Many of us believe of HR as the people in charge of appointing open positions within an industry, but it's much more than that. Skill acquisition is just one aspect; many HR professionals are also tasked with employee onboarding and practice, assessing performance, handling of employee compensation and advantages, and higher-level policy and policy development. These liabilities are essential to the prosperity of an organization and obtaining a respected Human Resources certification benefits; you confirm you've got the capabilities to manage the job.
Although certification is optional, it can convince professional expertise and reliability, and it may upgrade advancement opportunities. Many organizations prefer to hire certified professionals, and some positions may require certification. Here are five human resources certifications presented by the HR Certification Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
This certification concentrates on program implementation, tactics, and operational adjustment as well as U.S. laws and laws related to HR practices. HR professionals who hold this PHR certification are generally responsible to another HR professional within the organization and have responsibilities concentrating on the HR department rather than the company as a whole.
Exam Structure: PHR Certification needs a passing grade on a computer-based test (175 multiple-choice questions). The test takes almost three hours and is valid for three years if passed. Recertification needs either documented professional development hours or an exam retake.
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
SPHR certification is designed for senior HR managers who have comprehended the tactical and policy-making perspectives of HR. The center is on big-picture planning and is geared toward those who have utmost responsibility in the HR department.
Exam Structure: Fulfillment of a 175-question, multiple-choice exam is required for initial certification. Recertification needs a demonstration of continuing professional development hours or retaking the SPHR exam.
SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
SHRM-CP certification is for HR professionals who execute policies and approaches, serve as a point of reference for employees and stakeholders, convey HR services, and complete operational HR tasks.
It is comparable to the HR Certification Institute’s PHR: Professional in Human Resources certification. The certification includes topics such as leadership and navigation, business acumen, ethical practice, relationship management, consultation, communication, global and cultural effectiveness, and critical evaluation.
Exam Structure: The SHRM-CP exam comprises 130 questions, which are a blend of knowledge and situational judgment questions. SHRM membership is not needed for certifications. View eligibility requirements.
SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
SHRM-SCP certification concentrates on generating plans and leadership in HR and is well suited for senior HR professionals. Topics in SHRM-SCP certification include performance metrics, analysis, and developing ongoing organizational goals. It is alike to the Senior Professional in Human Resources certification.
Exam Structure: The SHRM-SCP exam comprises 150 scored questions, both knowledge-based and situational judgment-based. SHRM membership is not expected for certifications.
Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR)
The aPHR is a global certification intended especially for professionals just starting their careers in human resources and is the first certification to do so. It concentrates on helping learners learn both the tactical and operational responsibilities that are related to human resources and workforce administration.
Exam Structure: The aPHR certification exam comprises of 100 multiple-choice questions and 25 pretest questions which you have to complete in two hours. Upon completion, certification is valid for three years after testing and can be kept by demonstrating a minimum of 45 recertification credits or by retaking the aPHR exam.
HR Promotions for Certified Human Resource professionals
Human resources careers are presently expanding as numbers of organizations which are recovering from the business recession are hiring in new employees. Higher demand for proficient human resources assistants, generalists, and managers are perceived than ever before. It is expected of these human resource professionals to staff these organizations with the best value-adding applicants. The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) forecasts that by 2024, the market for human resources professionals will increase by 9%. The increasing competition for this job will allow certified HR professionals to stand out from the crowd.
HR professionals who have achieved Human Resource certifications also receive more promotions and gain career advancement more speedily than their uncertified colleagues. For instance, the percentage of HR employees getting a promotion progressed considerably with Human Resources certification. For professionals at the HR associate level, 63% of professionals with certification was promoted to HR administrator while only 34% of non-certified employees were promoted.
Promotions from HR management to HR generalist came in at 57 percent for certified employees and 27 percent for non-certified employees. As people proceed in their HR careers, more and more employees have industry certifications. At the vice president position, 42% of people leading these positions are certified HR professionals. 39% of employees with the title of HR director and 30% of HR managers hold a certification.
Earning HR certifications gives you the opportunity to confirm competence, credibility, experience, and commitment to the organization.