Why seek HRIS certification?
Staying knowledgeable about current HR software and trends is critical for keeping your workforce dynamic and current on best practices. Understanding HR tech and HR technology is essential for HR professionals to stay ahead in the evolving HR landscape and to effectively leverage new systems and solutions. Ensure your teams are analytical HR experts by directing them to a leading HRIS certification program.
What types of HRIS certificates are available?
HR information systems are dynamic and complex, and there are plenty of focuses for a professional HR specialist to choose from. Different certifications are offered with the exact type of training needed to benefit your company. HRIS related courses and training on various HRIS platforms are available, and selecting the right HRIS certification depends on your career goals and familiarity with specific platforms. Check out some of the best HRIS certifications available from the top three professional HR education organizations today.
Senior Certified Professional SHRM-SCP – SHRM
Earning the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential affirms that an HR employee is a proficient director capable of implementing policies that meet industry standards and follow best practices. This exam tests individuals’ knowledge of HR operations including managing a thriving workforce and leading the company towards its goals.
The SHRM-SCP is based on the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK), which outlines core HR knowledge areas and behavioral competencies required for senior HR professionals.
The exam comes with a free guidebook and practice questions to help test-takers succeed. The SHRM-SCP focuses on developing and implementing HR strategies, aligning HR policies with organizational goals, and leading performance management initiatives within the organization.
Cost: Starts at $400 for non-members
Program duration: The online test takes four hours and asks 134 questions.
Requirements to test: There are no educational requirements, but applicants must be able to prove they work at least 1,000 calendar hours per year in a strategic-level HR position. This includes HR consultant positions.
Recertification period: The exam can be retaken after three years to recertify, or individuals can earn 60 credit hours in that time frame.
Certified Professional SHRM-CP – SHRM
This HRIS certification, known as the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), is a knowledge-based credential that verifies entry-level HR professionals possess a general understanding of HR principles and procedures. This certificate is designed for those without a degree or professional experience and can lend credibility to new team members who want to advance in their HR careers. The SHRM-CP exam emphasizes operational aspects of HR, including day-to-day HR functions and processes. This exam can be taken remotely or at a certified testing center.
Cost: $300 for members with early bird pricing, $475 is the standard fee for non-members. Membership costs $219 annually.
Program duration: Tests take four hours and ask 134 questions.
Requirements to test: This entry-level certification holds no educational or employment prerequisites.
Recertification period: Recertification is required every three years, either through retesting or earning 60 recertification credits.
Human Resource Information Professional (HRIP) Certification – IHRIM
The HRIP certification, which stands for Human Resources Information Program, focuses on assessing the existing knowledge of HR professionals and is offered by the International Association for Human Resources Information Management (IHRIM). Successfully passing the HRIP certification exam demonstrates core HR competencies and an understanding of strategic resource utilization tactics. Those who pass the HRIP certification exam become HRIP certified, demonstrating expertise in HR information management and technology strategy. The exam can be taken online or at one of IHRIM’s global exam providers.
The HRIP certification exam is a comprehensive human resource exam covering HRIS technology, HR processes, and technology strategy.
Cost: The course cost for IHRIM members is $445 and the test is $370. Non-members pay $555 with a $480 testing fee. Membership costs $200 for one year. Practice exams can be taken for $85 for members or $105 for non-members. Study packages are available for an extra cost.
Program length: This course is delivered through live Zoom sessions and recorded on-demand training. It is made up of six 60-minutes sessions, making this course relatively quick to complete. The test takes two hours to complete.
Requirements to test: There are no requirements to apply for the HRIP certificate, but applicants are recommended to have at least three to five years of professional experience before sitting for the exam.
Recertification period: This certificate lasts for three years from the date of the successful exam, and recertification is achieved by earning 60 credit hours or retaking the exam. An accurate log of hours and credit documentation must be kept by the certificate holder.
Associate Professional in Human Resources – International (aPHRi) Certification – HRCI
Created for entry-level HR professionals without higher education, the aPHRi certification is a knowledge based credential that tests for the applicants’ knowledge of generally accepted HR practices, HR management systems, employee relations and safety. The knowledge required to pass this test can be applied to any locality, and the exam is offered in both English and Arabic. This program is offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI).
The aPHR certification evaluates candidates on generally accepted technical and operational HR principles, ensuring foundational understanding of core HR concepts for those new to the field.
Cost: $300 plus $100 exam fee
Program length: The exam takes one hour and 45 minutes and asks 90 questions, mostly multiple-choice.
Requirements to test: This knowledge-based certification has no prerequisites.
Recertification period: HRCI exams can be recertified after three years by retesting or earning recertification credits.
Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification – HRCI
Those who want to validate their professional HR experience can seek PHR certification. The brunt of this exam covers employee and labor relations. Business management is also covered, as well as learning, development and talent acquisition. The PHR certification focuses on operational HR principles, risk management, and the daily HR tasks performed by HR professionals. Passing this exam shows a professional is competent in best practices for risk mitigation, ethical modeling and behavioral expectations. There are also questions that focus on HR system tools and their implementation.
Cost: $395 and a $100 application fee
Program duration: This certificate is given upon completion of a two-hour, 115-question exam.
Requirements to test: Professionals seeking this certificate need at least four years of experience in a professional level HR position with a high school diploma or GED, two years of experience in a professional level HR position with a bachelor’s degree, or one year of experience in a professional level HR position with a master’s degree.
Recertification period: Certification must be renewed after three years by retesting or earning 60 recertification credits.
Senior Professionals in Human Resources – International (SPHRi) Certification – HRCI
Offered by HRCI, the SPHRi certification is designed to verify the skills of senior HR leaders and information analysts. The all-inclusive exam includes a mix of business leadership training, talent development and management, HR services delivery and data measurement and analysis. This certificate verifies the talent and knowledge of HR professionals with a focus on core HR systems that can be applied regardless of geographic location, as well as intimate knowledge of local regulations. The SPHRi is designed for HR professionals working in a single international setting and is considered one of the advanced certifications in the HR field. Interested parties can also test for a US-based SPHR certification with more focus on federal and state laws.
Cost: $495 with a $100 application fee
Program duration: This certificate is given upon completion of a 150-question exam.
Requirements to test: Must have a master’s degree or global equivalent and four or more years of professional experience in the HR field, a bachelor’s degree and five years experience, or a minimum of seven years of experience.
Recertification period: The SPHRi certificate is valid for three years, and can be renewed by earning 60 credits, at least 15 of which must be in business management.
Global Professional HR (GPHR) Certification – HRCI
Sharpen your HR leader’s skills with high-level training in strategic global human resources standards. The exam covers global mobility and talent management in addition to questions on workplace culture, risk rewards and compliance. The GPHR certification also covers human capital management, the development of global HR strategies, and the strategic implementation of HR initiatives across borders. Those taking this online exam will need to answer 125 mostly multiple-choice questions. This exam can be purchased with prep materials to help ensure the success of your team’s testing.
Cost: $495, plus a $100 application fee
Program length: The exam lasts two hours and 45 minutes. Exam materials can be purchased and studied for as long as needed prior to taking the exam.
Requirements to test: Applicants need a master’s degree and a professional HR position for two years, a bachelor’s degree and three years in a professional position or four years as a professional with only a high school diploma.
Recertification period: This certification lasts for three years and can be recertified online by retaking the exam or earning 60 credits, 15 of which must be in global business practices.
Can I require employees to earn HRIS certification?
Yes — each company is responsible for determining the qualifications of their employees. If you choose to ask your current employees to earn HRIS certification in order to stay at their position, you must allow adequate resources and time to allow them to do so.
Requiring HRIS certification can also support employees’ career advancement by validating their expertise and opening up new opportunities for professional growth.
Can I save on training and certification fees by purchasing group-testing packages?
Depending on the organization, you may be able to bundle training materials and exam fees if you want to certify multiple employees. Both SHRM and HRCI offer group testing packages for companies needing five or more certifications, and IHRIM offers corporate membership bundles.
