If you’re aiming to level up your career in Human Resources (HR), understanding Human Resources certifications, how to become certified, and how to maintain your certification through recertification credits is crucial. These credits are essential to demonstrating your expertise and staying updated in the field. It is also a way of showing your employer that you are committed to your career in human resources. Whether you are pursuing a SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification or any of HRCI’s certifications (i.e. APHR, iAPHR, PHR, SPHR, GPHR, etc.) earning credits through various activities ensures your knowledge remains current and relevant.
Certification credits that will keep you certified after passing the exam can be obtained through several means such as participating in webinars, attending workshops, and conferences, or completing online courses. These activities not only help you earn credits but also provide valuable opportunities to network and learn from industry experts. Tracking and maintaining these credits is vital for retaining your certification and advancing your career.
Many accredited organizations offer resources to help you earn your credits efficiently. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can maximize your professional growth and ensure you meet the required standards for certification renewal. Most professionals experience the biggest struggle when deciding if they should pursue a certification or higher education. The video below can help you with this decision.
Essential Certifications for HR Professionals
Earning HR certifications can bolster your career by improving your chances of getting an interview or job offer, getting a higher salary/compensation, showing your dedication to your career, and proving your expertise. Different certifications offer unique benefits and focus areas that mainly focus on the criteria or minimum requirement to become eligible to take the exam, ensuring that you find the one that suits your career goals.
Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification
The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification is provided by HRCI and is geared toward HR professionals who handle payroll, benefits, and employee relations. The PHR certification emphasizes the technical and operational aspects of HR practices. The PHR certification is recognized in the US and is a solid choice for those who have HR experience and want to demonstrate their knowledge in the Human Resources career field.
According to HRCI, in order to qualify for the PHR, you need at least one year of experience in an HR role if you have a master’s degree, two years with a bachelor’s, or four years with less than a bachelor’s. Maintaining this certification requires ongoing education to keep your skills current.
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Certification
The Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) is also provided by HRCI and is aimed at more experienced HR professionals. It focuses on strategic and policy-making aspects of HR management. The SPHR Certification is ideal if you are responsible for developing HR policies and overseeing HR departments.
According to HRCI, in order to qualify for the SPHR certification, you must have at least four years of experience in an HR role if you have a master’s degree, five years with a bachelor’s, or seven years with less than a bachelor’s. Like the PHR, this certification also requires continuing education to remain valid.
SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) Certification
The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification is provided by SHRM for individuals who perform HR duties or are aiming for a career in human resources. It focuses on both foundational HR knowledge and behavioral competencies essential for effective HR management.
To be eligible for the SHRM-CP, you need a combination of education and experience in HR, such as a bachelor’s degree and one year in an HR role, or seven years of HR experience without a degree. Renewing this certification also involves continuous learning activities.
SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) Certification
The SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) is provided by SHRM and is designed for senior-level HR professionals who develop strategies and lead organizations. This certification focuses on strategic thinking, leadership, and the core competencies needed at higher levels of responsibility.
Eligibility for the SHRM-SCP includes having a master’s degree with three years in an HR role, a bachelor’s degree with four years, or seven years with no degree. Continuous professional development activities are required to maintain this certification, ensuring your skills stay up-to-date.
Choosing the right certification can significantly impact your career path, making you more competitive in the HR field.
Accrediting Bodies and Credit Basics
Accreditation ensures that HR certification programs meet high standards of quality. Two major organizations provide these accreditations: the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) offers a variety of certifications that are widely recognized and respected in the HR field. These include the following certifications: aPHR, PHR, SPHR, and GPHR.
HRCI accreditation ensures that these certifications meet stringent standards. This helps you prove your expertise and eligibility for more advanced roles. It can also assist you in negotiating better salary packages. Programs and recertification credits accredited by HRCI must adhere to rigorous guidelines that focus on fairness, validity, and reliability.
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
The Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) provides its own set of certifications, most notably the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP. These certifications are benchmarked against international standards and focus on competency and practical application in the HR career field.
SHRM certifications are recognized globally and aim to integrate behavioral and technical competencies. Certification through SHRM involves a comprehensive process that includes earning professional development credits (PDCs) to maintain your credentials. These PDCs can be earned through a variety of activities like seminars, webinars, conferences (online and in-person), and courses, making the program flexible for busy professionals. SHRM allows different types of work activity, reading certain blogs and reading certain books to be additional opportunities to gain recertification credits (also known as professional development credits or PDCs).
Both HRCI and SHRM certifications come with their specific requirements and benefits, helping you advance in your HR career by ensuring that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge
Credit Earning Opportunities
Earning Human Resources certification credits can significantly progress your career. Opportunities to earn these credits include continuing education, college courses, and attending seminars or workshops. Each method offers distinct benefits that enhance your HR expertise. Each method offers a certain number of credit hours so they all will not offer the same learning opportunity or the same credit hours.
Continuing Education
Continuing education is a powerful way to earn HR recertification credits. This includes professional development activities like online courses, webinars, and conferences. These methods are flexible, allowing you to balance them with your job. For instance, SHRM offers various webinars and virtual conferences. Each webinar usually counts as one credit, making it easier to accumulate the required credits over your recertification cycle.
Online platforms often offer free webinars, which is a cost-effective way to earn credits. For example, some professionals use LinkedIn to find free webinars. Moreover, online courses on websites like Coursera or edX also count. These platforms offer specialized HR courses that help you stay updated on industry trends. Personally, I find local employment law attorney offices, HR-focused conferences, and HRCP to be the best places to get continuing education credits.
College Courses
College courses are another excellent way to earn credits. This route allows you to gain in-depth knowledge and skills in HR. Many institutions offer courses specifically designed for HR professionals that align with certification requirements. You might consider enrolling in a college course that focuses on advanced HR topics like labor law, management, or employee relations.
These courses usually offer multiple credits upon completion. Some professionals opt for short-term certificate programs, which can be completed faster than a degree program. This is beneficial if you need to earn a large number of credits within a short period. In addition, many employers offer tuition assistance for these courses, reducing your financial burden.
Seminars and Workshops
Attending seminars and workshops is another practical way to earn credits while networking with fellow HR professionals. Workshops typically provide interactive learning experiences that are highly beneficial for skill improvement. Organizations like HRCI offer events that not only educate but also help expand your professional network.
These events often cover essential HR topics and trends, providing up-to-date information. You can attend local, regional, or national HR conferences to accumulate credits. Additionally, many HR organizations offer workshops throughout the year, allowing you to plan which events fit best into your schedule. Attending conferences that give you multiple credit hours like Innovate Human Capital’s ICON Conference really makes it easier to get employer-approved funds to attend with little to no costs directly from you.
By participating in these credit-earning opportunities, you’ll ensure that your HR skills remain current and that you meet recertification requirements efficiently.
Maintaining and Tracking Credits
Keeping up with your certification credits involves both calculating the credits earned and documenting them accurately. You also need to be aware of the audit procedures to avoid any unexpected issues. Nearly all educational opportunities will give you an actual certificate of completion. I find it so much easier to get the actual certification or link to that certification, and then save them in a folder on my Google Drive or my external drive.
Credit Calculation and Documentation
To maintain your certification, you must earn the required number of Professional Development Credits (PDCs) or other qualifying credits within a specified time frame. For example, SHRM certifications require 60 PDCs every three years. PDCs can be earned through various activities such as attending webinars, completing courses, or participating in projects that contribute to your professional growth.
Documenting your credits is crucial. Keep detailed records of each activity, including the date, provider/presenter/sponsor, the title of the event, and the number of credits earned. Make use of spreadsheets, external drives, Google Drive, or online tools specifically designed for this purpose. Some certification bodies also offer portals where you can log your credits directly. Ensure that you update your records promptly to avoid last-minute scrambles during the recertification period.
Audit Procedures
Audits are routine and can occur randomly. Prepare by maintaining thorough documentation of your credit-earning activities. In the event of an audit, you may be asked to provide proof such as certificates of completion, registration receipts, and even course materials or notes.
Ensure all your records are organized and accessible. Digital copies are advantageous for quick reference. Being organized ahead of time will save you the stress of compiling necessary documents on short notice.
SHRM and HRCI have specific guidelines on what constitutes valid proof of earned credits. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines to ensure compliance. This will make the audit process smoother and protect your certification status.
Using these practices will help you successfully maintain and track your certification credits.
Key Takeaways
- Certification credits and/PDUs are easy to get, don’t lose your certification over something that’s so simple.
- HR certification credits are essential for career growth and keep you up-to-date on the latest changes in HR.
- Credits can be earned through various educational activities and can be interesting along the way.
- Maintaining and tracking credits is key for certification renewal. Remember, if you don’t have proof, then it didn’t exist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When seeking Human Resources certification credits, you have multiple paths such as online courses and free webinars. Understanding the requirements and resources available will help you achieve your certification goals more efficiently.
How can I earn Human Resources certification credits online?
You can earn Human Resources certification credits online through various platforms such as HRCP, LinkedIn, and Coursera, which offer programs to help you navigate legal and ethical considerations in HR. 
What are the options for obtaining free Human Resources certification credits?
Several organizations offer free resources for certification credits. Websites like HRCI provide a mix of free and paid opportunities. Additionally, some professional HR networks, like your local SHRM chapter, may offer free credits as part of their membership benefits.
How many continuing education credits are required for SHRM certification?
For SHRM certification, you need to complete 60 continuing education credits over three years. These credits can be earned through approved activities such as workshops, seminars, and online courses. This ensures that your knowledge and skills remain up-to-date.
Which HR certification is the most recognized in the industry?
The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certifications, offered by HRCI, as well as SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP, offered by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) are among the most recognized in the industry. These certs signal that you have a solid foundation in HR practices and principles.
You may also like…
- Earning Recertification Credits through HRCP
- HRCI Certifications Types
- HR Certification HRCI & SHRM: Guide to Advanced HR Credentials
- Human Resources Certification: Advancing Your HR Career
- CP or PHR: Which HR Certification should you get?
- SCP VS SPHR: Which certification is best for you?
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