Top 10 IT Recruiter Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for IT recruiters. They demonstrate a recruiter’s knowledge of industry best practices, their understanding of specific technologies, and their commitment to staying up-to-date on the latest trends in the field. A certification can be a great way to stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or pursuing promotions, as it demonstrates a level of expertise and dedication that employers look for. Furthermore, certifications can be used to verify the qualifications and experience of potential hires, providing recruiters with an additional tool for assessing applicants.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications available for IT Recruiters and explain how they can help to enhance an IT Recruiter's career.

What are IT Recruiter Certifications?

Recruiter certification is a formal recognition of the knowledge and skills that recruiters have acquired in order to be successful in their field. It is designed to give recruiters a competitive edge in the recruitment industry by providing them with specialized training, certification, and knowledge on recruiting techniques, best practices, and industry trends. Certification can help recruiters by giving them an advantage over non-certified candidates when applying for positions. Certifications also allow recruiters to demonstrate their expertise in the field and show potential employers that they are knowledgeable about the latest trends in recruitment and human resources management. Additionally, certifications provide recruiters with access to exclusive resources such as networking opportunities with other certified professionals, job postings, and more. Having a recruiter certification can also help increase career advancement opportunities and open up new job possibilities in the recruitment industry.

Pro Tip: Before signing up for a recruiter certification program, make sure that it is accredited and recognized by the industry. This will ensure that you receive the best training and knowledge to help you build a successful career in recruitment.

Related: What does an IT Recruiter do?

Top 10 IT Recruiter Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to IT Recruiters today.

1. Certified Professional Recruiter (CPR)

Certified Professional Recruiter (CPR) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS). It is a comprehensive, industry-recognized program that provides recruiters with the necessary knowledge and skills to become successful in their field. The CPR credential is awarded to those who have demonstrated proficiency in areas such as recruiting, interviewing, selection, and placement.

The CPR certification can be obtained through an online course or a combination of online and classroom instruction. The course typically takes around 8-10 weeks to complete and covers topics such as resume writing, interviewing techniques, job search strategies, candidate assessment tools, recruiting best practices, and more. Upon completion of the coursework and passing the final exam with a score of at least 80%, candidates will receive their CPR certification.

The cost for the CPR certification program varies depending on whether you choose to take the online or combined course option. For example, the online course costs $1,495 while the combined course option costs $2,195.

Overall, obtaining your Certified Professional Recruiter (CPR) credential will provide you with valuable knowledge and skills that can help you become successful in your career as a recruiter.

2. Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

The Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge, skills and abilities of human resource professionals. It is designed to demonstrate mastery of the technical and operational aspects of HR management, as well as the ability to apply best practices to real-world organizational challenges.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for and earn the SHRM-CP credential. To qualify for the certification, you must have a minimum of 1 year of professional experience in an HR role or a related field. You must also pass an exam that covers topics such as workforce planning and employment, employee development and performance management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, risk management and more.

To get your SHRM-CP certification, you must first register with SHRM and pay the associated fees. The fee structure varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of SHRM. After registering, you will need to complete an online application that includes information about your work experience and education background. Once approved by SHRM, you can then begin studying for the exam using study materials provided by SHRM or other sources such as books or online courses. Once ready, you can schedule your exam at a Prometric testing center near you.

The cost of obtaining your SHRM-CP certification depends on whether you are a member or non-member of SHRM. For members, it costs $300 USD plus applicable taxes; for non-members it costs $400 USD plus applicable taxes. Additional fees may apply if you need to reschedule your exam or retake it after failing it once.

3. Certified Staffing Professional (CSP)

Certified Staffing Professional (CSP) is a certification program offered by the American Staffing Association (ASA). It is designed to provide staffing professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their roles. The CSP certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to professional excellence through their knowledge, experience, and dedication to the staffing industry.

The CSP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as legal compliance, recruiting, interviewing, and selection processes; customer service; and technology. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CSP certification, applicants must have at least two years of full-time staffing industry experience or equivalent part-time experience. Additionally, applicants must also have completed a minimum of 12 hours of ASA-approved continuing education within the past three years.

The cost for the CSP certification is $395 for ASA members and $495 for non-members. This fee includes all materials needed for the exam as well as access to online study resources. After passing the exam, there is an annual renewal fee of $95 for ASA members and $145 for non-members.

4. Technical Recruiting Certification (TRC)

Technical Recruiting Certification (TRC) is a professional certification program designed to equip recruiters with the skills and knowledge necessary to identify, assess, and hire technical professionals. It is offered by the Technical Recruiting Institute (TRI).

The TRC program consists of three levels: Level 1 – Introduction to Technical Recruiting, Level 2 – Advanced Technical Recruiting, and Level 3 – Mastering Technical Recruiting. Each level requires completion of an online course and a proctored exam.

Level 1 takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete, while Levels 2 & 3 take approximately 20-25 hours each. The cost for each level is $495 USD.

In order to get certified as a TRC, you must successfully complete all three levels of the program. Upon successful completion of all three levels, you will receive your official TRC certificate from TRI.

5. Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR)

Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) is a certification program that provides recruiters with the knowledge and skills to effectively source, attract, engage, and hire top talent through the use of online tools and resources. The CIR certification is designed for experienced recruiters who want to gain an understanding of how to leverage technology in their recruiting process.

The CIR certification is offered by the National Association of Professional Recruiters (NAPR). It consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical application test. The written exam covers topics such as internet recruiting strategies, job boards, social media, search engine optimization (SEO), applicant tracking systems (ATS), and more. The practical application test requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to use these tools in a simulated recruitment environment.

To receive the CIR certification, applicants must pass both parts of the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The entire process typically takes between 4-6 weeks from start to finish.

The cost for the CIR certification varies depending on whether you are an NAPR member or non-member. For NAPR members, the cost is $395; for non-members, it’s $495.

6. American Staffing Association Certified Search Consultant (ASA CSC)

The American Staffing Association Certified Search Consultant (ASA CSC) is a professional certification program for staffing professionals. The certification is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of those who are engaged in the recruitment, placement, and management of temporary or contract personnel. It also serves as an assurance to employers that the individual has achieved a level of proficiency in their field.

In order to become an ASA CSC, individuals must have at least three years of experience working in the staffing industry, successfully complete a comprehensive examination, and submit letters of recommendation from two current or former supervisors. The examination consists of four parts: Human Resources Management, Recruiting & Placement Practices, Legal & Regulatory Issues, and Professionalism & Ethics.

The cost of the exam is $395 USD for members of the American Staffing Association (ASA) and $495 USD for non-members. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will receive their ASA CSC certificate within 4-6 weeks.

7. International Association of Professional Recruiters Certification Program (IAPRCP)

The International Association of Professional Recruiters Certification Program (IAPRCP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize recruiters who have achieved a level of excellence in their field. This certification demonstrates to employers and clients that the recruiter has attained the highest standards of knowledge, skill, and expertise in the recruitment industry.

The IAPRCP consists of two levels: Certified Professional Recruiter (CPR) and Master Professional Recruiter (MPR). To become certified at either level, applicants must pass an exam administered by the association. The exam covers topics such as recruitment strategies, interviewing techniques, job search methods, legal compliance, and more.

It typically takes about four months to complete the certification process. During this time, applicants must complete an online application form and submit it along with supporting documents such as a resume or CV. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be required to take an online course that covers all of the topics on the exam. After completing the course, they can then take the exam at a designated testing center.

The cost for certification varies depending on which level you are applying for. The CPR certification costs $295 USD while the MPR certification costs $495 USD. Both certifications require annual renewal fees of $100 USD each year in order to maintain active status.

Overall, obtaining IAPRCP certification is a valuable investment for any professional recruiter looking to demonstrate their expertise in this field and gain recognition from employers and clients alike.

8. National Association of Personnel Services Certification Program (NAPS CP)

The National Association of Personnel Services Certification Program (NAPS CP) is an industry-recognized certification program that provides personnel services professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job duties. The program is designed to help personnel services professionals develop and maintain a high level of professional competence by providing them with the latest information on recruitment, selection, placement, training, and other related topics.

The NAPS CP requires applicants to complete a comprehensive examination that covers all aspects of personnel services. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience in the field or hold a college degree in a related field.

To get certified, applicants must first submit an application along with all required documents and fees. After submitting their application, applicants will be notified if they are eligible for the exam. If accepted, applicants will receive instructions on how to register for the exam and pay the associated fee.

The cost of the NAPS CP varies depending on whether you are an individual or part of an organization. For individuals, it costs $295 USD for members and $395 USD for non-members. For organizations, it costs $595 USD for members and $695 USD for non-members.

Once you have completed the exam successfully, you will receive your certification from NAPS within 4 weeks after completion of the exam. This certification is valid for 3 years from date of issue before needing renewal.

9. Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: IT Recruiter (MCTS:ITR)

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS:ITR) is a certification program from Microsoft that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the use of Microsoft technologies for IT recruitment. The certification is designed to help recruiters identify qualified candidates and demonstrate their skills in the areas of job search, resume writing, interviewing, and other related activities.

The MCTS:ITR certification requires passing an exam which consists of multiple-choice questions and performance-based simulations. The exam covers topics such as job search strategies, resume writing, interviewing techniques, and other related activities. Candidates must also complete an online course on Microsoft Certification Program before taking the exam.

It typically takes between one to three months to prepare for the MCTS:ITR exam depending on prior experience with Microsoft technologies. To get certified, candidates must pass the exam with a minimum score of 70%.

The cost of the MCTS:ITR certification varies depending on where it is taken. Generally speaking, it costs around $150-$200 USD to take the exam in most locations.

10. Certified Employment Interview Professional (CEIP)

Certified Employment Interview Professional (CEIP) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS). The CEIP certification is designed to provide employers with qualified professionals who can conduct effective and compliant employment interviews.

The CEIP certification requires applicants to successfully complete an online course and pass a written exam. The course covers topics such as legal considerations, interviewing techniques, and best practices for conducting interviews. It takes about 8-10 hours to complete the course and pass the exam.

The cost of the CEIP certification varies depending on whether you are an individual or a business. For individuals, it costs $199 for NAPBS members and $399 for non-members. For businesses, it costs $499 for NAPBS members and $699 for non-members.

To get certified, applicants must first register online with NAPBS and pay the applicable fee. After registration is complete, they will be able to access the online course materials and take the written exam when they are ready. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their CEIP certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

Do You Really Need a IT Recruiter Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their goals. For some, an IT recruiter certificate may be helpful in obtaining a job in the field or advancing in their current role. For others, it may not be necessary.

For those who are just starting out in IT recruiting, an IT recruiter certificate can provide a valuable foundation of knowledge and skills. It can also help demonstrate that you are serious about your career choice and have invested in your own professional development. This can be especially beneficial if you are competing with other applicants for a position or trying to stand out from the crowd when networking.

Having an IT recruiter certificate can also open up opportunities to advance in your career. Depending on the type of organization you work for, employers may require certifications as part of their hiring process or as a prerequisite to certain positions. Having a certification can also give you an edge over other applicants and make you more attractive to potential employers.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an IT recruiter certificate will depend on your own career goals and objectives. If you feel that having a certification could benefit your career prospects, then it might be worth pursuing one. However, if you don’t feel like it would add any value to your current situation, then it may not be necessary for you at this time.

Related: IT Recruiter Resume Examples

FAQs About IT Recruiter Certifications

1. What are the benefits of an IT Recruiter Certification?

Answer: An IT Recruiter Certification provides a comprehensive understanding of the recruitment process, including job analysis and candidate sourcing techniques, as well as an understanding of the latest trends in IT recruitment. It can help recruiters develop their communication and interpersonal skills to better engage with candidates and teams. It also provides a platform to showcase one’s expertise in the field.

2. Is there any cost associated with obtaining an IT Recruiter Certification?

Answer: Generally, no. Most certifications are offered for free or at a low cost by professional organizations such as CareerCerts and the International Association of Technical Recruiters (IATR).

3. How long does it take to obtain an IT Recruiter Certification?

Answer: The duration of certification programs vary depending on the provider. Generally, most certifications can be completed within 3-6 months with completion times ranging from 1-2 hours per week.

4. What topics are covered in an IT Recruiter Certification program?

Answer: Topics typically covered in an IT recruiter certification program include job analysis, recruiting fundamentals, interviewing techniques, networking strategies, resume writing and assessment tools and strategies, talent acquisition strategies and more.

5. Are there any prerequisites for earning an IT Recruiter Certification?

Answer: Yes - some certifications require applicants to have prior experience in recruiting or related fields such as human resources or talent management before being eligible for enrollment into a course or program.