Top 10 Staffing Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for a staffing specialist in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of expertise and understanding in the field. Certifications can help to set you apart from other candidates, show employers that you are committed to professional development, and provide proof that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to do the job. Additionally, certifications can help build credibility with clients, making it easier to secure contracts or assignments. Finally, certifications may also lead to increased earnings potential as employers may be willing to pay more for certified professionals.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Staffing Specialists and explains how they can help to advance a staffing specialist's career.

What are Staffing Specialist Certifications?

Staffing specialist certification is a professional credential that can be obtained by those who work in the staffing industry. It demonstrates a high level of expertise and knowledge in the areas of recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and managing personnel. The certification program is designed to help staffing professionals stay up-to-date on best practices in the staffing field and provide them with additional skills for maximizing their job performance.

The certification process involves completing an extensive course of study that covers topics such as recruitment strategies, evaluating applicants, conducting interviews, developing job descriptions, onboarding new employees, creating effective employee relations policies, and much more. Once certified, staffing specialists are able to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and professionalism in their roles within the industry. This can lead to increased opportunities for career advancement or even promotions within their current organization.

In addition to providing professional recognition and credibility within the industry, certified staffing specialists may also have access to exclusive networking events or resources that can help them keep up-to-date on trends in the field. They may also receive discounts on certain services or products related to the staffing industry which can help them save money when managing personnel needs. Ultimately, becoming a certified staffing specialist can provide individuals with a competitive edge when seeking jobs in this dynamic and ever-changing field.

Pro Tip: Make sure to do your research when selecting a staffing specialist certification program. Look into the credentials of the instructor, the curriculum, and the cost associated with the program. Additionally, look for programs that offer hands-on experience and mentoring opportunities to ensure you are getting the most out of your certification.

Related: What does a Staffing Specialist do?

Top 10 Staffing Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Staffing Professional (CSP)

Certified Staffing Professional (CSP) is a certification program offered by the American Staffing Association (ASA). The CSP certification is designed to demonstrate a professional’s knowledge and expertise in the staffing industry. It validates an individual’s understanding of the legal, ethical, and operational issues that affect the staffing profession.

The CSP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as legal compliance, recruiting and selection, employee relations, client relations, financial management, and technology. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to qualify for the CSP certification, individuals must have at least two years of experience in a related field or one year of experience in the staffing industry. They must also attend an approved training course or participate in an approved online learning program before taking the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CSP certification varies depending on whether you choose to take an approved training course or participate in an online learning program. If you choose to take an approved training course, it typically costs between $500-$800. If you opt for an online learning program, it typically costs around $300-$400.

Once you have successfully passed the CSP exam and met all other requirements for certification, you will receive your official Certified Staffing Professional (CSP) certificate from ASA.

2. Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist (CTSS)

Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist (CTSS) is a certification program offered by the American Staffing Association (ASA). The CTSS program is designed to provide staffing professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage temporary staffing assignments. The program consists of three courses: Introduction to Temporary Staffing, Temporary Staffing Management, and Advanced Temporary Staffing.

The CTSS program typically takes about six months to complete. It involves completing online coursework as well as attending in-person seminars and workshops. Candidates must also pass an exam at the end of the program in order to be certified.

To get started, candidates must first register for the CTSS program through the ASA website. Once registered, they will receive access to their online course materials and will be able to start studying right away. They can also attend in-person seminars and workshops that are offered throughout the year.

The cost of the CTSS program varies depending on whether or not you are an ASA member. For non-members, it costs $1,295 for all three courses plus the exam fee; for members, it costs $995 for all three courses plus the exam fee.

3. Certified Recruiting Professional (CRP)

Certified Recruiting Professional (CRP) is a professional certification program offered by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). The CRP is designed to recognize recruiters who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the recruitment profession.

It takes approximately 18 months to complete the CRP program, which includes online learning, exams, and practical work experience. The online learning consists of four modules: Understanding Employers, Understanding Job Seekers, Recruiting Strategies, and Professional Development. After completing the online learning, candidates must pass two exams to earn their CRP certification.

To get the CRP certification, you must be an active member of REC or an affiliated body such as APSCo or CIPD. You must also have at least two years' experience in recruitment or related fields. Once you have met these requirements, you can apply for the program by submitting your CV and other relevant documents.

The cost of the CRP program varies depending on your membership status with REC or any affiliated bodies. For non-members, it costs £1,500 plus VAT for all four modules and exams; for members it costs £1,200 plus VAT for all four modules and exams.

4. Certified Employment Services Professional (CESP)

Certified Employment Services Professional (CESP) is a certification program developed by the National Association of Workforce Professionals (NAWP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the field of workforce development. The CESP certification is intended to provide employers with an assurance that their workforce professionals possess the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively serve their clients.

The certification process requires applicants to successfully complete a comprehensive exam and demonstrate their knowledge of best practices in the field of workforce development. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as job search strategies, career counseling, job placement, labor market trends, and employment law. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in the field.

The CESP certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. To begin the process, applicants must first register for the exam through NAWP’s website. After registering, applicants will receive an application packet outlining all requirements for certification. This packet includes information on how to prepare for the exam, what materials are needed to complete it, and how to submit a portfolio demonstrating relevant work experience.

The cost of obtaining the CESP certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of NAWP. For non-members, the cost is $395 plus applicable taxes; for members, it is $295 plus applicable taxes.

5. Staffing Industry Analyst (SIA) Certification

Staffing Industry Analyst (SIA) Certification is a professional certification program designed to provide staffing professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive staffing industry. The certification process includes an online exam, which tests a candidate’s understanding of the staffing industry, as well as their ability to analyze and interpret data. The exam covers topics such as recruitment processes, staffing trends, labor laws, and more.

The SIA Certification typically takes about two weeks to complete. Candidates must first register for the exam with SIA and pay the associated fee. After registration is complete, candidates will be provided with access to the online exam portal where they can take the exam at their own pace. Once all questions are answered correctly, candidates will receive their certificate within two weeks of completion.

The cost for SIA Certification varies depending on the country in which you take the exam. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 USD for most countries.

In order to get your SIA Certification, you must pass the online examination with a score of 70% or higher. It is important to note that this test is not easy; it requires extensive knowledge of staffing industry principles and practices in order to pass successfully. Additionally, you must have at least three years of experience working in a staffing-related role prior to taking the exam in order to be eligible for certification.

6. Professional in Human Resources – Staffing Management (PHR-SM)

Professional in Human Resources – Staffing Management (PHR-SM) is a certification from the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). It is designed for human resource professionals who specialize in staffing management. The PHR-SM certification demonstrates that the holder has a broad knowledge of staffing management principles and practices, as well as an understanding of the legal and regulatory issues related to staffing management.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the PHR-SM exam. This includes studying for the exam, taking practice tests, and familiarizing yourself with relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, HRCI recommends that you have at least three years of professional experience in staffing management before taking the exam.

To get your PHR-SM certification, you must first register with HRCI and pay the associated fee. The registration fee is $395 USD for members of HRCI or $495 USD for nonmembers. After registering, you will be able to schedule your exam date and time at a testing center near you. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your PHR-SM certificate from HRCI within 8 weeks.

The cost of getting your PHR-SM certification can vary depending on if you are a member of HRCI or not. For members, it costs $395 USD to register for the exam plus any applicable taxes and fees associated with scheduling the exam at a testing center near you. For nonmembers, it costs $495 USD to register plus any applicable taxes and fees associated with scheduling the exam at a testing center near you.

7. 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 program offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). This certification is designed to recognize HR professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and competencies required to be successful in their field. It is the highest level of certification offered by SHRM, and it signifies that an individual has achieved a high level of expertise in the HR profession.

To become certified as a SHRM-SCP, individuals must pass an exam that tests their knowledge on topics such as talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits management, and other areas related to human resource management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the SHRM-SCP certification, individuals must have at least three years of experience in human resource management or a related field. Additionally, applicants must have either a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The cost for taking the SHRM-SCP exam varies depending on where you take it. The exam fee is typically around $300 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. Once you pass the exam, there is an additional one-time fee of $100 USD for your certification application and processing fee.

Once you have passed the exam and submitted your application, it usually takes about six weeks for your application to be processed and reviewed before you receive your official SHRM-SCP certificate in the mail.

8. American Staffing Association – Certified Staffing Associate (ASA-CSA)

The American Staffing Association (ASA) Certified Staffing Associate (CSA) certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the staffing industry. The CSA certification is designed to provide staffing professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage the staffing process, from recruiting and selection to onboarding and performance management.

It typically takes three to six months to complete the CSA program, depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the exam. To get your CSA certification, you must first pass an online assessment that covers topics such as staffing industry regulations, employment law, labor relations, human resources administration, and more. After successfully completing the assessment, you will need to pass a proctored exam at an approved testing center.

The cost of obtaining your CSA certification depends on several factors, including whether or not you are already a member of ASA. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$600 for non-members and $400-$500 for members. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the proctored exam at a testing center.

9. International Association of Employment Professionals – Certified Employment Services Executive (IAEP-CESE)

The International Association of Employment Professionals (IAEP) is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of the employment services industry. The IAEP-CESE certification is a credential that validates the knowledge and expertise of employment professionals in providing quality services to employers and job seekers.

The IAEP-CESE certification requires applicants to complete an online application, pass an exam, and meet certain eligibility requirements. The exam consists of multiple choice questions that assess knowledge in areas such as recruitment, selection, placement, career counseling, job search strategies, and legal compliance.

It typically takes up to three months for an applicant to complete the IAEP-CESE certification process. The cost of the certification is $250 USD for IAEP members and $350 USD for non-members.

10. National Association of Personnel Services – Certified Personnel Consultant (NAPS-CPC).

The National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS) Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in the personnel consulting field. The CPC credential is designed to validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of personnel consultants who are dedicated to providing ethical and professional services to their clients.

To obtain the CPC credential, applicants must complete an application process that includes passing a comprehensive written examination. Once approved, applicants must also demonstrate a minimum of three years of successful experience as a personnel consultant or related field.

The NAPS-CPC exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as Human Resources Law, Recruiting & Staffing Practices, Compensation & Benefits Administration, and Strategic Planning & Organizational Development. The exam is administered twice each year at various locations throughout the United States.

The cost for taking the NAPS-CPC exam varies depending on when you take it and where you take it. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $300-$400 USD per person. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registration and travel expenses if applicable.

Overall, obtaining the NAPS-CPC credential is an excellent way to demonstrate your expertise in personnel consulting and can help you stand out in today’s competitive job market.

Do You Really Need a Staffing Specialist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals. If you are looking to enter the field of staffing, a Staffing Specialist Certificate can be very beneficial in helping you gain the knowledge and skills necessary for success. However, if you already have experience in recruitment or human resources and are looking to enhance your existing credentials, a Staffing Specialist Certificate may not be necessary.

A Staffing Specialist Certificate requires successful completion of courses covering topics such as job analysis, recruiting strategies, interviewing techniques, employee selection processes, compensation and benefits administration, labor laws and regulations, and more. Through such coursework, individuals can gain an understanding of the staffing industry and how to effectively manage recruitment efforts. In addition to gaining knowledge in these areas, those who obtain a certificate may also benefit from networking opportunities with others in the field or potential employers.

At the end of the day, it is up to you to decide if obtaining a Staffing Specialist Certificate is right for you. Consider your current knowledge level and career goals when making this decision. If you believe that having such credentials will help further your career ambitions and provide additional value to potential employers then pursuing such certification could be worth your time and effort.

Related: Staffing Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Staffing Specialist Certifications

Q1. What is a Staffing Specialist Certification?

A1. A Staffing Specialist Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the areas of recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and managing staff. It is designed to provide employers with assurance that their staffing professionals have the necessary expertise to make sound hiring decisions.

Q2. Who should consider getting certified as a Staffing Specialist?

A2. Those considering a career in staffing or human resources management should strongly consider obtaining a Staffing Specialist Certification to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to quality hiring practices. The certification can also be beneficial for those already working in the field who want to stay up-to-date with industry standards and trends.

Q3. How do I become certified as a Staffing Specialist?

A3. To become certified as a Staffing Specialist, you must complete an approved certification program that covers topics such as recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and managing staff. These programs are offered by various organizations and may require passing an exam or completing additional coursework after completion of the program.

Q4. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Staffing Specialist?

A4: Becoming certified as a Staffing Specialist provides several benefits including increased credibility among employers, improved job opportunities and better pay rates, greater confidence in making sound hiring decisions, access to professional networks and resources, and recognition for your dedication to advancing your career in staffing management.

Q5. How long does it take to become certified as a Staffing Specialist?

A5: The length of time required to become certified depends on the specific certification program you choose; however most programs can be completed within six months or less depending on the amount of study time you devote each week.