Why should I become certified?
Certification sets you apart as a true professional.
By obtaining a certification in human resources, you demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills vital to human resource management.
You gain national recognition.
Once you have acquired your HR certification, you can use your earned designation on your business cards and all of your business correspondence. You are recognized as a human resource professional with sufficient experience and knowledge to pass a comprehensive certification exam based on the vast body of knowledge that comprises the human resource field.
Certification is essential to your career.
Worldwide there are more than 145,000 certified HR professionals, with thousands more certifying each year. Certification is increasingly being recognized as an essential standard for human resource managers. Many companies already limit employment in human resource management positions to those who are certified professionals.
Benefits of holding an HR certification.
A recent study found that certified HR professionals often receive higher salaries, report higher career satisfaction, have greater potential for promotions, and are more likely to be employed full time in comparison with those not certified.
What HR certifications are available?
HRCI offers several human resource certifications. The PHR (Professional in Human Resources) and the SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) have been available for decades. The PHRca (Professional in Human Resources, California) was released in 2007. Two international certifications, the PHRi ((Professional in Human Resources International) and the SPHRi (Senior Professional in Human Resources International) became available in 2013. The newest certification, the aPHR (Associate Professional in Human Resources), was released in 2016.
The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) granted accreditation to the HRCI’s certification programs, PHR, PHRca, and SPHR for demonstrating compliance with the NCCA Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs. NCCA is the accrediting body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. The NCCA accreditation further validates the credibility of HRCI’s certifications. It makes the HR profession and the public aware of the standards and requirements that HRCI meet. It also shows that HRCI is committed to high standards.
How do I obtain a certification in human resources?
You need to make three decisions on your journey to obtaining an HR certification.
- You must first decide which HR certification to pursue. Please visit HRCI’s website to help you determine the right exam for you.
- Next, you need to decide when you will take the exam. Most individuals spend two to four months preparing to take the certification exam. To register for the exam, please visit HRCI’s website.
- Finally, you will need to decide how to prepare for the exam. HR Girlfriends offers an 8-week virtual course for those looking to sit for the aPHR certification exam. More information about the Spring & Fall 2017 courses can be found HERE. We recommend using the HRCP Program that corresponds with the certification exam you plan to take. Since 1995 HRCP has helped thousands successfully prepare for HRCI certification exams. HR Girlfriends members receive a discount on study material. Join the community HERE.
You can learn more about Human Resource Certification at HRCI’s web site.
