Top 11 Labor Relations Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a labor relations manager in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the role. Certifications also provide proof of professional development, showing potential employers that the individual is committed to learning new techniques and staying up-to-date on industry trends. Finally, certifications can provide credentials that may help a labor relations manager stand out from other applicants in a competitive job market.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Labor Relations Managers and explain how they can help advance a career in the field.

What are Labor Relations Manager Certifications?

Labor relations manager certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively manage labor relations. This certification program focuses on topics such as collective bargaining, labor law, labor history, and union organization. It also covers topics such as grievance handling, negotiation tactics, dispute resolution techniques, and effective communication strategies. The certification program is aimed at helping individuals gain an understanding of the complexities of labor relations in order to be better prepared for their roles as labor relations managers.

The benefits of this certification include an increased ability to negotiate contracts and resolve disputes between employers and employees; improved understanding of the legal framework governing labor relations; enhanced ability to communicate effectively with both management and union representatives; increased proficiency in analyzing data related to labor relations; and improved understanding of employee rights and responsibilities. With these skills and knowledge, certified professionals are better equipped to handle complex issues that arise during collective bargaining negotiations or within a company’s internal operations. In addition, they may be able to provide valuable insight into how best to approach certain situations that could affect the workplace environment. Ultimately, successful completion of this certification program can lead to greater job satisfaction for those in the field of labor relations management.

Pro Tip: Make sure to stay up-to-date on labor relations manager certifications by researching the most current regulations and requirements. This will help ensure that you are knowledgeable of the most recent changes in the industry and will help you to remain certified in this field.

Related: What does a Labor Relations Manager do?

Top 11 Labor Relations Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Labor Relations Managers today.

1. Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP)

Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP) is a professional certification program offered by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The CLRP program is designed to help labor relations professionals become more knowledgeable and effective in their roles. It provides an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their knowledge of labor relations, collective bargaining, and dispute resolution.

The CLRP program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as labor law, collective bargaining, grievance handling, arbitration, and dispute resolution. The practical assessment includes role-playing exercises that evaluate the applicant’s ability to handle real-life labor relations situations.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CLRP program. During this time, applicants must attend classes or seminars on labor relations topics and pass the written exam with a score of 70% or higher. After passing the written exam, applicants must complete the practical assessment in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CLRP program varies depending on whether you take it online or in person. Online courses typically cost around $500-$600 while in-person courses can cost up to $1,000 or more. Additionally, there may be additional fees for books and materials needed for the coursework.

Overall, becoming a Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP) is an excellent way to demonstrate your expertise in labor relations and gain recognition from employers and peers alike.

2. Certified Employee Relations Specialist (CERS)

Certified Employee Relations Specialist (CERS) is a professional certification program offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The CERS certification is designed to give HR professionals the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to manage employee relations in their organization.

The CERS certification program consists of two parts: an online self-study course and an online assessment. The self-study course covers topics such as labor laws, employee relations strategies, dispute resolution techniques, and communication techniques. The online assessment tests your knowledge of the material covered in the self-study course.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the CERS certification program. You can complete the self-study portion at your own pace; however, you must complete it within one year of registering for the program. Once you have completed the self-study portion, you will need to schedule and take the online assessment within six months of completing the self-study portion.

The cost of obtaining your CERS certification varies depending on whether or not you are a SHRM member. If you are a SHRM member, then you will pay $595 for both parts of the program. If you are not a SHRM member then you will pay $795 for both parts of the program.

In order to get your CERS certification, you must successfully pass both parts of the program with a score of 70% or higher on each part. Once you have passed both parts with a score of 70% or higher, then you will receive your official CERS certificate from SHRM.

3. Certified Human Resources Professional in Labor Relations (CHRP-LR)

Certified Human Resources Professional in Labor Relations (CHRP-LR) is a professional certification offered by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of HR professionals who specialize in labor relations. The certification requires a combination of education, experience, and examination.

It typically takes two years to complete the requirements for CHRP-LR certification. To become certified, you must have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience in labor relations and/or collective bargaining; have completed an approved post-secondary program; and successfully pass the CHRP-LR exam.

The cost to apply for CHRP-LR certification is $395 plus applicable taxes. This fee covers the cost of the application process, including review of your credentials, as well as any additional fees associated with taking the exam.

To apply for CHRP-LR certification, you must first become a member of HRPA. Once you are registered as a member, you can then submit your application online or through mail. After your application has been reviewed and accepted, you will be able to register for the exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certificate from HRPA confirming that you are now a Certified Human Resources Professional in Labor Relations (CHRP-LR).

4. Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)

Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) is a professional certification offered by the WorldatWork Society of Certified Professionals. The CCP credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of compensation and benefits. This certification is highly sought after by employers, as it demonstrates an individual’s commitment to the profession and their ability to effectively manage compensation programs.

In order to become a Certified Compensation Professional, individuals must meet certain educational requirements, pass an exam, and have relevant work experience. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of full-time compensation-related work experience or five years of part-time experience. They must also hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or possess equivalent education and/or experience.

The CCP exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as job analysis, salary administration, incentive plans, employee benefits, labor relations, and legal compliance. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

The cost for taking the CCP exam varies depending on whether you are a member of WorldatWork or not. For non-members, the fee is $595 while members pay $495. In addition to the exam fee, there is also an annual maintenance fee that must be paid each year in order to maintain your certification status.

Overall, becoming a Certified Compensation Professional requires dedication and hard work but can open up many opportunities for career advancement within the field of compensation and benefits management.

5. Society for Human Resource Management – Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

The Society for Human Resource Management – Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) is a professional certification for those in the human resources field. It is offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The SHRM-SCP certification demonstrates a mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful senior-level HR professional.

To get the SHRM-SCP, you must have at least three years of experience in an HR role and have a bachelor’s degree or higher. You must also pass two exams: one on HR knowledge and one on business acumen. The exams are offered online through SHRM’s website.

The cost of the SHRM-SCP certification depends on whether you are a member of SHRM or not. For members, it costs $300, while non-members pay $400. Once you pass both exams, you will receive your certification within four weeks.

The SHRM-SCP certification is valid for three years, after which you must recertify by taking additional courses or attending seminars related to HR topics. If you do not recertify within three years, your certification will expire and you will need to retake both exams to become certified again.

6. National Labor Relations Board Certification Program (NLRB-CP)

The National Labor Relations Board Certification Program (NLRB-CP) is a certification program that allows employers to demonstrate their commitment to labor relations and compliance with the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The NLRB-CP is administered by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), an independent federal agency responsible for enforcing labor laws in the United States.

The NLRB-CP certifies employers who have demonstrated their commitment to labor relations and compliance with the NLRA through a comprehensive review of their policies, practices, and procedures. Employers must meet certain criteria and pass a rigorous evaluation process in order to be certified. This includes providing evidence of compliance with all applicable labor laws, demonstrating a commitment to fair labor practices, and having effective policies and procedures in place for dealing with employee grievances.

The process of obtaining NLRB-CP certification typically takes about six months from start to finish. To begin the process, employers must submit an application packet that includes documentation of their current policies, procedures, and practices related to labor relations. The application is reviewed by an NLRB representative who will then conduct an onsite inspection of the employer’s workplace if necessary. If approved, the employer will receive their certification within four weeks after the inspection is completed.

The cost of obtaining NLRB-CP certification varies depending on the size of the employer’s organization and other factors such as number of employees or locations. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars.

7. American Arbitration Association – Labor Arbitrator Certification Program (AAA-LAC)

The American Arbitration Association-Labor Arbitrator Certification Program (AAA-LAC) is a professional certification program designed to provide labor arbitrators with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively resolve labor disputes. The program is open to individuals who have at least five years of experience in the field of labor relations, including collective bargaining, contract administration, grievance handling and arbitration.

The AAA-LAC program consists of three phases: an online self-study course; a two-day in-person workshop; and a final examination. The online self-study course covers topics such as labor law, collective bargaining and grievance procedures, arbitration principles and practice, and decision writing. The two-day in-person workshop includes interactive activities that allow participants to practice their skills in simulated arbitration scenarios. The final examination tests participants’ knowledge of the material covered in the self-study course and workshop.

The entire AAA-LAC program takes approximately six months to complete. Participants must complete the online self-study course before attending the two-day in-person workshop. After completing both components, participants may take the final examination at any time within one year of completing the program.

The cost for the AAA-LAC program varies depending on whether you are an individual or an organization enrolling multiple candidates. For individuals, there is a $2,000 fee for enrollment which covers all materials and instruction costs for both components of the program. Organizations enrolling multiple candidates can receive discounted rates based on their size and number of candidates enrolled.

Upon successful completion of all three phases of the program, participants will receive a certificate from AAA attesting to their status as an AAA Certified Labor Arbitrator (CLA). This certification is recognized by many employers as evidence of expertise in labor relations dispute resolution and can be used to demonstrate professional qualifications when seeking employment or contract opportunities related to labor relations dispute resolution services.

8. International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans – Certified Employee Benefits Manager (CEBM)

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) Certified Employee Benefits Manager (CEBM) is a professional designation that recognizes the knowledge and expertise of individuals in the employee benefits field. The CEBM program is designed to provide professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage employee benefit plans.

The CEBM program consists of four courses: Introduction to Employee Benefits, Fundamentals of Retirement Plan Administration, Health Care Reform & Compliance, and Advanced Topics in Employee Benefits. Each course requires approximately 30 hours of study time and must be completed within one year. Upon successful completion of all four courses, candidates are eligible to take the CEBM exam.

The cost for the CEBM program is $1,895 USD which includes all four courses as well as access to practice exams and other resources. The exam fee is an additional $375 USD.

Once candidates have passed the exam, they will receive their official certificate from IFEBP and be officially designated as a Certified Employee Benefits Manager (CEBM). This certification is valid for three years after which time recertification will be required.

9. American Society for Training and Development – Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)

The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of learning and performance. The CPLP is designed to validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of professionals who design, develop, deliver, manage, or evaluate learning programs and performance improvement initiatives.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the CPLP certification process. To get certified, individuals must first meet the eligibility requirements set forth by ASTD. These requirements include having at least three years of experience in the field of learning and performance or having a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Once these requirements are met, individuals must then pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as instructional design principles, evaluation strategies, technology-based training delivery methods, project management principles, and more.

The cost for the CPLP certification process varies depending on whether you are an ASTD member or non-member. For members it costs $395 for the application fee and $495 for the exam fee; for non-members it costs $595 for the application fee plus $695 for the exam fee. Additional fees may apply if you need to retake any part of the exam.

10. Project Management Institute – Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

The Project Management Institute – Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in Agile practices. It is an industry-recognized certification for practitioners who use agile methodologies and techniques in their projects. The PMI-ACP certification recognizes the ability of a practitioner to apply agile principles, tools, and techniques to successfully manage projects.

To be eligible for the PMI-ACP certification, applicants must have at least 2,000 hours of general project experience within the last five years, 1,500 hours of agile project experience within the last three years, and 21 contact hours of training in agile practices. After meeting these prerequisites, applicants can take the PMI-ACP exam which consists of 120 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

The cost of the PMI-ACP exam varies depending on whether you are a member or nonmember of PMI. For members it costs $435 USD while for nonmembers it costs $495 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as proctoring fees or travel expenses if necessary.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official PMI-ACP certificate from PMI which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed. To renew your certification you must complete 60 professional development units (PDUs) related to agile topics during those three years and submit them to PMI for review.

11. International Association of Business Communicators – Global Communication Certification Council Accreditation Program (IABC-GCCCAP).

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Global Communication Certification Council Accreditation Program (GCCCAP) is an accreditation program designed to recognize and promote excellence in the field of business communication. It is a voluntary certification program that provides professionals with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of written, visual, and digital communication.

The IABC-GCCCAP process typically takes between six and twelve months to complete. The process begins with a self-evaluation questionnaire that assesses the applicant’s current level of knowledge and experience in the areas of written, visual, and digital communication. Once an individual has completed the questionnaire, they will be asked to provide additional information such as references, work samples, and other evidence that demonstrates their expertise in these areas.

Once all required documents have been submitted, applicants must take a written exam that covers topics such as writing for various audiences, using visuals effectively in communication materials, understanding digital media trends and best practices for effective online communications. After passing this exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will then be eligible to apply for accreditation from the IABC-GCCCAP program.

The cost of applying for IABC-GCCCAP accreditation varies depending on the type of application chosen by the applicant. The standard application fee is $500 USD; however, there are discounted fees available for students or those who qualify for financial assistance programs. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the written exam or submitting any necessary documentation required by IABC-GCCCAP standards.

Do You Really Need a Labor Relations Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and his or her goals. If a person is looking to advance their career in labor relations, having a Labor Relations Manager Certificate can be beneficial. The certificate provides the opportunity for an individual to demonstrate their knowledge of labor relations and prove that they have the skills necessary to excel in this field. Additionally, it is often a requirement for those seeking employment as a labor relations manager or other related positions.

Having a Labor Relations Manager Certificate can also give employers assurance that the individual has received formal training in this area and has the knowledge necessary to provide effective management of labor issues. It also helps ensure that potential employees have the right qualifications for the job and are capable of dealing with any potential labor disputes or grievances.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Labor Relations Manager Certificate depends on your own personal goals and situation. If you are looking to advance your career in this field, then it may be beneficial to pursue one. However, if you do not plan on working in this particular area of employment then it may not be necessary to obtain one. Ultimately, only you can decide if obtaining one is worth your time and effort as well as any associated costs.

Related: Labor Relations Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Labor Relations Manager Certifications

1. What is a Labor Relations Manager Certification?

Answer: A Labor Relations Manager Certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in managing labor relations within an organization. It covers topics such as collective bargaining, labor law, negotiations, grievance handling, and dispute resolution.

2. Who should consider getting certified?

Answer: Professionals who are looking to advance their career in labor relations management should consider getting certified. This certification is also beneficial for those who are planning to enter the field of human resources or labor relations and want to gain the necessary skills and knowledge required to be successful in this role.

3. Where can I find information about certifications?

Answer: Information about certifications can be found on various websites such as the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), WorldatWork, Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI), and the American Society of Labor Lawyers (ASLL).

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The length of time it takes to become certified depends on the specific certification program you choose. Generally, most certification programs require applicants to complete certain courses or exams before they can be awarded a certification designation. It typically takes anywhere from six months to a year to complete all requirements for certification depending on the program chosen.

5. Are there any fees associated with obtaining a certification?

Answer: Yes, there may be fees associated with obtaining a certification depending on the program chosen. Generally, these fees cover application costs, exam fees, and other administrative expenses related to obtaining certification status.