One fact likely remains whether you’ve recently completed your human resources degree or will be graduating soon. You’re eager to break into the field and kickstart your career, and you have big goals for yourself. At the same time, HR remains a competitive field, particularly at the entry level. So, what can you do to stand out in the job market?
Many professionals end up pursuing HR certifications, which are additional designations beyond a formal degree that allow you to specialize in a particular area of the HR field. Whether you’re interested in talent sourcing, conflict resolution, or just about anything in between, HR certifications could be key to achieving your career goals.
Why Pursue HR Certification?
There are many reasons to consider pursuing HR certifications after you’ve completed your degree program. For starters, professional certifications allow you to choose a particular area of the field to study and explore more closely, empowering you to build upon your competencies and truly become an expert in that aspect of the field. This may enhance your career prospects while boosting your credibility as an industry professional.
In fact, A 2023 BambooHR report found that 24 percent of HR managers hold a professional certification.
14 HR Certifications to Consider
A quick online search of HR certifications will yield no shortage of results, so how can you decide which are worth pursuing? When considering HR certifications, it’s essential to thoroughly vet both the certification itself and the organization offering it. Not all certifications carry the same weight in the industry, and some may not be widely recognized by employers. Additionally, costs can vary widely depending on the certification, so it’s important to factor in your budget when making a decision.
Before committing to a program, take the time to research its accreditation, reputation, and alignment with your career goals. Ultimately, it all boils down to where your unique interests lie and what your professional goals look like, both in the long- and short-term.
Discover 14 of the most in-demand HR certifications below and some details regarding what it takes to obtain each.
SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
Offered through the Society for Human Resource Management, the SHRM-CP designation is designed for HR professionals who want to build their leadership skills and operational strategy. This is one of the most in-demand certifications because it’s applicable to a wide range of roles, but it does require a basic level of HR knowledge or a related degree from a recognized program.
SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
For those with a little more experience under their belts, a more advanced version of the SHRM-CP certification may be more suitable. Specifically, the SHRM Senior Certified Professional designation is offered to working professionals who have a minimum of three years of experience in the field. For eligible employees, this certification focuses on strategic leadership, policy development, and directing HR teams. It can be a great option for those preparing to move into more advanced leadership roles.
HRCI Associate Professional in Human Resources® (aPHR)
Offered through the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI), the aPHR certification is designed for entry-level professionals who wish to sharpen their skills in general HR operations, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and best practices. To earn the certification, you must pass a written exam, and certifications must be renewed every three years. Unlike many other certifications, there is no field experience required to earn this designation.
HRCI Professional in Human Resources® (PHR)
Another option to consider is HRCI’s Professional in Human Resources designation. Similar to the aPHR certification, this slightly more advanced option is available to professionals with a minimum of two years’ experience in HR plus a formal degree (or four years of experience without a degree). This certification covers similar topics and skills as the aPHR option, but goes a little more in-depth with topics in strategic HR management and labor relations.
Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)
If you’re interested in the nuances surrounding compensation and benefits in the workplace, then you may want to pursue your CCP certification through WorldatWork. This certification is ideal for HR professionals responsible for designing and managing compensation programs with a focus on such topics as regulatory requirements and proven design techniques. To earn your CPP, you’ll need to pass a series of eight exams.
Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)
Another certification option to consider if you’re interested in compensation and benefits is the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CBES) program, which is offered through the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. This designation requires completion of five courses and passing of a standardized exam, with topics covering the design and management of benefits programs, retirement plans, and more.
Talent Management Practitioner (TMP)
Another entry-level certification to consider if you’re interested in learning more about general talent management is the Talent Management Practitioner (TMP) designation offered by the Talent Management Institute (TMI). To be eligible for this program, candidates don’t need formal work experience, but a related degree is preferred. Meanwhile, the test to earn your TMP certification covers workforce planning, succession planning, and recruitment.
Certified Talent Development Professional (CTDP)
Available through the Institute for Performance and Learning, the CTDP designation is designed for HR professionals with a few years of experience in the field looking to build their understanding of training and performance. This designation can be ideal for those who want to pursue HR roles that involve designing learning programs and measuring the success of workplace training initiatives. To become certified, it is necessary to pass a comprehensive examination that consists of multiple choice and case management questions.
Global Professional in Human Resources® (GPHR)
Do you have dreams of building your career internationally? If so, then you may want to explore the HR Certification Institute’s GPHR certification, which focuses on topics surrounding multinational HR responsibilities and strategies for developing HR policies that align with global growth. This designation can be ideal for professionals wanting to get into global HR management, although you must have at least a few years of experience with a bachelor’s degree to qualify.
Certified Professional Coach (CPC)
Some people who go into human resources end up branching off into other subsets of the field, and it’s not uncommon for these professionals to become life coaches. If you like the idea of helping others achieve their own personal and professional goals, then turning your HR education into a professional coaching certification is possible through the CPC designation. This certification is a great way to explore core coaching topics while building your credibility as a life coach ready to help make a difference in others’ lives.
Strategic HR Business Partner (sHRBP)
While the sHRBP certification isn’t generally available to those in entry-level roles, it can be a designation worth keeping in mind as you progress and gain more experience in your field. Specifically, the sHRBP certification is designed for professionals who want to learn how to work with clients to support organizational strategies, develop collaborative relationships, and measure the effectiveness of talent management initiatives.
Certified in Healthcare Human Resources® (CHHR)
Working in an HR role in the healthcare field requires a more comprehensive understanding of certain privacy laws (such as HIPAA) and other compliance regulations, and the CHHR certification offered through the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration can be a great way to learn all the ins and outs of this HR subset.
More specifically, this certification requires professionals to pass a formal exam in addition to renewing their certifications through continuous learning and professional development every three years.
PayrollOrg Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)
Looking for a certification that’s more geared toward recent graduates and entry-level workers with little experience? The Fundamental Payroll Certification offered through Payroll.org can be a great option because no specific payroll experience is required to qualify, and you don’t have to be a PayRoll.org member, either. This certification exam covers a wide range of payroll topics and requires recertification by continuing education or examination every three calendar years.
PayrollOrg Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
One final designation to consider if you’re interested in payroll reporting, accounting, administration, and taxation is the CPP certification through PayRoll.org. This is another one that’s designed for recent graduates and entry-level workers, with exam topics ranging from compliance standards and auditing to payroll processes and paycheck calculation. As with most certifications in HR, renewals are required every three years via continuous learning/professional development credits or retaking the exam.
Taking the Next Step in Your HR Career
Earning additional credentials in the form of HR certifications can be a great way to set yourself apart from other professionals in the field while sharpening your skills and knowledge. The best part? Throughout the course of your career, you can pursue as many certifications as you desire, allowing you to truly diversify your skill set and make yourself a more valuable asset. Just remember that many certifications do have continuing education or professional development requirements, so you’ll need to be committed to a lifetime of learning if you want to maintain your certifications.
Still looking for the human resources degree program that’s right for you? Johnson & Wales University offers both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Human Resource Management as well as a specialized MBA in Human Resource Management to suit your needs. These programs can be an excellent way to build or advance your foundational knowledge in the HR field, preparing you to pursue any number of certifications and designations down the road. Plus, because these programs are offered online, they’re ideal for busy professionals.
Reach out to learn more about any of our programs, or get started with your application for admission today.
For more information about completing your degree online, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].