for the exam registration fee plus any additional preparation materials purchased separately. For members it costs $875 USD for the exam registration fee plus any additional preparation materials purchased separately.

9. WorldatWork – Total Rewards Practitioner (TRP)

WorldatWork Total Rewards Practitioner (TRP) is a professional certification program that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of total rewards. The TRP credential demonstrates that the holder has a comprehensive understanding of total rewards, including compensation, benefits, work-life effectiveness, performance management and recognition.

The TRP program consists of two parts: a self-study course and an exam. The self-study course provides foundational knowledge in the areas of total rewards, while the exam tests an individual's mastery of the material. The exam is administered by WorldatWork and consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as job analysis, pay structure design, executive compensation, employee benefits and more.

It typically takes approximately 6 months to complete the TRP program. During this time individuals should plan to spend at least 40 hours studying for the exam. It is recommended that individuals review all materials provided by WorldatWork before taking the exam.

The cost for the TRP program varies depending on whether or not you are a member of WorldatWork. For non-members, it costs $1,295 USD for access to all materials and one attempt at the exam; for members it costs $995 USD for access to all materials and one attempt at the exam. Additional attempts at the exam can be purchased for $395 USD each (non-member) or $295 USD each (member).

10. International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans – Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation is a professional certification program designed to provide advanced knowledge and expertise in employee benefits. It is the most widely recognized designation for employee benefit professionals in the world.

The CEBS program consists of eight courses and two exams. Each course focuses on a different aspect of employee benefits, such as health care, retirement plans, executive compensation, and global benefits. The courses are offered online or in-person at select locations throughout the year. The two exams are administered by Prometric testing centers and must be taken within one year of completing all eight courses.

To get the CEBS designation, you must complete all eight courses and pass both exams with a score of 70% or higher. Once you have passed both exams, you will receive your official CEBS certificate from IFEBP.

The cost to obtain the CEBS designation varies depending on whether you take the courses online or in-person. Online courses range from $1,000 to $2,800 per course; in-person courses range from $1,400 to $3,200 per course. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $225 for each exam that must be paid prior to taking the test.

11. International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans – Group Benefits Associate (GBA).

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans – Group Benefits Associate (GBA) is a professional designation for individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the group benefits industry. The GBA designation is awarded by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP), which is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational resources, research, and networking opportunities for employee benefit professionals.

The GBA program consists of three courses: Fundamentals of Group Benefits, Advanced Group Benefits, and Professionalism in Group Benefits. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time and must be completed within one year. The cost for the entire program is $1,000 USD.

To obtain the GBA designation, applicants must complete all three courses with a passing grade and pass an online exam administered by IFEBP. Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their GBA certificate from IFEBP.

The GBA certification provides recognition as an expert in group benefits planning and management. It also allows professionals to demonstrate their commitment to the field and enhances their credibility with employers or clients.

Do You Really Need a Human Resources Representative Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a Human Resources Representative Certificate in order to work in the field of human resources. However, having a certificate can be beneficial in several ways.

First and foremost, having a certificate demonstrates that you have taken the time to learn about the specific skills and knowledge necessary for success in the human resources field. This shows employers that you are serious about your career and have taken extra steps to prepare yourself for success. It also provides potential employers with an easy way to assess your qualifications and skills quickly, making it easier for them to decide if you are a good fit for their team.

In addition, having a certificate may also give you an advantage when competing with other job applicants who do not have one. Employers often prefer candidates who have some form of certification as it indicates that they have taken the time to learn about their craft and are committed to staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

Finally, having a certificate may open up more opportunities for advancement within your organization or even help you find new employment elsewhere. In today’s competitive job market, having a certificate can make all the difference when it comes to getting noticed by potential employers or being considered for advancement opportunities within an organization.

Overall, while having a Human Resources Representative Certificate is not always necessary for success in the field of human resources, it does provide many benefits that could potentially help you stand out from other applicants and advance your career goals.

Related: Human Resources Representative Resume Examples

FAQs About Human Resources Representative Certifications

1. What types of certifications are available for Human Resources Representatives?

Answer: Professional certifications in the field of Human Resources include Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR), and Society for Human Resource Management – Certified Professional (SHRM-CP).

2. How do I become certified as a Human Resources Representative?

Answer: To obtain certification, applicants must meet specific requirements and pass a comprehensive exam. Generally, applicants must have a minimum of two years of professional experience, complete an approved course, and pass the relevant certification exam.

3. What is the cost to become certified as a Human Resources Representative?

Answer: The cost for certification varies by organization but typically includes an application fee, examination fee, and recertification fees every three years. The total cost may range from $500 to $2,000 depending on the organization offering the certification.

4. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Human Resources Representative?

Answer: Certification provides recognition that you have achieved a certain level of skill and knowledge in your field. It also demonstrates your commitment to professional development and can help employers differentiate between qualified candidates when hiring or promoting employees. Furthermore, it can lead to more job opportunities and higher salaries due to increased marketability.

5. How long does it take to become certified as a Human Resources Representative?

Answer: The time required to obtain certification varies depending on the individual’s experience level and availability for study and preparation for the exam; however, it typically takes six months or less if you are dedicating yourself full-time towards obtaining your certification.