The 7 Best HR Certifications

Human resources is a vast field full of professionals with different levels of expertise. Many HR professionals complete human resources certifications to learn advanced skills and become better leaders. These programs are full of information that helps HR personnel make better choices for employees and cultivate stronger HR teams.

While many human resources (HR) professionals already know a lot about the field, they can always learn more.

Human resources is a constantly-evolving, person-focused profession that requires a lot of skill and empathy. Working with other like-minded team members, HR personnel dramatically impact company employees' health, safety and well-being. 

Any human resources professional who wants to outshine competitors in a difficult job market must showcase their insight and ability.

One way to do this is by completing popular HR certifications. It is also a good idea for people who want to break into the HR field.

What Is a Human Resources Certification?

HR professionals use a human resources certification to prove they have experience, knowledge and skills for HR roles. These professional titles show mastery in an HR-related area or sub-field.

These programs cover a medley of topics, including:

• Compensation and payroll
• Incentives
• Creating a positive work environment
• Attracting talent
• Analyzing data
• Policymaking
• Professional development
• Conflict resolution and communication

There are also different levels of certifications. Since senior-level HR personnel already know foundational information, they won’t take the same certification courses as those entering the profession.

No matter where you are in your career, HR certifications are a useful way to showcase talent and commitment.

Benefits of a Human Resources Certification

Those in HR seeking a new job or wanting to enhance workplace practices will likely consider certifications a stepping stone. 

Do more than the bare minimum to stand out when looking for a new role. As Austin Belcak, the founder of Cultivated Culture, states, “Remember, if something is easy for you to do… It’s just as easy for your competition too. That's why easy doesn't usually stand out.” Every certification increases your knowledge and skills, which creates a more well-rounded perspective. 

Knowing more about the profession and its future helps you make more informed decisions and develop creative solutions.

Some of the most distinct benefits of having an HR certification are:

• An advantage over competitors
• Higher pay opportunities
• Better qualifications
• Evident loyalty to the HR profession

7 of the Best HR Certifications

Depending on your professional goals, completing multiple certifications can be an excellent way to showcase drive, ambition and aptitude.

The following are some of the most highly-rated and beneficial certifications for HR professionals today.

1. Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)

The HRCI is one of the most popular and prestigious credentialing organizations in the HR field. Their rigorous courses showcase professional excellence. 

You can find a course for any level of expertise through this organization. For professionals with some experience, the PHR certification is an excellent place to start.

This course will teach students about mastering operational or technical HR management tactics. Students also learn about laws and regulations within the U.S.

Information to know before signing up includes:

• Cost: $395
• Eligibility: At least four years of experience (less with a college degree)
• Exam: Yes

The HRCI only requires two years of experience with a bachelor’s degree and one year of experience with a master’s degree.

Students usually spend around six months studying for the exam. Students complete the coursework independently.

2. Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) Certified Professional Certification

This certification helps those in HR learn about increasing individual effectiveness. With the knowledge gained through these courses, HR leaders learn how to encourage productivity and improve people management skills. 

Aligning company and employee goals is an integral part of managing a team. Students in this certification program will figure out how they can enhance and support the company’s future. 

There are two types of SHRM certifications: the SHRM-CP and the SHRM-SCP. 

The SHRM-CP is the main certification. Information to know before signing up includes:

• Cost: $300 to $475 (members who register early get a discount) 
• Eligibility: Without a graduate degree, you need at least one year of experience 
• Exam: Yes

The SHRM-SCP is the other course option designed for those with more experience. The requirements are the same, except you need additional years in an HR role. The specific time required depends on your level of education:

• High school diploma or associate degree: six to seven years
• Bachelor’s degree: four to five years
• Master’s degree or graduate degree: three to four years

Students study 40 to 120 hours before taking these exams. Students complete the courses at their pace.

3. Strategic Human Resources Leadership (SHRL) Certification by Human Capital Institute (HCI)

HCI offers a practical course that teaches HR professionals how to improve team performance. During these courses, students have hands-on experience with:

• Analyzing team design
• HR mapping rolls
• Connecting the team’s work to business strategy
• Giving feedback
• Coaching a team

Course content about equity and inclusion helps HR professionals promote a positive, psychologically safe work environment.

Information to know before signing up includes:

• Cost: $495 for the exam and $1,995 for the certification
• Eligibility: Open to all leaders and HR professionals 
• Exam: Yes

You can take this course as a two-day program or complete half-day sessions over four weeks.

4. Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) Certification by the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA)

The HRPA is a Canadian organization, but those in the U.S. and other countries worldwide still benefit from obtaining the CHRP certification.

Some of the subject matter includes:

• Administration
• Recruitment and candidate selection
• Exit management
• Policymaking
• Compensation and benefits packages
• Training and employee development

Information to know before signing up includes:

• Cost: Varies based on education, course type and other factors
• Eligibility: Open to members of HRPA
• Exam: Yes 

After finishing the course, students complete the CHRP Knowledge Exam and the CHRP Employment Law Exam.

Students may complete a Job Ready Program as part of their CHRP certification. This includes information on transitioning into a work environment as an HR professional.

5. Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) Certification by the Association for Talent Development (ATD)

The CPTD, formerly the CPLP, is a comprehensive certification that helps HR professionals learn more about finding, developing and coaching talented employees.

Many of the subjects covered focus on expertise and becoming masters in the field. The topics include:

• Performance improvement
• Coaching and training
• Learning technologies
• Talent management
• Learning impact evaluation
• Instructional design

Information to know before signing up includes:

• Cost: $975 exam fee for ATD members ($1,350 for non-members) 
• Eligibility: At least five years of experience
• Exam: Yes

Transferable skills are learned in this program, so leaders can take them into different industries.

6. Human Resources Management Certification (HRM) by HR University

This certification offers online video courses in HR management practices. Students will learn how to manage a team, develop an HR strategy and create efficient hiring programs. Additionally, HR personnel learn more technical skills necessary for proper leadership. 

Students can find almost any topic related to HR within these courses. 

This is a unique program. Each of the courses completed will award a new type of certification. The topics are in-demand in the market today to ensure that students learn desired skills to help them find notable roles in the HR field. 

Information to know before signing up includes:

• Cost: $200 per course 
• Eligibility: Open to all leaders and HR professionals 
• Exam: None

Self-paced courses allow students to complete the program on their time.

7. HR Analytics Certification by Cornell University

Cornell University’s HR analytics program offers multiple courses. These cover:

• Using data to attract top talent
• Retaining valuable employees
• Increasing employee morale

These courses recognize that HR data can drive informed decision-making and create a more efficient HR department. 

Some of the topics in this program include:

• Foundational HR analytics
• Applying predictive analytics
• Using talent analytics strategically

Not all HR certification courses offer this essential information, so this gives HR professionals a boost in their credibility and performance. 

Information to know before signing up includes:

• Cost: $3,600 (monthly payment options available for a higher fee)
• Eligibility: Open to all leaders and HR professionals
• Exam: None

These courses provide credit hours toward SHRM and HRCI recertification, which is useful if you have completed those programs. The format is entirely online, and students spend 3-5 hours per week on class work and coursework.

Key Takeaways

The 7 best HR certifications

• Human resources certifications help professionals land more job opportunities. 
• Certified HR professionals to make better decisions for employees and their companies. 
• Consider what you already know versus what you want to know when choosing HR certification programs.

(Reporting by NPD)