Top 10 Recruiting Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a recruiting manager in the job market because they provide evidence of an individual’s knowledge and skills. Certifications can also help recruiters to make better decisions about hiring candidates, as certifications demonstrate that a candidate is qualified and knowledgeable in their field. Additionally, certifications can give recruiters more confidence when making decisions about which candidates to pursue, as they provide assurance that the candidate has the necessary qualifications. Finally, certifications can be used to differentiate between similarly qualified candidates, allowing recruiters to make more informed decisions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Recruiting Managers and explains how they can enhance a recruiting manager's career growth and success.

What are Recruiting Manager Certifications?

Recruiting Manager Certification is a program designed to equip professionals in the recruiting field with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to be successful in the industry. This certification provides recruiters with an understanding of best practices for sourcing, interviewing, and assessing candidates; developing job descriptions; creating and managing effective recruitment plans; managing relationships with hiring managers; utilizing technology tools; and measuring success. With this comprehensive training, recruiters can optimize their workflow to ensure they are finding the right people for their organization’s needs.

The benefits of having a Recruiting Manager Certification are numerous. Recruiters who complete this certification program will be able to better identify top talent and match them with the right roles within their organizations. They will also be able to build stronger relationships with hiring managers and develop better strategies for sourcing candidates, which can lead to more successful placements. Additionally, recruiters will understand how to measure their performance metrics so that they can continually improve their processes and keep up with industry trends. Ultimately, this certification allows recruiters to become more efficient in their work and increase their productivity.

Pro Tip: When selecting a recruiting manager certification program, look for one that is accredited by an independent organization. This will ensure that the course material and instructor qualifications meet industry standards for successful recruiting management.

Related: What does a Recruiting Manager do?

Top 10 Recruiting Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Recruiter (CPR)

Certified Professional Recruiter (CPR) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS). The CPR certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of professional recruiters. This certification provides recruiters with a competitive edge in the job market and helps them demonstrate their expertise in recruitment practices.

The CPR certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as legal issues, interviewing techniques, recruiting strategies, and other related topics. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and can be taken online or at a designated testing center. It typically takes about two hours to complete the exam.

To become certified, applicants must successfully pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience in recruiting or staffing activities within the past five years.

The cost for taking the CPR exam is $295 for NAPS members and $365 for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials, practice exams, and other resources to help prepare for the test.

2. Certified Recruitment Professional (CRP)

Certified Recruitment Professional (CRP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and reward recruiters who demonstrate the highest level of knowledge, skill, and ethical practice in the recruitment field. The CRP program is administered by the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS).

The CRP program consists of two parts: an online exam and a comprehensive written exam. The online exam tests your knowledge of recruiting theory and best practices, while the written exam assesses your ability to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios. Both exams must be passed in order to become certified.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CRP program. During that time, you must complete a series of courses, seminars, and workshops related to recruitment topics such as interviewing techniques, resume writing, job search strategies, employer branding, and more. You will also need to pass both exams before becoming certified.

The cost for the CRP program varies depending on where you take it and what type of materials you purchase. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500 - $2,000 USD for all course materials and exams combined.

Once you have become certified as a Certified Recruitment Professional (CRP), you will be able to demonstrate your expertise in recruitment practices to employers or clients. This can help you stand out from other job applicants or consultants in the field. Additionally, many organizations offer discounts on their services or products for individuals with this certification.

3. Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

The Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) is a professional certification offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). It is a globally recognized credential that certifies an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of human resources. The SPHR is designed for experienced HR professionals who have at least four years of experience in strategic HR management, including areas such as workforce planning, employee relations, compensation and benefits, and labor law compliance.

In order to obtain the SPHR certification, applicants must pass an exam administered by HRCI. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as business management, workforce planning and employment, HR development, compensation and benefits, employee and labor relations, risk management, and strategic management.

The cost of taking the SPHR exam varies depending on the country where you are taking it. In the United States, it typically costs around $400 to take the exam. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with preparing for the exam such as purchasing study materials or attending review courses.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the SPHR exam depending on your level of experience in human resources. During this time period you should focus on studying all of the topics covered on the exam as well as practicing sample test questions to get comfortable with the format of the test.

4. Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)

Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) is a certification program offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved an advanced level of knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of human resources. GPHR certification is intended for experienced HR professionals who are responsible for developing and executing global HR strategies, policies and practices.

The GPHR exam consists of 160 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as global business strategy, international employment law, global compensation and benefits, cross-cultural management, and global workforce planning. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

To become certified as a GPHR, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass the GPHR exam. Eligibility requirements include a minimum of five years of professional experience in human resources at a senior level or higher; three years must be in an international role. You must also have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

The cost to take the GPHR exam is $595 USD for SHRM members and $795 USD for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials, practice exams, and other resources to help prepare you for the exam. Once you pass the exam, there are no additional fees associated with maintaining your certification status.

5. SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) is an internationally recognized certification offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It is designed to demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage people in today’s complex organizations. The SHRM-CP credential is a mark of excellence that sets you apart from your peers and shows employers that you have the competencies necessary to lead an organization’s HR function.

It typically takes between six months and two years to complete the requirements for the SHRM-CP certification, depending on your background and experience. To become certified, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having a bachelor’s degree or higher and at least one year of professional HR experience. You must then pass an exam administered by SHRM. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as strategic management, workforce planning and employment law.

To prepare for the exam, you can take advantage of several resources offered by SHRM, including study materials, practice tests and webinars. You can also join a local chapter of SHRM or attend conferences or workshops related to HR topics. Additionally, many universities offer courses in human resource management that can help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of obtaining the SHRM-CP certification varies depending on where you live and which resources you use to prepare for the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $300-$400 USD to register for the exam itself; however, additional fees may be required if you choose to purchase study materials or attend workshops or conferences related to HR topics.

6. 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 that recognizes an individual’s expertise in the field of human resource management. It is designed to demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and competencies required to be an effective HR professional. The SHRM-SCP credential is offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), a global organization dedicated to advancing the HR profession.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete all requirements for the SHRM-SCP certification, depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying and preparing for the exam. To obtain this certification, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as: strategic HR management, workforce planning and employment, total rewards, employee development, performance management, employee and labor relations, risk management, and technology management.

In order to qualify for the SHRM-SCP certification exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in a professional-level HR position or five years of experience in any non-HR position with significant HR responsibilities. They must also have either a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experience.

The cost of obtaining the SHRM-SCP certification varies depending on your location and whether you are a member of SHRM or not. Generally speaking, it costs around $300-$400 USD for members and $400-$500 USD for non-members.

7. Certified Employment Interviewer (CEI)

Certified Employment Interviewer (CEI) is a certification program designed to provide employers with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct effective employment interviews. The CEI certification is offered through the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS).

The CEI certification requires applicants to complete a two-day training course, which covers topics such as legal considerations, interviewing techniques, and best practices for conducting an effective interview. Upon completion of the course, applicants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and can be taken online or in person at a NAPBS testing center.

The cost of the CEI certification varies depending on whether you take the course online or in person. Online courses typically cost around $350, while in-person classes can range from $500-$1000 depending on location. Additionally, there is a $50 fee for taking the exam.

Overall, it takes about three weeks to complete the CEI certification process—two days for the training course plus one week for studying and taking the exam.

8. Certified Internet Recruiting Specialist (CIRS)

Certified Internet Recruiting Specialist (CIRS) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS). It is designed to help recruiters, human resource professionals, and hiring managers understand and use the latest online recruiting tools and techniques.

The CIRS certification requires applicants to complete an online course that covers topics such as: social media recruiting, job board optimization, applicant tracking systems, search engine optimization, and more. The course takes approximately 10 hours to complete.

To get certified, you must pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher. The cost for the exam is $195 USD. After passing the exam, you will receive your CIRS certificate and be able to add it to your professional credentials.

Overall, becoming a Certified Internet Recruiting Specialist can help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in online recruiting and give you an edge over other candidates when applying for jobs.

9. Talent Acquisition Certification Program (TACP)

Talent Acquisition Certification Program (TACP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of talent acquisition professionals. The program is administered by the Talent Acquisition Certification Institute, an independent body that sets standards for talent acquisition professionals worldwide.

The TACP consists of four levels of certification: Certified Talent Acquisition Professional (CTAP), Senior Certified Talent Acquisition Professional (SCTAP), Master Certified Talent Acquisition Professional (MCTAP), and Executive Certified Talent Acquisition Professional (ECTP). Each level requires a certain number of hours of study, as well as successful completion of a written exam.

The time it takes to get certified depends on the individual’s level of experience and commitment to studying for the exam. Generally, it takes between three months and one year to complete all four levels of certification.

To get certified, individuals must register with the TACP and pay a fee for each level they wish to pursue. The fees vary depending on the level but typically range from $200-$400 per level.

Once registered, applicants will receive study materials and access to online resources such as practice tests and webinars that can help them prepare for their exams. After successfully completing all four levels, applicants will receive their TACP certification certificate in the mail.

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

The National Association of Personnel Services Certification Program (NAPS-CP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise and knowledge of personnel services professionals. The NAPS-CP is administered by the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS), an organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the personnel services industry.

The NAPS-CP consists of two parts: a written examination and a practical assessment. The written examination tests applicants on their knowledge of personnel services, including topics such as recruitment, selection, placement, compensation, labor relations, and human resources management. The practical assessment tests applicants’ ability to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.

To become certified through the NAPS-CP program, applicants must have at least three years of experience in the personnel services field and submit an application for certification. Once accepted into the program, applicants must pass both the written and practical assessments within one year to become certified.

The cost for the NAPS-CP program varies depending on whether or not you are a member of NAPS. Non-members pay $495 for the application fee plus $250 for each exam they take; members pay $395 for the application fee plus $150 for each exam taken.

Do You Really Need a Recruiting Manager Certificate?

Whether or not you need a recruiting manager certificate depends on your career goals and the type of position you are looking for. If you are seeking a job in recruitment, then having a recruiting manager certificate could be beneficial for you. A certificate can demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a successful recruitment process and will give employers confidence that you have the qualifications they are looking for.

Having a recruiting manager certificate can also help to show potential employers that you have taken the time to invest in yourself and gain further qualifications to enhance your professional development. The certificate can also indicate that you understand industry best practices and know how to successfully recruit top talent. It may even make it easier for prospective employers to recognize your credentials when they see them listed on your resume or other professional documents.

Ultimately, whether or not a recruiting manager certificate is necessary depends on your individual circumstances. If you feel confident in your abilities and have significant experience in recruitment, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain one. However, if you do decide that obtaining a certification is the right choice for your career goals, there are many resources available which can help guide your studies and ensure that you get the most out of your coursework.

Related: Recruiting Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Recruiting Manager Certifications

Q1. What is a Recruiting Manager Certification?

A1. A Recruiting Manager Certification is an industry-recognized credential that validates knowledge and skills in the area of recruiting management. It demonstrates to employers, clients, and colleagues that you have the expertise necessary to effectively manage a recruiting team.

Q2. How do I obtain a Recruiting Manager Certification?

A2. To obtain a Recruiting Manager Certification, you must complete an approved program from an accredited institution or organization and pass the associated exams.

Q3. What are the benefits of obtaining a Recruiting Manager Certification?

A3: Obtaining a Recruiting Manager Certification can help enhance your professional credibility, increase your job prospects, and provide you with access to specialized resources and networking opportunities in the field of recruiting management.

Q4. What are some common topics covered in a Recruiting Manager Certification program?

A4: Common topics covered in a Recruiting Manager Certification program include recruitment strategy development, interviewing techniques, candidate selection processes, onboarding practices, performance management systems, and diversity & inclusion initiatives.

Q5. How long does it take to get certified as a Recruiting Manager?

A5: The amount of time it takes to become certified as a Recruiting Manager varies depending on which certification program you choose and how quickly you complete the required coursework and exams. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to attain certification depending on your level of commitment and dedication to completing the program requirements.