HR Certifications: Types, Benefits, and Opportunities

In today's ever-changing business landscape, the role of human resources professionals has become increasingly vital. HR professionals oversee a myriad of organizational operations, including recruiting, employee acquisition and termination, benefits, compensation, and conflict resolution. In recent years, human resources roles have adapted to changes in remote and hybrid work, HR technology, and employee well-being and diversity initiatives. Working in human resources can be challenging but also deeply rewarding. 

A successful career in HR typically begins with earning a degree in human resource management or a similar field. HR certifications complement a degree by providing evidence of an individual’s professional commitment and expertise. Read on to learn about the top HR certifications and discover how they can help HR workers stand out in a competitive job market, polish their skills, and qualify for advanced positions. Whether you’re a prospective student or a working professional, human resources certifications can benefit you in a multitude of ways. 

What Are HR Certifications? 

Professional certifications are official declarations of a person’s proficiency in a specific domain. These credentials signify to employers and colleagues that an individual has taken extra steps to gain specialized knowledge and skills in their field. Many certifications have prerequisites such as a bachelor's or master's degree or a certain amount of professional experience. The process of earning an HR certification can vary. Candidates may need to complete coursework or training programs covering specific HR functions or engage in ongoing professional development or continuous learning programs. Most HR certifications require candidates to pass an examination to demonstrate their aptitude. Exams cover essential topics such as organizational development, talent acquisition, strategic leadership, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). Once an individual has met the certification requirements and passed the exam, they can display their certificate on their résumé, LinkedIn profile, professional website, or portfolio. Respected authorities in the human resources field, such as the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), offer HR certifications as well as valuable networking and professional development opportunities.

Why Do HR Certifications Matter? 

Recent graduates and seasoned professionals alike often wonder whether earning an HR certification is worth the time and energy required. They have questions like “What can you do with a human resources certificate?” and “Do employers always require certification?” While professional certifications can benefit many other careers, certifications in the human resources field are especially crucial for the following reasons:

• Employability. Some HR positions require candidates to hold certain certifications to prove that they have the capabilities needed to fulfill the job responsibilities. However, even when not required, certifications can help applicants stand out from their competition. HR certifications indicate to employers that a job candidate is committed to their profession.
• Keeping pace with industry changes. Human resources tools, techniques, and policies change frequently, and HR professionals must quickly adapt to evolving conditions. Obtaining professional certifications is an effective way to remain informed and up to date. 
• Skill development. In a field that’s always evolving, HR certifications help professionals augment their skills and stay ahead of the curve. Each certification addresses specific competencies so professionals can find the certifications that best match their experience and career ambitions. Certifications can help professionals develop skills in leadership, communication, management, reporting, HR strategy, teamwork, and other HR essentials.
• Increased earning potential. Certification in any industry, including human resources, can significantly impact salary potential. Using a statistical model that compared salaries, PayScale determined that having an HR certification is associated with a pay boost of 31.6%. While not a guarantee of higher pay, HR certifications can help professionals qualify for advanced positions.  
• Ensuring legal compliance. Human resources professionals often manage high-stakes legal matters. Earning HR certifications can help professionals learn valuable information about how to navigate employment laws, regulatory issues, health and safety concerns, and workplace discrimination concerns. 

Which HR Certifications Should I Get?

There are several different types of HR certifications, each tailored to meet the needs of HR practitioners at various points in their careers. Some certifications require significant education and experience, while others cater to entry-level HR professionals. HR certifications also vary in terms of scope and content, with some focusing on HR fundamentals and others delving into advanced skills within a particular HR domain. Professionals should research their options and pursue the certifications that best align with their long-term career goals. 

Professional in Human Resources (PHR) 

The HRCI Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification is designed for HR professionals, such as HR specialists and coordinators, with experience in operational human resources roles. The eligibility requirements for this certification vary depending on the candidate’s educational background: Candidates without a degree must have four years of experience in a professional HR role, while those with a bachelor’s degree need two years of experience. Candidates with a master’s degree only need one year of professional HR experience to qualify for PHR certification.  

To become certified, candidates must pass a 90-question exam focusing on employee and labor relations, workforce planning and talent acquisition, HR information management, and other technical and operational aspects of HR. PHP certifications are valid for three years. By earning the PHR certification, HR professionals can deepen their understanding of HR best practices and qualify for a wider range of job opportunities. 

Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

The SPHR certification is designed for HR professionals in strategic and policy-making roles. Professionals can qualify for this certification if they have a minimum of four years of HR experience and a master’s degree, five years of experience and a bachelor's degree, or seven years of experience with no degree. The SPHR exam is a comprehensive assessment that examines an individual's expertise in various areas, including leadership and strategy, talent management, workforce planning and talent acquisition, employee benefits and compensation, and information management. Upon successfully completing the exam, professionals are certified for three years. They can earn HR and business certification credits or retake the exam to maintain certification.  

SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

The Society for Human Resource Management offers valuable educational resources, networking opportunities, and SHRM certifications. Through extensive research, the organization developed the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK), which serves as a comprehensive framework for the HR field and the basis of SHRM certification exam questions. Professionals and educators worldwide use the BASK as a guide to create professional development programs and learning systems.

The SHRM-CP certification is geared toward professionals in operational roles who perform general HR duties as well as students pursuing human resources management roles. Individuals don’t need a degree or a certain amount of professional HR experience to qualify for this certification, making it an ideal HR certification for beginners. However, the SHRM-CP exam is extensive, so candidates should be familiar with fundamental HR practices and principles before taking the exam. The certification assessment includes knowledge-based questions that assess individuals’ understanding of HR functions as well as situational judgment questions that evaluate decision-making in real-world scenarios. 

SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

While the SHRM-CP certification is well-suited for students and entry-level professionals in operational-level positions, SHRM-SCP is targeted toward experienced HR practitioners in strategic-level roles. Ideal candidates are those with experience developing HR policies and procedures, overseeing HR operations, or aligning HR strategies to organizational goals. SHRM-SCP certification requires at least three years of professional experience, but there are no educational requirements. To earn the SHRM-SCP certification, candidates must pass a four-hour, 134-question SCP exam, which includes knowledge-based and situational questions. Earning the SHRM-SCP certification indicates that an individual is proficient in advanced HR competencies. This can increase their chances of attaining senior-level positions. 

Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR)

The HRCI aPHR certification is designed for entry-level HR professionals as well as non-HR professionals who want to enhance their knowledge of HR policies, techniques, and procedures. Many managers in non-HR roles pursue aPHR certification so they can understand human resources essentials and become better leaders. Because it’s designed for individuals with little to no HR experience, there are no prerequisites for aPHR certification. To become aPHR certified, candidates must pass a 65-question exam covering fundamentals such as compliance and risk management, employee prrelations, and talent acquisition. The certification is valid for three years, with various options for recertification. 

Earn an Online HR Degree from WGU with Certifications Included

Human resources is a fast-growing and competitive field. If you’re interested in becoming an HR professional or advancing to the next level in your career, an online human resources degree from WGU can help. WGU degrees are designed with input from industry experts, and our competency-based education model allows you to progress more quickly through courses by showing mastery of the material. At WGU, you can earn a B.S. in Business Administration–Human Resource Management or an M.S. in Human Resource Management that equips you with the essential HR and business skills you need to excel. The master’s degree program contains a WGU certificate in HR Technology and Analytics for Decision Making, as well as the opportunity to earn the SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture specialty credential. Our HR degrees are fully aligned with the SHRM and HRIC, so by completing WGU coursework, you’re simultaneously preparing to pass certification exams at no extra time or cost.

WGU students enrolled in HR degree programs are also eligible to join our SHRM Virtual Student Chapter, which provides an avenue for students to gain SHRM certification, make connections, build their résumés, and find job opportunities. Get started today!