15 Best Global HR Certifications To Enroll In [2024 Edition]
As an HR professional, you probably know that candidates who commit to personal development and stacking credentials get hired and promoted over those who don’t. Well, now it’s your turn, and a global HR certification could be your ticket to career advancement and professional growth.
As author Roy Bennett said, “There is no better investment than investing in yourself,” and that is certainly true when it comes to investing in a global HR certification that can unlock your earning potential and expand your career prospects.
In fact, studies have shown HR professionals with global human resources certifications typically enjoy double-digit salary increases.
Contents
What is a global HR certification?
Why is a global HR certification important?
15 best global HR certifications
Additional global HR certifications
How to get a global HR certification
Tips on preparing for a global HR certification
What is a global HR certification?
A global HR certification validates a professional’s proficiency in handling the various elements of HR practices across different countries, including their knowledge of international employment laws, cultural nuances, and global talent management strategies.
Earning a global HR certification demonstrates your personal commitment to self-development in the HR field. It also helps show your eligibility for HR roles at companies that conduct business in foreign jurisdictions.
Why is a global HR certification important?
Global HR certifications can enhance your credibility and help further your career goals by demonstrating your expertise in international HR complexities.
Candidates with a thorough knowledge of global labor laws and those who have had exposure to multicultural talent management are highly sought-after assets for multinational companies in the globalized business world. This, in turn, can translate into advancement opportunities and increased earning potential within the global HR field.
Benefits of getting a global HR certification
A global HR certification holds weight for several reasons, benefiting HR professionals and their organizations.
Benefits for HR professionals
- Career advancement: Furthering your expertise with a global HR certification can set you apart from other candidates. These certifications validate your expertise in handling international HR complexities, making you highly desirable for multinational companies or those with global expansion plans.
- Increased earning potential: Research by Payscale found that HR practitioners with a Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) certification experienced pay increases of up to 16% post-qualification.
- Go beyond theory: You will also likely learn practical strategies on conflict resolution, navigating leadership challenges, and driving positive change from fellow HR professionals and instructors. This focus on human-centered learning has real-world applicability for equity, engagement, and effectiveness in your organization.
Benefits for the organization
- Competitive advantage: Hiring or promoting HR practitioners who are globally certified enables companies to run and expand their international operations with confidence.
- Mitigated risks: A globally certified HR professional can ensure the organization adheres to international labor laws and best practices while avoiding costly legal issues.
- Strategic talent management: The certification focuses on global workforce management, which is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent across borders.
15 best global HR certifications
There are several certifications available to build your expertise in an international workplace. Here’s a summary of the most prominent global HR certifications and their providers:
1. Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI)
A globally recognized leader, HRCI has offered well-respected certifications in this field for over 50 years. HRCI offers a Global Professional in Human Resources® (GPHR®). To be eligible for the GPHR, you must meet one of its requirements for education and/or experience. These are:
- Have at least two years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Master’s degree or higher,
- Have at least three years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Bachelor’s degree or;
- Have at least four years of experience in a professional-level HR position.
2. Associate Professional in Human Resources International (aPHRi)
This program is aimed at early-career HR professionals, non-HR practitioners, and individuals transitioning into HR roles. The exam covers HR operations, recruitment and selection, employee relations, health and safety, development and retention, and compensation and benefits.
3. Professional in Human Resources International (PHRi)
This global certification program is ideal for HR professionals whose daily work includes HR operations, such as recruiting, compensation, benefits, and administration. The exam covers employee and labor relations, employee engagement, total rewards, business management, workforce planning and talent acquisition, learning and development, and HR information management.
4. Senior Professional in Human Resources International (SPHRi)
This certification is aimed at senior-level HR professionals who are involved in strategy and policymaking initiatives. The exam concentrates on leadership and strategy, talent management, workforce planning and talent acquisition, total rewards, HR information management, safety, and security.
5. Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)
The coveted GPHR is aimed at HR professionals who work across borders with different national guidelines. Earning this certification validates your competencies and skills in managing HR disciplines in a global marketplace. The exam focuses on strategic global HR development, global talent management, global mobility, workplace culture, total rewards, and risk management and compliance.
6. Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
This internationally recognized organization, with a strong focus on the US market, offers two globally relevant HR certifications that include aspects related to the organization, people, leadership, interpersonal, and workplace.
7. Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
This certification validates your HR expertise, meeting the benchmark standard for HR professionals at the operational level.
8. Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
This qualification is designed for human resources leaders who are responsible for developing HR policies, overseeing HR operations, directing HR departments, or aligning HR strategies with organizational goals.
9. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
Headquartered in London, the CIPD is a prominent HR body in Europe and the UK that offers various internationally recognized certifications.
The CIPD offers two pathways to certification:
- The first route involves completing a CIPD-aligned degree or a master’s program through a network of accredited universities and educators
- The second route is via the CIPD’s various membership-level programs. Attaining the highest ‘Chartered Member’ status signifies exceptional HR knowledge and strategic leadership abilities.
10. HR Professional Association (HRPA)
Focused on the country of Canada, the HRPA provides various certifications, such as the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP), which demonstrates proficiency in Canadian HR practices and regulations.
Additional global HR certifications
12. Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI)
AHRI certifications in HR are highly regarded in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
13. Global Payroll Master (GPM)
GPM specializes in providing training and resources on numerous country-specific changes to budgets and regulations for international payroll management.
14. Institute for Human Resource Professionals (IHRP)
The IHRP offers various levels of certification for HR professionals in Singapore and the broader Asian region.
15. WorldatWork Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)
This organization offers qualifications that focus on global compensation and remuneration practices.
Are you considering a global HR certification, or do you need help with recertification? The Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR) is an accredited HR program provider with leading global HR organizations such as SHRM, HRCI, HRPA, and CPHR.
If you’re a member of any of these partner organizations and complete an AIHR certificate program, you can claim credits towards your professional membership certifications and recertifications to advance your career goals.
How to get a global HR certification
Step 1: Check the eligibility criteria
Before diving into global HR certifications, check your eligibility. Requirements vary between providers. Many organizations offer flexible options that combine education and experience to meet their conditions for entry.
Some, like the the popular Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) certification offered by the HRCI, requires a minimum number of years of experience or degrees, or experience. Whereas HRCI’s entry-level program, the Associate Professional in Human Resources International (aPHRi) program requires no formal HR experience as the certification is a knowledge-based credential.
Step 2: Prioritize preparation
While experience is crucial, adequate knowledge and preparation are key to acing the exam itself. Consider these resources to help you:
- Certificate programs: The Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR) offers certificate programs specifically designed to equip you with the knowledge you need to prepare for certain global HR certification exams. As an accredited HR program provider, you will also earn PDC credits when completing an AIHR certificate program.
- Self-study materials: Organizations that provide global HR certifications also tend to offer a wealth of self-study materials, including study guides, courses, and practice exams. Additionally, numerous online resources and textbooks are available to prepare you for exams.
Step 3: Take the exam
Global HR certification exams are typically computer-based and consist of multiple-choice questions. Be sure to understand the exam format of your chosen certification program, its content focus areas, and exam time limits beforehand. Sourcing sample exam papers from legitimate online sites can be very helpful in this regard.
Scheduling and fees vary depending on the provider. Some organizations, such as the HRCI, offer free ‘second chance insurance,’ which is an opportunity to retake the exam at no cost if your initial results are unsatisfactory.
Step 4: Recertification
Once you pass your global certification, it’s generally valid for a set period, after which it will lapse. For instance, the GPHR certification remains valid for three years after testing. To maintain your GPHR credentials, you must acquire 45 hours of HR training and 15 global recertification credits or retake the exam within the three-year period.
Step 5: Ongoing development
The profession of HR is constantly changing. Continuing to build on your education through certificate programs and courses can help you stay ahead in your profession.
Consider programs focused on related emerging fields, such as the application of ChatGPT in HR or developing crucial digital skills to manage data, identify insights, track trends, and automate aspects of HR. These specializations can significantly enhance your professional acumen and open doors to exciting career opportunities.
Tips on preparing for a global HR certification
- Target your learning: Identify your knowledge gaps specific to the themes of your chosen certification exam and concentrate your studies on these areas. Resources, including past exam questions or practice tests, can be very helpful in this process.
- Fast-track your global HR certification: Enrol in accredited HR certificate programs from a trusted organization like ours. These programs go beyond theory, equipping you with in-depth knowledge and credits applicable toward your global HR certification and recertification.
- Broaden your horizons: Deepen your understanding of cultural nuances and contexts that impact HR practices across borders. Engage with case studies offered by accreditation bodies, HR blogs, and social media groups to be exposed to different perspectives and regulations.
- Simulate the exam experience: Take practice exams or simulations offered by portals such as Study.com, reputable training providers, or the certification body itself. This allows you to test your knowledge base, identify areas for improvement, and familiarize yourself with the exam format.
- Stay abreast of trends: The global HR landscape is constantly changing. Regularly review regional industry publications, attend conferences, or participate in online forums to ensure your knowledge base is up-to-date with emerging international trends and best practices.
Key takeaway
In summary, obtaining and renewing your global certification signifies a commitment to excellence in the HR field internationally – benefitting both your career prospects and your organization’s global operations.
However, the ideal certification depends on your career goals, experience level, and preferred region of focus. So, research each program’s eligibility requirements, focus areas, and recognition to make an informed decision.
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