It’s not difficult to start a career in HR, but the real challenges are the competition for promotions and those looking for higher pay and entry into top companies. In each of those cases, go-getters would certainly benefit by having extra qualifications on their resumes. So, what are the best certifications for human resources?
Large companies have a very stringent hiring process. Most often, those with human resources certifications are the priority over other applicants. In this guide, you’ll learn the advantages of HR certification, where to find free human resources certifications, and what the earning potential looks like once the credentials are in place.
What Is a Human Resources Certification?
A human resources certification is an earned credential that validates competency and skills in human resources management. When you earn a certification, you will undergo an assessment process that tests your mastery of the fundamentals of human resources administration. HR skills include handling employee relations and labor relations.
To earn a human resources certification, you go through rigorous tests gauging your human resources knowledge based on industry standards. This certification program validates your role as a professional in human resources management, giving you more confidence to do your job, apply for a higher position, and become an authority in the field.
How Much Can You Earn With a Human Resources Certification?
Human resources managers with certification earn an average annual salary of $69,500 compared to $60,000 annually* for managers without certification, according to Payscale. Certifications are proof of your expertise and skill in the field and can allow you to negotiate for higher salaries and make career growth possible.
Why Is Human Resources Certification Important?
A human resource certification is important as professional certification can help ambitious employees land human resource jobs in their dream company. Having a certification is also important if human resources is a long-term career path. Below, we provide further explanations of the benefits of obtaining an HR certification.
Promotion and Higher Salary
For HR employees who want higher pay or positions, having a master’s degree and an HR certification is one way to prove core competencies and advanced skills as a professional in human resources. It also helps when negotiating a higher salary or promotion.
Greater Chances Of Getting Hired
For those who apply for entry-level positions and want to break into the HR field, certification provides an advantage over other applicants. It shows recruiters that the applicant is serious about pursuing a career in HR and can be instrumental in helping them meet their company goals and career objectives.
Broader Career Options
An HR certification is a valuable credential that opens a wide range of career progression opportunities. Some industries hire only HR personnel with certifications, including the healthcare, retail, and food services industries. These are also the industries that pay HR employees the most.
Best Certifications for Human Resources at a Glance
| Certification | Cost | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Global Professional In Human Resources (GPHR)® | $495 exam fee + $100 application fee | Two years of professional-level HR position + a master’s degree or, Three years of professional-level HR position + a bachelor’s degree or, Four years of professional-level HR position |
| Professional In Human Resources (PHR)® | $395 exam fee + $100 application fee | One year of professional-level HR position + a master’s degree or, Two years of professional-level HR position + a bachelor’s degree or, Four years of professional-level HR position |
| Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)® | $495 exam fee + $100 application fee | Four years of professional-level HR position + a master’s degree or, Five years of professional-level HR position + a bachelor’s degree or, Seven years of professional-level HR position |
| Associate Professional In Human Resources (aPHR)® | $300 exam fee + $100 application fee | This is a knowledge-based credential, and therefore, no HR experience is required. |
| Professional in Human Resources-California (PHRca)® | $395 exam fee + $100 application fee | One year of professional-level HR position + a master’s degree or, Two years of professional-level HR position + a bachelor’s degree or, Four years of professional-level HR position |
| Certified Professional Coach (CPC) | $11,950 | This is a knowledge-based credential and there are no prerequisites to joining. |
| SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) | $375 for SHRM members, $475 for non-SHRM members | To qualify, no HR experience is required but you should have a basic working knowledge of HR practices, which is most likely found in HR students or an entry-level HR employee. |
| SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) | $375 for SHRM members, $475 for non-SHRM members | To qualify, you should be a senior-level HR professional with three years of experience working on strategic-level duties. |
| Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) | Starts at $350 for individual membership. Cost varies depending on membership status at World At Work and the type of instruction for the course. | Open for members and non-members of World at Work. No other prerequisites for joining. |
| Global Remuneration Professional (GRP) | Starts at $350 for individual membership. Cost varies greatly depending on membership status at World At Work and the type of instruction for the course. | Open for members and non-members of World at Work. No other prerequisites for joining. |
Top Human Resources Certifications: A Closer Look
Global Professional In Human Resources (GPHR)®
The Global Professional In Human Resources certification validates skills in human resources management in a global marketplace. It is an advanced certification provided solely by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). The exam covers strategic global human resources, global talent management, global mobility, workplace culture, and more. The certification exam has 100 scored questions and 25 pretest questions.
Professional In Human Resources (PHR)®
This certification gauges mastery of the operational aspects of HR management. It is an advanced certification provided by HRCI. Preparation includes studying employee and labor relations, business management, and talent planning and acquisition. The exam lasts two hours and consists of 90 scored questions and 25 pretest questions.
Senior Professional In Human Resources (SPHR)®
A Senior Professional In Human Resources (SPHR) demonstrates mastery of the strategic planning and policy-making aspects of HR management. It is an advanced certification provided by HRCI. The exam is 115 scored questions and 25 pretest questions covering the topics of leadership strategy, employee relations and engagement, and talent planning and acquisition.
Associate Professional In Human Resources (aPHR)®
This certification is the very first certification applicable for entry-level HR and non-HR professionals. It is a knowledge-based credential that covers compliance and risk management, employee relations, and talent acquisition. It has no education requirements. The exam allows two hours and 15 minutes to complete and has 100 scored questions and 25 pretest questions.
Professional In Human Resources California (PHRca)®
The PHRca certification demonstrates mastery of employment law, regulations, and HR management practices as applied in the state of California. You do not need to be a resident to take the certification. It is an advanced certification provided by HRCI. The exam takes two hours and 15 minutes and has 90 scored questions and 25 pretest questions.
Certified Professional Coach (CPC)
This program is an intensive training that teaches professional development and coaching skills. It is a program provided by the Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). At the end of the program, attendees will earn three certifications: Certified Professional Coach, Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, and COR.E Dynamics Specialist.
SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
The SHRM Certified Professional certification focuses on the operational roles of human resources professionals. It is an entry-level certification provided by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). HR students and those pursuing an HR career are qualified to take the exam, which can be taken at a Prometric test center or via remote proctoring.
SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
The SHRM-SCP certification is an advanced level certification provided by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It is an exam designed to test competencies in strategic management, developing HR policies, overseeing HR operations, and directing HR enterprise.
Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)
This certification is a mark of expertise and excellence in the fundamentals of compensation, validating those who pass as experts in the field. It does not have any specific experience requirements. This certification is provided by World At Work Total Rewards Association. Students must finish all 10 courses to earn the CCP certification.
Global Remuneration Professional (GRP)
The GRP certification is a mark of expertise in the fundamentals of global remuneration, validating skills in designing and administering base and variable pay and rewards programs. This certification is provided by World At Work and requires that students finish the 10 courses to earn the GRP certification.
Free Human Resources Certifications Worth Your Time
- HR Management (Short Course). This is a free, 20-hour HR management short course provided by Oxford Home Study Centre. It covers the objectives, scopes, functions, and strategies of HR management.
- Leading: Human Resources Management and Leadership Specialization. This is a free, six-month specialization course offered by Macquarie University via Coursera. It teaches how to lead people and organizations to succeed in a complex global environment.
- Human Resources: Recruitment and Selection. This free course provides a statement of participation upon completion. It is a 12-hour intermediate-level course that will teach students how to conduct a full and fair recruitment and selection process.
Are Human Resources Certifications Worth It?
Yes, human resources certificate programs are worth it. Certifications provide a significant pay boost depending on the industry, location, and career goals. They also allow for faster career advancement.
Best Certifications for Human Resources FAQ
The Certified Professional Coach certification shows the highest pay increase at 28.8%, according to Payscale*. Generally, all other types of certifications, except for aPHR, led to an increase in job level or pay grade.
The human resources career is very promising with a 10 percent job outlook for HR specialists and 9 percent for HR managers until 2030. Many of the job openings come from newly established companies building their teams, workers transferring to different occupations, and those retiring from service. It provides an above-average annual salary with high chances of raises.
The most important HR certifications that resulted in a high pay boost and promotion are the Certified Professional Coach, Global Professional In Human Resources, and the Professional in Human Resources-California, according to Payscale*.
To become a highly qualified HR professional eligible for promotion to a senior level and take advantage of the highest career opportunities, the best qualification is to have an HR degree or at least a master’s degree. One certification is enough to boost credentials, but those with two or more can climb the career ladder even faster.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
