HR Certifications You Should Know

Human resource (HR) professionals are key contributors to corporate leadership and business success. Obtaining an HR certification can enhance your expertise, expand career opportunities and demonstrate your commitment to the field. But which HR certification is best for you, and how can you earn one online?

Below, we discuss the most recognized HR certifications, explain how to get certified and explore how HR certifications contribute to professional growth and leadership development.

Why HR Certifications Matter in Today’s Job Market

Human resource certifications are qualifications that prove that an HR professional is competent in a specific, niche area of the field. HR certifications verify that HR professionals have the advanced skills required to work in certain settings, allowing individuals to advance their careers and explore opportunities in a wide range of industries. However, numerous HR certifications are available, so it’s important for professionals in human resources to identify the certification programs that best align with their professional strengths and their career goals.

The benefits of earning HR certifications online include:

Enhancing Career Opportunities

As you begin to build your HR resume, certification programs can help you gain a competitive edge in the job market. Completing HR certifications adds significant value to your resume when it comes to standing out in a crowded pool of candidates for more advanced HR positions. If you want to gain access to a specific industry or take your career on a new path, you may find that an HR certification online program is the next best step.

Building Credibility in Human Resources

Available industry HR certifications enable you to establish expertise in HR practices, in turn giving you more credibility in the field. If you are interested in pursuing corporate leadership opportunities, HR certification programs could help you develop the advanced skills and knowledge for these high-level positions.

Top HR Certifications You Should Know

There are a variety of HR certification online programs from which to choose, but a few stand out as some of the best HR certifications in the industry. Depending on your HR career goals, the following are a few of the top HR certifications to be aware of:

SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers two certification programs, both of which are recognized as some of the leading qualifications in the HR field. The SHRM certifications include:

• Society for Human Resource Management – Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
• Society for Human Resource Management – Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

These HR certifications are universally recognized as two of the top programs in the industry, and they equip professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue HR leadership positions.

• To be eligible for the SHRM-CP certification program, you must be currently working in a position in which you perform general HR duties or be enrolled in an HR degree program. This program is designed for those with a general understanding of the best HR practices.
• To be eligible for the SHRM-SCP certification program, you need to have had at least three years of professional experience in an HR position in which you have strategic HR responsibilities, or have held the SHRM-CP credential for at least three years.

Advantages of these credentials include not only improving your industry knowledge and expertise but also the potential to elevate your HR career and earning potential.

PHR and SPHR (HRCI)

The Human Resources Certificate Institute (HRCI) offers two leading HR certifications:

• Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

The PHR certification is designed for HR professionals who have operational experience in human resources. You may be eligible for this certification program if you have a combination of:

• One year of experience in an HR position and a master’s degree
• Two years of experience in an HR position and a bachelor’s degree
• Four years of professional experience in HR

The SPHR certification is tailored to experienced HR professionals who want to focus on strategic HR policy development rather than HR policy implementation. To be eligible for this certification, you need at least either:

• Four years of experience in a professional HR role plus a master’s degree
• Five years of professional HR experience plus a bachelor’s degree
• Seven years of experience in a professional HR position

These HR certifications allow you to showcase your competency in the field as well as prove your ability to implement strategic HR plans and policies, mitigate risks and deliver results for your organization.

aPHR

The Associate Professional in Human Resources certification, or aPHR, is another HR certification offered by the HRCI. It is a first-of-its-kind certification program designed to accelerate the pathway toward an HR career. You do not need any HR experience to be eligible for this credential, as it is a knowledge-based certification program. You may be eligible for this program if you currently hold an entry-level HR position or are in a non-HR position but want to begin a new career path in this field.

How to Get HR Certification Online

Pursuing an HR certification online is the preferred option among most HR professionals because the digital format offers the flexibility they need to balance their professional responsibilities and certification coursework. Understanding how to get an HR certification online can help you prioritize your credentials and improve your career prospects.

Online HR Schools and Programs

Institutions like Bryant & Stratton College offer online HR degrees that allow you to develop the foundational knowledge and core HR skills required to pursue certifications throughout your career. Both the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Human Resources Specialist program and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Human Resources program are designed to support certification readiness and your new career, online.

Preparing for the Exam

Regardless of the certification program you choose, you will likely have to pass an examination at the end in order to become certified. Many HR certification online programs offer study resources to help professionals prepare for their exams. In most cases, you will have to register for the exam in advance.

Which Is the Best HR Certification for You?

With a number of HR certifications to choose from, it’s wise to consider a variety of factors — including your professional experience and your career goals — when selecting an online program.

Choosing Based on Career Goals

Most certification programs are intended to equip professionals with industry-specific skills, so it’s essential to pursue one that aligns with your desired specialization or focus and overall career goals. For instance, there are HR certifications for corporate leadership, recruitment or compliance roles.

Certification Levels and Career Stages

Within the HR field, certification programs are often designed for professionals with varying levels of experience. Certifications are available for entry-level HR professionals (such as the aPHR certification) as well as those for mid-level and advanced HR professionals, such as the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certifications.

The Role of HR Certifications in Business Leadership

HR certifications allow experienced professionals to hone advanced skills, giving them the opportunity to pursue higher-level positions in human resources. Not to mention, those who pursue HR certifications can be more attractive candidates for leadership positions.

Shaping Corporate Leadership

The skills that HR certifications focus on enable industry professionals to develop an advanced understanding of HR strategy and its role in the business landscape. As a result, certified HR professionals are often better prepared to lead and make a direct impact on organizational strategy and workplace culture.

Advancing Your Role in the Business World

Across nearly every industry, businesses and corporations need HR professionals in their corner who know how to create and implement effective HR strategies. The HR certifications available today allow HR specialists and managers to align their professional skills with broader business and corporate goals, ultimately expanding their access to unique opportunities in the field.

Considering a Career in Human Resources? Learn More at Bryant & Stratton College

As a go-to way to demonstrate expertise and contribute to corporate leadership, HR certifications are a key step for advancing your career in human resources. No matter if you’re just starting out or aiming for a leadership position, earning a quality, industry-relevant education online (or on campus) is easier than ever. Explore how the AAS in Human Resources Specialist and BBA in Human Resources programs at Bryant & Stratton College can prepare you for HR success in the modern business environment.

Request more information about our HR degree programs today.