Which HR Certification Is Best? Your Guide to Choosing the Right HR Certification

Are you trying to figure out which HR Certification is the best or which HR certification best fits your current situation? Though there are tons of HR Certifications out there, keep in mind that all certifications offered and tested by HRCI and SHRM are the most recognizable in any industry and throughout your entire HR career field.

Selecting the right HR certification can be a pivotal move in a human resources professional’s career. With numerous certifications available, each promising to enhance skills and employability, it’s essential to distinguish which certification aligns best with your career aspirations and the needs of the business landscape. By earning a well-regarded HR certification, you demonstrate a commitment to the field and gain recognition for your expertise, making you a more attractive candidate for advanced roles, leadership positions, and higher compensation.

This blog will guide you in understanding which HR Certifications are most recognized by HR professionals in all industries and which you can use to build your skills, confidence, and chances of career growth.

Understanding the various HR certifications on the market, their prerequisites, and the competencies they cover is a crucial first step. Determining the best HR certification for you requires assessing your current level of experience, the specific HR function you’re interested in, and how the certification would fit into your long-term career goals. It’s also important to consider certifications that are recognized by the industry and can directly contribute to your professional growth. These credentials serve as a testament to your knowledge and dedication in the realm of human resources.

Understanding Different HR Certifications

When considering HR certifications, your focus should be on what aligns best with your career goals, the requirements of each certification, and how they are recognized within the industry (or industry you are aiming to work in). Early in your career, it may be difficult to understand what your future career goals are. This makes it even more important to obtain an HR Certification that can reflect your career status at any point in your career. You can easily do this with HRCI and SHRM certifications.

SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers two major certifications: the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). The SHRM-CP is designed for HR professionals who have a tactical or operational role, whereas the SHRM-SCP is geared towards senior HR professionals in strategic positions. You must meet education and work experience criteria to sit for these exams.

PHR and SPHR

Offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) are two distinct certifications. The PHR is best suited if you’re focusing on program implementation and the technical aspects of HR Management. For a more strategic role, the SPHR emphasizes policy creation, business strategy, and leadership. There are strict eligibility requirements, including education and years of HR experience.

To help you decide between the two, I have created two videos that compare the HRCI certification with the equivalent SHRM Certification. Click on either picture to learn more.

Global and Senior Talent Management Certifications

For HR professionals looking to showcase expertise in a global setting, the Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) is a certification to consider, requiring experience or degrees related to global HR practices. Senior-level certifications set you apart in the specialized field of talent acquisition and development.

Both of SHRM’s certifications, SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP include global practices which will give you the competitive edge in the global space like HRCI’s GPHR certification.

Specialized HR Certifications

Specialized certifications allow you to focus on areas such as analytics, diversity, and wellness, among others. HRCI and SHRM offer certifications tailored to specific HR disciplines, allowing you to advance your expertise and professional standing in niche areas of Human Resource Management.

By selecting the certification that aligns with your professional aspirations and current expertise, you enhance your career trajectory and validate your skills within the HR community.

Criteria for Choosing the Best HR Certification

When choosing the best HR certification for your career, consider specific aspects such as eligibility, exam content, and the certification’s industry recognition. Again, all certifications offered by HRCI and SHRM have well-established industry recognition. These criteria can significantly impact your professional advancement.

Eligibility Requirements

To determine which HR certification is right for you, you must first review the Eligibility Criteria. Certifications like the SHRM-CP (SHRM Certified Professional) typically require a combination of HR-related work experience and education. The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) offers certifications like the PHR (Professional in Human Resources), which also have specific prerequisites in terms of professional-level experience and educational background.

Exam Content and Preparation

It’s crucial to understand the certification exam content that you’ll be tested on. For example, SHRM Certification exams assess competencies in both operational and strategic HR roles. Meanwhile, exams from the HRCI might focus on technical HR knowledge and practices. Preparing for these exams requires access to comprehensive study materials, a good study plan and possibly attending preparatory courses. To assist in preparing for these exams, click here to download a study checklist.

Recognition and Accreditation

Lastly, evaluate the recognition and accreditation of the certification. SHRM Certifications are widely recognized by employers globally and signal a commitment to the HR profession. Accreditation by a recognized body, such as the HRCI, ensures that the certification meets high professional and ethical standards, making it a valuable credential for aspiring HR professionals.

As a result, after you become certified, that is an accomplishment that you should share with others in your professional network. I have created a video specifically on this, click here to discover your next steps immediately after you become certified.

Benefits of HR Certifications

Earning an HR certification can be a strategic move in your professional development and your career ahead. It signals to employers your commitment to the HR field and your mastery of the necessary expertise.

Enhanced Credibility and Expertise

By obtaining HR certifications, you demonstrate a dedication to professional growth and a mastery of industry standards. This can significantly increase your credibility in the eyes of employers and colleagues. Certifications such as the Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR), SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) are recognized globally and can set you apart as a certified professional with specialized knowledge.

Maintaining and Advancing HR Certification

Once you’ve obtained an HR certification, maintaining and advancing it becomes imperative. Active engagement in further education and awareness of the recertification process is crucial for maintaining your HR certification.

Recertification Process

Recertification is essential to ensure that your HR credentials remain valid and recognized. Typically, it requires proof of ongoing professional development. For the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and both SHRM certifications, you’re required to recertify every three years either by retaking the exam or by demonstrating continued learning and professional activities.

Credit System: Recertification often involves accruing credits for activities such as:
- Continuing education courses
- Leading or attending training sessions
- HR-related community service
- Professional achievements, like implementing an effective HR strategy
Documentation: It’s vital for you to keep thorough records of your activities, as they are subject to audit by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). SHRM requires submitting documentation in order to receive credits toward recertification.

Over the years, I have learned, attended, and gathered a list of resources to get recertification credits. I’ve created a video of the recertification credits I have obtained, click here to make a list of options for yourself as well. A recent recertification option that I discovered after creating this video is HRCP. They offer recertification credits in various areas of Human Resources.

Continuing Education and Upskilling

Continual learning and development are at the heart of upskilling and remaining relevant in your HR role. Consider the following to enhance your professional value:

Educational Opportunities: Look for courses and seminars that align with the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK), including both online and in-person options to amass recertification credits.
Strategic Learning: Target areas for development that not only contribute to recertification but also benefit your workplace. For example, learning about diversity and inclusion can foster a healthier work environment. HRCP offers mini-badges after successfully completing courses in targeted areas of Human Resources.

Every step you take in education and upskilling not only brings you closer to recertification but also to becoming an even more competent and strategic HR professional. Through this commitment, you’re bound to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of human resources.

Integrating HR Certification into Business Management

When you aim to bridge the gap between human resources and strategic business management, obtaining a relevant HR certification can be pivotal. A strategic HR leader plays a crucial role in organizational development by aligning HR strategies with business goals. For example, certifications like the SHRM-SCP demonstrate your ability to develop strategies that enhance business operations and foster strong workplace communities.

Highlighted competencies:

Business Leadership
Strategic Decision-Making
Workforce Planning
Talent Management

To impact your organization in a profound way, focus on certifications that develop a combination of technical HR knowledge and business acumen. This focus ensures that HR leaders contribute to the business’s strategic direction.

Benefits include:

Enhanced strategic planning: Drive HR initiatives that align with business objectives.
Increased influence: Position yourself as a key player in shaping organizational culture.
Broader business perspective: Gain insights into cross-functional integration and lean management.

In summary, the right HR certification provides you with a competitive edge as an HR leader. It enables you to contribute effectively to your organization’s growth by integrating HR strategies with broader business management objectives. As you can imagine, there are some things that certifications do not prepare you for. Click here to see what certifications do not prepare you for or teach you.

Key Takeaways

Choosing the right HR certification demands an understanding of different options and their alignment with career growth.
HR certifications can serve as an endorsement of professional commitment and knowledge within the HR field.
Strategic integration of an HR certification can open pathways to leadership roles and contribute to business management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When considering HR certifications, you want to ensure you choose a program that aligns with your career aspirations and is valued by employers.

What are the leading HR certification programs available today?

Today’s leading HR certification programs include the HRCI and SHRM.

Which HR certification is most recognized by employers?

The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and HRCI’s Professional in Human Resources (PHR) are among the most recognized by employers for demonstrating HR expertise and professionalism.

What is the best entry-level HR certification for beginners?

For beginners, the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) from HRCI is designed specifically for those just starting their HR career and is an ideal entry-level certification.

In terms of career advancement, which HR certification holds the most value?

The Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) are highly valued for career advancement as it indicate a deep understanding and mastery of the strategic and policy-making aspects of HR management.

For online learning, what are the top HR certification courses offered?

Notable online HR certification courses include the PHR certification, SHRM-CP, and Coursera’s Human Resource Certificate.

How do HR certifications impact professional development and credibility in the field?

HR certifications can significantly enhance your professional development and credibility by demonstrating commitment to the field and mastery of industry standards, as evidenced by findings from Payscale surveys cited by Built In.

Which HR Certification Is Best? Your Guide to Choosing the Right HR Certification