How To Get an HR Certification Without Experience (In 2024)
Are you dreaming of an HR career but lack experience? This post unveils the path to HR certification in 2024 and the steps you can take to develop your skills and become a certified HR professional.
Getting an HR certification with experience is possible! Various pathways and resources are available now to facilitate this journey, making HR certificates more accessible to individuals from different educational and career backgrounds.
Payscale noted that having an HR certification positively influences an HR professional’s chances of getting a promotion and salary hike. 82% of HR assistants surveyed said they have been promoted in the last 5 years. HR directors also reported increased chances of promotion if they had the proper HR credentials.
Contents
What is an HR certification?
Why get an HR certification for your HR career?
Do you need experience to get an HR certification?
Eligibility requirements for HR certifications
Steps to get HR certified without experience
What is an HR certification?
An HR certification is a credential that acknowledges a professional’s knowledge and skills in the Human Resources field. You receive a certificate after completing the training program and passing an exam offered by a reputable HR training organization, usually after gaining relevant work experience.
Human resource certifications educate HR professionals over a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:
- HR management: Strategic HR planning, workforce planning, organizational development, and change management.
- Talent acquisition: Recruitment, selection, onboarding, and retention strategies.
- Compensation and benefits: Salary administration, employee benefits, incentive programs, and compensation analysis.
- Employee relations: Conflict resolution, disciplinary procedures, grievance handling, and employee engagement.
- Learning and development: Training and development initiatives, training needs analysis, and performance management.
- Legal and compliance: Employment law, labor relations, diversity and inclusion, and regulatory compliance.
There are several HR certifications available to address different experience levels. Some certifications, like Professional in Human Resources (PHR), are appropriate for beginners. Others target more senior or experienced HR professionals, like Senior Professionals in Human Resources (SPHR).
Why get an HR certification for your HR career?
HR certifications are valuable investments in your career. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Validate your expertise: They signal to employers that you know HR principles and practices, making you an attractive candidate for HR positions.
- Boost your professional credibility: Employers and clients are likelier to trust you to do HR work because you’ve undergone professional development.
- Increase your chances of getting hired for an HR job: You have an edge over other applicants who don’t have formal HR credentials and are also applying for the same position.
- Can lead to new career opportunities: You can apply for senior, leadership, and management HR roles in your company or other organizations. In short, it can help you advance in your career and reach your long-term goals.
- Keeps you up-to-date within your profession: Completing HR certificate programs provides you with new ideas, best practices, and the latest trends in human resources. These programs expand your knowledge and skill set so you excel in various HR roles.
- Many HR certifications are globally recognized and respected by organizations: This is your advantage if you are looking for a job overseas. It makes you more marketable to employers and shows you can adapt to various HR environments.
- Provides networking opportunities: HR certifications give you the confidence to meet and network with industry experts and thought leaders in the human resources industry. AIHR offers a vibrant membership community where you can connect with HR professionals.
- Offers specialization opportunities: HR certifications offer courses in specific HR areas, such as recruitment, employee relations, compensation or benefits, or HR analytics. These courses give you an in-depth understanding of your chosen HR niche, which many employers value.
- Enhances your job security and stability during uncertain economic times: An HR certification helps you stay relevant and up-to-date within your expertise to remain competitive and valuable during industry changes.
Do you need experience to get an HR certification?
Experience is not always necessary to get an HR certification. Certification courses are available for individuals at different stages of their HR careers.
While some certifications require certain years or levels of experience, here are some alternative credentials you can obtain to qualify for certifications:
- Many HR certification courses accept candidates who have completed relevant education programs, such as undergraduate or graduate degrees in human resources, business administration, or related disciplines. In these courses, candidates learn HR foundations and basic skills.
- Once you have finished introductory HR courses, you can move on to more advanced courses that offer specialized training in HR fundamentals like legal compliance, workforce planning, and other key HR areas.
- Specific HR certifications are targeted towards entry-level professionals or recent graduates who are just starting their careers in HR. They often have minimal or no experience requirements, making them accessible to individuals new to human resources.
- Many HR certifications require candidates to pass examinations to demonstrate their knowledge and competency in HR principles and practices. While experience can benefit you as you prepare for the exam, it is not always a strict requirement.
- Some HR certifications require candidates to complete continuing education credits to maintain their certification status. These credits can be earned through workshops, seminars, webinars, and online courses.
- Some HR certifications may require candidates to pass skill-based assessments or practical exercises to measure their competencies instead of specific experience levels. It tests their abilities to apply their knowledge to real-world HR situations.
- Some human resource certifications accept alternative qualifications or experiences that show candidates’ readiness for certifications. This could include volunteer stints, internships, leadership positions in student organizations, or relevant extracurricular activities.
- Some companies offer career pathing programs or apprenticeships as part of their learning and development activities. Employees interested in working in HR are given hands-on training or mentoring opportunities to gain experience and practical skills to prepare for certification exams.
HR tip
There are various HR certifications, each with its own focus. Research what kind of HR role you’re interested in (e.g., Generalist Certificate Program, Compensation and Benefits Certification, Recruitment etc.,) and choose a certification aligned with that.
Eligibility requirements for HR certifications
Qualification for HR certifications is based on the specific certification courses and the certifying body administering the credential.
Here are common prerequisites and criteria that candidates must meet to become eligible for HR certifications, which include credits achieved from finishing HR certificate programs.
- The candidate must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some certifications require a bachelor’s degree in HR, business administration, or related fields. As part of the application process, the candidate may need to submit transcripts proving they completed their degree.
- Work experience requirements are based on the certification level and the certifying body. Entry-level certifications may have minimal or no experience requirements. Advanced certifications need several years of HR-related work experience. They must provide proof of their work history, including job titles, responsibilities, and duration of their employment.
- Candidates may earn credits or points towards certification by completing specific HR certificate programs that offer specialized training in HR fundamentals or legal compliance.
- Many HR certifications require candidates to earn continuing education credits to retain their certification status. Credits can be earned through professional development activities like online courses, workshops, seminars, webinars, and conferences. To remain certified, candidates must reach or accumulate a particular number of credits or points within a specific time frame.
- Candidates may enroll in exam preparation or study programs to prepare for HR certification exams. Certifying institutions, professional organizations, or third-party providers offer these programs. These courses help candidates review fundamental concepts, topics, and skills tested on the exam and may include study guides, practice exams, and interactive learning modules.
- Some certifying organizations require candidates to be members of professional associations to qualify for certification. Membership benefits include access to resources, networking opportunities, exam fee discounts, and certification program eligibility.
- When pursuing HR certifications, candidates should adhere to ethical standards and codes of conduct established by certifying bodies. They must agree to uphold principles of integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and fairness in their HR practices.
- Candidates must usually complete their application process. They must submit their transcript of educational records, resumes, and other work-related documentation. The application process verifies that candidates meet the eligibility requirements and are ready to pursue certification.
4 steps to get HR certified without experience
Gaining an HR certification without prior experience is a strategic way to enter the field of Human Resources. Here’s a roadmap to navigate this process:
1. Gain relevant HR skills
You can start building basic HR knowledge even if you have not gained formal HR experience. Be on the lookout for volunteer opportunities and internships to learn HR 101.
Consider working in customer service, administration, or any position focusing on people management and organizational skills, as these can also provide relevant experience.
2. Complete accredited HR certificate programs
Certificate programs educate candidates on the essential knowledge to get into HR and prepare them for certification exams. Research and select programs recognized in the HR industry (such as those offered by AIHR) or HRCI (HR Certification Institute).
Participate in forums, chats, and group discussions to network with your peers and make learning more effective. Try to apply what you have learned with your present job or through the program’s simulated projects. Once you complete the program, stay updated with new courses and workshops to know the latest HR practices.
Did you know?
AIHR holds accreditation as an HR program provider from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), and the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR). Members of these affiliated organizations who successfully complete AIHR’s accredited HR programs can earn SHRM credits, HRCI credits, CHRP certification, and CPHR certification.
3. Prepare for the certification test
Join study groups with your peers who are also preparing for the same examination so you get motivated and get help to understand complex topics. Use practice exams to familiarize you with the format and types of questions that will be asked in the test.
Reflect on practice test results so you’ll know what to improve. Create a study plan covering all topics discussed in the course. Use the recommended resources and materials so you are fully prepared.
4. Complete the application process for the certification exam
Be sure to meet the eligibility requirements for the certification you’re applying for, including education, certificate program completion, and sometimes work experience. Prepare all the documents, such as certificates of completion, IDs, and educational transcripts.
Follow the application process as outlined per the instruction of the certifying body, which typically includes filling out an application form and paying an exam fee. Monitor the status of your application.
HR tip
Once certified, maintain your credentials by attending workshops, seminars, and courses to earn the required continuing education credits. Stay updated on the renewal processes to ensure your certification is recovered.
How to get HR experience
For aspiring HR professionals looking to gain experience and broaden their expertise in the field, the following tips can help pave the way for a successful career in Human Resources:
- Cross-skilling within your organization: Volunteer on projects or tasks outside your job, like participating in recruitment events. Look for job opportunities in payroll or ER to understand how HR impacts these departments.
- Job shadowing: You can request to shadow HR staff in your company or through your work connections to gain hands-on experience in daily HR tasks and challenges. Learn about different aspects of HR, like benefits management, talent acquisition, or compliance, so you’ll know which one you’d like to specialize in.
- Joining professional HR associations: Join esteemed human resource associations like SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) or HRCI (HR Certification Institute) to access resources, workshops, and networking events. Be an active member by participating in seminars and conferences to build connections and stay informed about the latest industry trends and best practices.
- Applying for entry-level HR positions: Search for positions that serve as a stepping stone into the HR field, such as HR assistant or recruiter assistant roles, even if they require minimal experience. Arrange your resume to highlight relevant skills (communication skills, organizational skills) and HR-related experience like internships or volunteer work.
- Continued education: Enroll in HR certification programs or pursue a degree in human resources to gain comprehensive knowledge and credentials to enhance your resume. Attend webinars, take online courses, and read industry publications for the newest updates on the sector.
- Developing technology skills: Learn standard HR tools like application tracking systems (ATS), human resource information systems (HRIS), and employee performance management tools. Learn data analysis software, as HR is now gearing towards making data-driven decisions.
To sum up
Whether transitioning from a different career or stepping into the professional world for the first time, an HR certification can open doors and provide the necessary credibility and skills to embark on an HR career.
The key to success lies in choosing the right certification program that aligns with your career goals and leveraging the available learning tools, from online courses and workshops to immersive hands-on experiences like internships and volunteer work. These opportunities prepare you for certification exams and deepen your understanding of HR practices, making you a valuable asset to potential employers.
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