Home
General HR
9 Best HR Certifications To...

9 Best HR Certifications To Elevate Your Career in 2024

Written by Tess C. Taylor

12 minutes read

HR certifications have become an increasingly popular way of career advancement for HR professionals, building and showcasing up-to-date knowledge on HR best practices. Let’s look at 9 HR certifications and help you choose the right HR certification program for you!

Contents
Why get an HR certification?
Best HR certifications
1. Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR)
2. Professional in Human Resources (PHR) by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
3. SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
4. Strategic HR Leadership (SHRL) by the Human Capital Institute
5. Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) by HRPA
6. Talent Management Practitioner by the Talent Management Institute
7. Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) by The Association for Talent Development (ATD)
8. Human Resource Information Professional (HRIP) by the International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM)
9. Certified HR Manager (CHRM) by HR University
How to finance your HR certification
FAQ

Why get an HR certification?

More than experience and formal education, Human Resources is a field in which it’s critical to demonstrate how knowledgeable you are to employers. Current, up-to-date knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices can be challenging to stay ahead of, yet, it’s vital to staying relevant in the world of HR.

HR certification can support your long-term career success. Studies have also shown that those who further their education through certification programs improve their earnings potential over the life of their careers — by as much as 44%. If you’re starting a new career or venturing into a new specialty as an HR professional, an HR certification can help you get a head start.

A Payscale study has also found that certified HR professionals are up to 25% more likely to get a promotion, boding well for any upward mobility you may be after. What’s more, many employers now request HR certification as a job requirement.

To summarize, the following are just a few reasons how getting certified can benefit you:

Improvement of knowledge, skills, and experience level
Boosted job performance with the use of new skills
Showcasing commitment and up-to-date knowledge to current and future employers
Creating a competitive edge, increasing your value in the job market
Building a future-proof career in HR

The good news is that there are many ways to earn HR certification, including the convenience of HR certification programs online. In this article, we’ve included HR certifications accessible to HR professionals worldwide.

Learn more How Long Does It Take To Get An HR Certification? Your In-Depth Answer

HR Certification: Benefits for HR Professionals

Best HR certifications

Ready to pursue a coveted certificate in Human Resources? Here’s a rundown of the top HR certifications to consider.

Please note that this list is compiled based on publicly available information. We have not tried the courses ourselves, with the exception of AIHR’s certificate programs.

1. Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR)

Program overview: AIHR is a fully accredited course library of HR certification programs online that provide domain-specific learning and certification. With a focus on future-proofing your HR skill set, AIHR has put together packages of learning materials for you to complete at your own speed.

Students can enroll in the Academy for the full experience and earn multiple specialist certifications. They can also choose to focus on one area of interest at a time. The 13 HR certificate programs include:

With full Academy access, you can also take mini courses, such as ChatGPT for HR, giving you tools and use cases to increase your efficiency.

All certificate programs are delivered online through interactive lessons, videos, and activities designed to help students meet the challenges of a career as an HR professional. Learners also get access to a resource library with useful HR templates. Instructors are top HR professionals who share real-world knowledge.

The certificate programs aim to help you become a T-shaped HR professional by building core HR competencies:

Each HR certificate program takes between 22 and 36 hours to complete. Lessons are self-paced, and students have up to 12 months from enrollment to complete each course.

Who it’s for: Human Resource professionals of all experiences. Courses range from entry-level to advanced subjects.

Eligibility requirements: No prior experience in HR is needed.

Cost of program: Individual HR certification courses are $1,125, or students can enroll in the Academy for $1,850 to gain 12-month access to all certification programs and the benefit of extended time to complete them. Payment in installments is also available.

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

Program overview: The HR Certification Institute is a well-known resource for continued education for HR professionals. Their most sought-after certification is the Professional in Human Resources (PHR). With certification levels in the senior and global areas of Human Resource Management careers, it’s possible to start your journey and earn advanced certification as you gain on-the-job experience and increased levels of responsibility.

Candidates can sit for the associate level certification (aPHR) and then advance to the PHR, Senior PHR, and Global PHR. There is also an internet-only version of this certification, complete with a digital badge with the exams proctored by Pearson. Most students study for six to nine months before taking the exams.

Who it’s for: Human Resources professionals who are just starting with limited experience to senior and global leaders in HR.

Eligibility requirements: Candidates must meet one of the following conditions: have at least a year’s experience in HR and a Masters’s degree, two years of experience in HR and a Bachelor’s degree, or four years of experience in a professional-level HR position. They must participate in an HRCI-approved training course and be accepted after applying.

Cost of program: HRCI partners with hundreds of approved certification preparation providers, including AIHR. Programs and costs vary widely by provider, and there is a non-refundable application fee of $100, and the exam cost varies by level. A PHR exam fee is $395, while a GPHR exam fee is $595.

3. SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

Program overview: The Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) offers a competency-based HR certification program. It’s based on the core knowledge of SHRM Body of Competency & Knowledge™ (SHRM BoCK), which supports the career goals of HR professionals to achieve their personal best in HR. The course and exams focus on leadership success as well as organizational strategy.

Also offering specialty areas, SHRM focuses on the HR department of one, immigration laws, workplace investigations, talent acquisition, inclusive culture, and people analytics. California HR professionals can also find certification specific to their region. Most students study for six months before taking the exam.

Who it’s for: This program is a good fit for HR generalists as it covers all aspects of HR work.

Eligibility requirements: The SHRM certification program has a complex set of eligibility criteria for those who wish to pursue this. Review these against your experience in HR.

Cost of program: Fees for taking the exam vary by the type of certification and status as a candidate, with discounts for students and SHRM members.

4. Strategic HR Leadership (SHRL) by the Human Capital Institute

Program overview: The Human Capital Institute is known for centering the alignment of human capital with business strategy, typically focusing on HR leaders and their impact on the business.

HCI offers access to Strategic HR Leadership (SHRL) and several other competency-based certification programs for HR. Participant materials, guides, practice tests, and mentor support are offered via the HCI Academy. Students can participate in two-day programs or the virtual series with half-day sessions for up to four weeks. Learners must pass the online exam to earn the certification.

Who it’s for: The SHRL certification is a good fit for those new to HR leadership roles and the challenges they face. Their site indicates anyone who leads a team, wants to be a people leader, or needs to improve their team’s performance should participate.

Eligibility requirements: There are no prerequisites for this training. However, to earn the certificate, students must attend all sessions, participate in group discussions, complete all classwork, submit an evaluation, and pass the final exam.

Cost of program: The SHRL certificate program online costs $1,195.

5. Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) by HRPA

Program overview: The Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) offers the exclusive Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) credential. They also offer two additional advanced credentials, including the Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and the Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE).

Students must complete a series of nine subject areas relevant to HR by taking college courses through a network of colleges and universities in Canada, which are reviewed for approval, then sit for challenge exams. There is also a workforce readiness program to support those who wish to pursue a career in HR.

Who it’s for: The CHRP is a good fit for those already pursuing studies in HR or who have earned a degree. The credentials are for HRPA members in good standing only.

Eligibility requirements: The HRPA has some unique requirements to be eligible to earn CHRP certification. You must become a member and participate in their course and exam schedule.

Cost of program: The cost of the program can vary. To be eligible, you must become a member of HRPA, and membership costs depend on your status, what month you joined, and if you reside in Canada or outside Canada. Courses and exams also carry their own fees.

6. Talent Management Practitioner by the Talent Management Institute

Program overview: The Talent Management Practitioner certification offered by the Talent Management Institute focuses on those who wish to move into careers in talent management. A specialization that is one of the fastest-growing areas of HR today, with high earnings potential. The program consists of a TMP^™ Resource Box containing all the books and other learning material needed to take the exam, which is offered online.

Who it’s for: The TMI online certification is designed for those graduating from college or university with a focus on HR and talent management.

Eligibility requirements: The program requires candidates to meet certain educational and work experiences, and they use a special tool to validate candidates prior to approving them for the program.

Cost of program: $625 all-inclusive, plus taxes.

7. Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) by The Association for Talent Development (ATD)

Program overview: Known for its leading training in areas of professional development, The Association for Talent Development (ATD) also provides a comprehensive certification – Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPLP). It covers various topics relating to talent development across multiple skill sets and aptitudes.

The program can be accessed in-person, online, or through weekend workshops, or students may self-study using ATD resources. The exam is rigorous, and students are advised to prepare well in advance; many report taking six to nine months to study.

Who it’s for: HR and talent development professionals who want to continue building their talent development capabilities.

Eligibility requirements: Must have five years of related work experience and deep knowledge of employee talent development principles.

Cost of program: The CPLP preparation course is $1,895 for non-members, with the option to add a two-day workshop for $495 more. Members of ATD are eligible for discounts.

8. Human Resource Information Professional (HRIP) by the International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM)

Program overview: The International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM) has built a global reputation for HRIT and HRIS professionals. They offer several options for continuing education and a full-fledged certification program for the Human Resources Information Professional (HRIP). This certification focuses on the generalized competencies of HR professionals and their understanding of HR information management. The exam can be taken via live online proctoring.

Who it’s for: IHRIM suggests that this certification is ideal for someone with three to five years of professional experience, a post-secondary degree, other formally recognized HR training, or professionals who want a deeper understanding of HRIS or the technologies they work heavily with daily.

Eligibility requirements: There are no requirements to participate.

Cost of program: IHRIM offers three packages for this certification. Ranging from the exam only ($445) to the full package of learning materials, new member fee, and the exam for the HRIP certification costs ($110).

9. Certified HR Manager (CHRM) by HR University

Program overview: HR University is an HR education platform offering learning programs that are a compilation of on-demand, expert-led video courses, and interactive learning techniques. HR University allows professionals to further their knowledge and break into a career as an HR professional or deepen specific knowledge on HR topics such as people analytics on their own schedule.

The Certified HR Manager (CHRM) track consists of 90 lessons, including assignments, case studies, and quizzes.

Who it’s for: Anyone who aims to start or progress in their HR management career.

Eligibility requirements: There are no requirements to participate.

Cost of program: For one certification, in this case, CHRM, the program cost is $199. For a full catalog with the possibility of six certifications, the cost is $499. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee.

How to finance your HR certification

Investing in your career doesn’t always have to come out of your own pocket. Continuous learning and certifications are often excellent investments for your company. Some companies might have a policy already for a learning and development budget. Inquire with your manager about what your company offers.

If your company doesn’t have anything specific, there are a few steps that you can take to help get the conversation going about having your employer sponsor your new certification.

FAQ

Have questions? We’ve got answers about HR certification programs! Before you enroll in any program, here is what you need to know.

What is an HR certification?

HR certification helps you gain new knowledge, skills, and experience through courses, assignments, and exams and demonstrate this to your (potential) employer. It is a popular way of career advancement for HR professionals.

Why is HR certification important?

While earning one or more of these HR credentials is no substitute for work experience and a college degree, HR certification proves to others that you are dedicated to the field of Human Resources and continuous learning.

Earning an HR certification through any of these organizations speaks volumes in that you are interested in developing skills and competencies to become more effective in your career. The value of a certification varies, depending on if an accredited educational institute issues it and if it’s approved for learner credits.

Is it worth getting an HR certificate?

The goal of learning for the sake of learning is always a great attitude to have when thinking about career development. However, when certification is involved, this can help set you apart from others in your organization or other candidates you might be running against.

What’s more, HR certifications can also help boost your pay and earn promotions.

What are the most common HR certifications?

The most common HR certifications include the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI).

As you grow into your career and find areas you want to learn more about or expand your knowledge on, specialized certifications like those from AIHR become increasingly beneficial; think of areas of HR like People Analytics, DEIB, and Talent Acquisition.

Which is the best HR certification?

What the best HR certification is for you depends on your individual needs and career objectives. There is no one-size-fits-all for all Human Resources professionals.

Here are some recommendations on how to decide on the best HR certification for you: Starting, you may want a certification that can lead to skills that will help you land your first HR job. This extra effort will position you well for any career in HR. Once you get more experience, an advanced HR certification can greatly benefit your professional growth and income. Keep in mind that HR certification is much more convenient to earn today through online learning.

How long does it take to get HR certification?

That depends on the course you’re taking. For example, if a course is 40 hours long and you dedicate four hours a week, then you will be done in 10 weeks. However, getting some HR certifications might take a couple of months or even years. Decide what you can commit to before selecting an HR certification program.

When you decide to get an HR certification, make sure to commit to studying. You can block time off your calendar or set progress milestones for yourself.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest HR news, trends, and resources.

Weekly update

Stay up-to-date with the latest news, trends, and resources in HR

Tess C. Taylor

As a veteran of the Human Resources and professional development industries, Tess C. Taylor, SHRM-CP, PHR, CCC, CPC; Founder of HR Knows, is known for making the complex simpler to understand when it comes to HR and learning topics.