5 Top HR Certifications to Boost Your Career

The HR landscape is constantly evolving. New technologies, shifting employee needs, and ever-changing regulations demand HR professionals to stay ahead of the curve.

Earning a relevant HR certification is a powerful way to demonstrate your commitment to lifelong learning and future-proof your HR career. Not only does it showcase your expertise to employers, but it can also unlock exciting career opportunities and significant advancement.

According a 2018 Payscale survey, which included over 102,000 respondents with HR titles, 82% of entry-level HR employees who held an HR certification received a promotion in the previous five years, versus 68% of those without a certification. The also found that having an HR certification resulted in salary increases of 31.6%.

This blog post explores five top HR certifications across various HR specializations, helping you choose the one that aligns with your career goals. We’ll delve into what each certification entails, who offers them, and the steps involved in achieving them.

5 Top HR Certifications Right Now

1. SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

Offered by the esteemed Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the SHRM-CP is a premier generalist HR certification that validates your foundational understanding of key HR practices. Covering a broad spectrum of topics such as recruitment, compensation, employee relations, and risk management, the SHRM-CP equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in a multifaceted HR role.

• Requirements:
  • A basic working knowledge of HR practices and principles or a degree from an Academically Aligned program is recommended.

• Costs:
  • Exam fees range from $300 to $435, depending on your SHRM membership status.

• Steps:

• 1. Apply for eligibility through the SHRM website.
  2. Prepare for the exam.
  3. Schedule your in-person or remote testing. Both options are computer-based.
  4. Pass the exam, which consists of two types of multiple choice questions, stand-alone knowledge-based questions and scenario-based situational judgement questions.
  5. SHRM certifications are valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you must earn 60 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) over a three-year period or retake the exam.

• Timeframe: The timeframe for obtaining the SHRM-CP depends on your existing HR knowledge and study commitment. It can typically range from three to six months.

2. Professional in Human Resources (PHR) 

The PHR certification, offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), is a well-respected credential that validates your core HR competencies. Ideal for aspiring HR professionals or those new to the field, the PHR equips you with a solid foundation in HR practices like recruitment, performance management, and employee relations.

• Requirements:
  • One of the following conditions must be met to be eligible for a PHR certification:
    • One year of professional-level HR experience and a Master’s degree or higher
    • Two years of professional-level HR experience and a Bachelor’s degree
    • Four years of professional-level HR experience

• Costs:
  • The exam fee is $395.
  • Application Fee: $100.00

• Steps:

1. 1. Submit an application for eligibility through the HRCI website.
   2. Schedule your in-person or remote testing. Both options are computer-based.
   3. Pass the exam, which contain a variety of item types, including scenario-based questions. Most items are four-option multiple choice items.
   4. PHR certifications are valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you must earn 60 HR recertification credits every three years.

• Timeframe: Similar to the SHRM-CP, the timeframe for obtaining the PHR can vary depending on your study time. It generally takes three to six months  dedicated preparation.

3. Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)

If you’re passionate about driving employee learning and development within your organization, the CPTD certification by The Association for Talent Development (ATD) is an excellent choice. This certification demonstrates your expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating effective learning programs for employees at all levels.

• Requirements:
  • One of the following conditions must be met to be eligible for a PHR certification:
    • At least five years of professional work experience in the talent development or related fields and completion of 60 hours of professional development in talent development within the last five years.
    • At least four years of professional work experience in the talent development or related fields and hold an Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) certification and be in good standing.

• Costs:
  • The exam fee is $975 for ATD members and $1,350 for non-members

• Steps:

1. 1. Apply for your CPTD certification through the ATD website.
   2. Prepare for the exam.
   3. Schedule your in-person or remote testing. Both options are computer-based.
   4. Pass the exam, which contains a mix of multiple choice and case management questions.
   5. CPTD certifications are valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you must obtain 60 recertification points every three years.

• Timeframe: The ATD recommends allowing a minimum of six months to study for the exam.

4. People Analytics for HR (PAHR)

The field of People Analytics is rapidly growing in importance as HR professionals leverage data to make more informed decisions. Several organizations offer People Analytics certifications, but the PAHR certification by the Human Capital Institute (HCI), is one of the most widely-recognized.

• Requirements:
  • No formal prerequisites are required.

• Costs:
  • $1,995 for the 2-day virtual course and exam.

• Steps:

1. 1. Enroll in the two-day PAHR virtual course.
   2. Attend the virtual sessions and complete all coursework
   3. Pass the online certification exam, which contains multiple choice questions.
   4. PAHR certifications are valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you must obtain 60 recertification credits every three years.

• Timeframe: The full certification program is two days in duration.

5. Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)

Compensation and benefits are a crucial aspect of HR, and the Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) designation from WorldatWork validates your expertise in this area. This certification demonstrates your proficiency in designing, implementing, and managing competitive compensation and benefits programs.

• Requirements:
  • No formal prerequisites are required.

• Costs (special pricing may be available in some cases):
  • This certification is comprised of 10 courses/exams.
  • In-person classroom, virtual classroom, e-learning, and exam-only options are offered.
  • For in-person, virtual classroom or e-learning, each course/exam is $1,350 for WorldatWork members and $1,929 for non-members.
  • For the exam-only option, each exam is $875 for WorldatWork members and $1,250 or non-members.

• Steps: 

1. 1. Register for all 10 required courses
   2. Complete all 10 courses and their accompanying exams, which are all comprised of multiple choice questions.
   3. CCP certifications are valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you must obtain a minimum of 12 recertification credits every three years.

• Timeframe: A CCP certification can be earned as quickly as you can take the 10 training courses and complete the 10 examinations. In total, it typically takes around two to three years.

Elevate Your Career with HR Certifications

Earning a relevant HR certification is a strategic investment in your professional growth. Whether you’re aiming to solidify your foundational knowledge with certifications like the SHRM-CP or PHR, or seeking specialization in areas such as talent development, people analytics, or compensation, there are diverse options available to cater to your career goals.

These certifications not only validate your expertise but also provide invaluable opportunities for continuous learning and development, essential for staying competitive in today’s dynamic job market. By pursuing these top HR certifications, you’re not just enhancing your skill set – you’re future-proofing your career and positioning yourself as a leader in the HR industry. So, seize the opportunity to invest in your professional growth, and embark on a journey towards unlocking new career heights in HR!