Top 10 Staffing Consultant Certifications

Certifications are important for staffing consultants in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and credibility that can be attractive to employers. Certification programs provide a way for staffing consultants to prove their knowledge and experience in the field, strengthening their resume and giving them an edge over other applicants. Certifications also show potential employers that the consultant is committed to their profession and has taken the initiative to improve their skillset. In addition, certifications can give staffing consultants access to exclusive job listings or help them stand out from other candidates when applying for positions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Staffing Consultants, and explains how they can contribute to a staffing consultant's career.

What are Staffing Consultant Certifications?

Staffing consultant certification is a type of certification that can be obtained from various organizations and institutions. It is designed to help individuals develop their knowledge and expertise in the staffing industry. This certification allows individuals to demonstrate their understanding of the staffing process, as well as their ability to effectively place personnel into positions within an organization.

The certification provides individuals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to excel in their chosen field. Through this certification, individuals learn how to identify qualified candidates for open positions, create job descriptions that accurately reflect the job’s requirements, assess applicants’ qualifications, provide feedback on resumes and cover letters, guide candidates throughout the interview process, and recommend the best fit for a position. Additionally, those certified are equipped with the skills necessary to develop relationships with potential employers and negotiate salary packages.

Having a staffing consultant certification can help increase an individual’s credibility as a staffing expert among employers. It also serves as proof that an individual has been trained in proper techniques for recruiting and hiring personnel. Being certified also broadens an individual’s network of contacts in the recruiting industry which can lead to more job opportunities within his or her field.

Pro Tip: When considering a staffing consultant certification, always look for courses that specialize in the specific industry you are interested in. This will ensure that you gain an understanding of the nuances and expertise required to succeed as a staffing consultant in that particular field.

Related: What does a Staffing Consultant do?

Top 10 Staffing Consultant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Staffing Consultants today.

1. Certified Staffing Professional (CSP)

Certified Staffing Professional (CSP) is a certification program offered by the American Staffing Association (ASA). It is designed to help staffing professionals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in their roles. The CSP certification is a way for staffing professionals to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the field of staffing and recruiting.

The CSP program consists of three parts: an online self-study course, an exam, and a professional portfolio review. The self-study course covers topics such as legal issues, ethics, customer service, technology, and more. The exam tests the knowledge gained from the course material. The portfolio review assesses the candidate’s experience and ability to apply what they have learned in the course material.

It typically takes about four months to complete all three parts of the CSP program. Candidates must register with ASA before beginning their studies. Once registered, candidates will receive access to the online self-study course materials and instructions on how to prepare for the exam and portfolio review.

The cost of obtaining a CSP certification varies depending on whether you choose to take advantage of ASA member discounts or other promotions that may be available at any given time. Generally speaking, it costs between $400-$500 USD for non-members, while members pay around $200-$300 USD for the same package.

2. Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist (CTSS)

Certified Temporary Staffing Specialists (CTSS) are professionals who specialize in providing temporary staffing solutions to businesses. CTSSs are knowledgeable about the latest trends and technologies in the staffing industry, and they have the skills and experience to help employers find the right talent for their organization.

Getting certified as a CTSS takes approximately two to three months of study and preparation. To become certified, you must pass an exam administered by the National Association of Temporary Staffing Services (NATSS). The exam covers topics such as recruitment, screening, interviewing, onboarding, payroll management, compliance with labor laws, and more.

The cost of becoming a CTSS varies depending on which certification program you choose. Most programs require a fee ranging from $200-$400. In addition to this fee, some certifications may also require additional materials or resources that could add up to several hundred dollars more.

Once you are certified as a CTSS, you will be able to provide employers with valuable advice and guidance on how to effectively manage their temporary staffing needs. You will also be able to help them identify potential candidates for job openings and ensure that all legal requirements are met when hiring temporary staff members.

3. Certified Professional in Human Resources – Staffing (CPHR-S)

Certified Professional in Human Resources – Staffing (CPHR-S) is a professional certification offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate expertise in staffing and talent acquisition. The CPHR-S credential is recognized as a mark of excellence among employers and peers, and demonstrates an individual’s commitment to the highest standards of human resources practice.

To become certified, individuals must meet the eligibility requirements established by HRCI and pass an exam. The eligibility requirements include having at least three years of full-time experience in human resources management or staffing, including two years of experience in staffing and talent acquisition.

The CPHR-S exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as recruiting, selection, onboarding, performance management, labor relations, compensation and benefits administration. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete. Candidates must score at least 500 out of 800 points on the exam to earn their certification.

The cost for the CPHR-S certification varies depending on the type of membership you have with HRCI. For nonmembers, it costs $395 USD; for members it costs $295 USD; and for group members it costs $245 USD.

4. Certified Recruiting Professional (CRP)

Certified Recruiting Professional (CRP) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of experienced recruiters. The CRP certification is recognized as a benchmark for recruiting excellence and is highly sought after by employers.

The CRP program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person exam. The online course covers topics such as sourcing, interviewing, selection, onboarding, and legal compliance. The in-person exam tests the applicant's knowledge of these topics.

To get the CRP certification, applicants must first complete the online course. Once they have completed the course, they can then register for the in-person exam. The exam fee is $395 USD plus applicable taxes.

The in-person exam takes approximately three hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions as well as essay questions. After passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will receive their official CRP certificate from NAPS.

In total, it usually takes about six weeks to get certified as a Certified Recruiting Professional (CRP).

5. Certified Employment Services Professional (CESP)

Certified Employment Services Professional (CESP) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in workforce development services. The CESP credential is awarded to individuals who have met the required criteria, which includes a combination of education, experience, and professional development.

The requirements for obtaining the CESP credential include:

1. A minimum of two years’ experience in workforce development services;

2. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university;

3. Completion of at least 15 hours of NAWDP-approved training;

4. Passing the NAWDP Certified Employment Services Professional Exam with a score of 80% or higher; and

5. Payment of the appropriate fees associated with the application process and exam registration.

The cost to obtain the CESP credential varies depending on when you register for the exam and how many training hours you complete prior to taking it. Generally, it costs around $500-$600 to become certified as a CESP, including exam registration fees, application fees, and course materials costs. It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all requirements for certification as a CESP.

6. Professional in Human Resources – Staffing and Recruiting (PHR-SR)

Professional in Human Resources – Staffing and Recruiting (PHR-SR) is a certification offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). It is designed to recognize professionals who have mastered the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively recruit, hire, and retain employees. The certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in staffing and recruiting activities.

To earn the PHR-SR certification, individuals must pass an exam. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as recruitment and selection processes, interviewing techniques, legal compliance issues, compensation and benefits administration, performance management, training and development, labor relations, and more. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost of the PHR-SR certification varies depending on where you take the exam. In most cases it will cost around $400-$500 for registration fees plus any applicable taxes. Additionally, there may be study materials or courses available for purchase that can help prepare you for the exam.

Individuals who successfully pass the PHR-SR exam receive their certification within 4-6 weeks after taking the test. Once certified, individuals must renew their credential every three years by completing at least 60 professional development credits (PDCs).

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

The Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) is an advanced certification program that recognizes the knowledge, skills and abilities of experienced HR professionals. It is designed to demonstrate mastery of the principles and practices of effective HR management and leadership.

To qualify for SHRM-SCP certification, applicants must have a minimum of three years of experience in a senior-level human resource position or five years of experience in any other HR role. Applicants must also have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

To obtain the SHRM-SCP certification, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as strategic management, workforce planning and employment law. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost to take the SHRM-SCP exam is $300 for members of SHRM and $400 for nonmembers. There are also additional fees associated with recertification every three years.

Once certified, SHRM-SCP holders can use the credential to demonstrate their expertise in human resources management and gain recognition among their peers, employers, and clients.

8. Association of Talent Acquisition Professionals – Talent Acquisition Certification Program (ATAP-TACP)

The Association of Talent Acquisition Professionals (ATAP) Talent Acquisition Certification Program (TACP) is a comprehensive certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the field of talent acquisition. The program is designed to help employers identify and hire top talent, as well as help talent acquisition professionals become more effective and successful in their roles.

The TACP requires that applicants have at least three years of experience in the field of talent acquisition, have completed a minimum of five courses from ATAP’s online library, and have passed an exam. The exam covers topics such as recruitment strategies, sourcing techniques, interviewing best practices, candidate assessment methods, onboarding processes, and more.

The certification process typically takes about six months to complete. During this time, applicants are required to complete the necessary coursework and pass the exam. After completing all requirements for certification, applicants will receive their official ATAP-TACP certificate.

The cost for the ATAP-TACP certification varies depending on which courses you choose to take. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 USD for all five courses needed to obtain the certification.

9. International Association of Employment Web Sites – Certified Employment Webmaster (IAEW-CEW)

The International Association of Employment Web Sites – Certified Employment Webmaster (IAEW-CEW) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to develop, manage, and maintain employment web sites. The IAEW-CEW certification is administered by the International Association of Employment Web Sites (IAEW), an independent non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the standards for employment web site development and management.

To become an IAEW-CEW certified professional, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in topics such as web design, coding, content management systems, search engine optimization, analytics, marketing, customer service, legal compliance, user experience design and more. The IAEW-CEW exam consists of multiple choice questions covering these topics.

The IAEW-CEW certification process typically takes three to four months from start to finish. Candidates must first register with the IAEW and pay a registration fee of $250 USD before they can take the exam. After registering with the IAEW, candidates must complete an online application form that includes questions about their background in web development and related fields. Once approved by the IAEW board of directors, candidates will receive an invitation to take the exam at a designated testing center.

Candidates who pass the exam will be awarded a certificate that recognizes their accomplishment as an IAEW-CEW certified professional. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD per attempt.

10. National Association of Personnel Services – Certified Personnel Consultant/Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist (NAPS-CPC/CTSS).

The National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS) is a professional organization that provides certification for personnel consultants and temporary staffing specialists. The Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) and Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist (CTSS) certifications are designed to recognize excellence in the field of personnel services.

To become certified, an individual must pass two exams administered by NAPS. The CPC exam covers topics such as job analysis, recruiting, interviewing, selection, placement, and legal considerations. The CTSS exam covers topics such as temporary staffing regulations, client relations, temp-to-hire conversion strategies, and payroll procedures.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the exams and complete the application process. Candidates must have at least three years of experience in the field of personnel services or related fields in order to apply for certification.

The cost of certification varies depending on whether you are a member of NAPS or not. For non-members, the cost is $225 for each exam plus a one-time application fee of $50. For members, the cost is $175 per exam plus a one-time application fee of $25.

Once certified, individuals must maintain their credentials by completing continuing education courses every three years to stay current with industry trends and best practices.

Do You Really Need a Staffing Consultant Certificate?

When it comes to becoming a staffing consultant, a certificate is not always necessary. Depending on the industry and the individual's experience, it may be beneficial to have a staffing consultant certificate in order to demonstrate an understanding of the profession and its tasks.

For those who are just starting out in the staffing industry, having a certificate may be beneficial as it can help demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the job. Having a certificate also shows potential employers that you are serious about your career and have taken the initiative to learn more about the position. A certificate can also provide opportunities for advancement within the company or organization as employers typically look for qualified staff members who have taken extra steps to further their education and skillset.

Additionally, having a staffing consultant certificate can help create credibility with clients and customers as it shows that you are knowledgeable in your field and understand how best to approach different situations. It also allows you to stand out from other applicants when applying for positions, as many employers will look favorably upon certified applicants.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a staffing consultant certificate depends on your own circumstances, experience level, and goals in the industry. If you believe that having a certification will give you an edge over other applicants or potential employers then it may be worth pursuing one. However, if you feel confident that your experience alone is enough to secure employment then there is no need to pursue one.

Related: Staffing Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Staffing Consultant Certifications

1. What are the benefits of a staffing consultant certification?

Answer: A staffing consultant certification provides a comprehensive understanding of the staffing industry, including recruitment, interviewing, and placement techniques. It also demonstrates expertise to employers and clients, resulting in greater job opportunities and higher earning potential.

2. How do I become certified as a staffing consultant?

Answer: To become certified as a staffing consultant, you must complete an accredited program from an organization such as the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS). The program includes courses in human resources management, recruiting strategies, and legal issues related to employment.

3. What is the cost of a staffing consultant certification?

Answer: The cost of a staffing consultant certification varies depending on the program you choose. Generally speaking, most programs range from $500-$1,000 USD.

4. How long does it take to receive my certification?

Answer: Depending on the program you choose, it may take anywhere from several weeks to several months to receive your certification after completing all course requirements.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes – most organizations require that you participate in ongoing continuing education activities in order to maintain your certification. These activities may include attending conferences or seminars related to the staffing industry or participating in online courses or webinars related to current trends and best practices in staffing consulting.