Human resource credentials

Human resources certification programs help participants develop their skills and knowledge regarding human relations management. When recruiting your next hire for the HR department, consider including HR credentials in your job description alongside any preferred educational requirements.

Whether you’re starting an HR department or aiming to educate your current team, human resource certificate programs are available for all skill and experience levels. If you opt for skills-based hiring, these programs can instill valuable skills for your next hire. You may look for the following HR certifications in candidates’ resumes.

1. Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR)

Offered by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI), the aPHR program helps students learn the basics of HR management and accrue experience that may help them secure a position. The program focuses on HR operations, employee relations, recruitment and other related subjects.

2. Professional in Human Resources (PHR)

The PHR program is intended for individuals with a degree who want to advance their professional standing and education. This certificate focuses on employee and labor relations, talent planning and acquisition.

3. Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

The SPHR certificate focuses on strategic business leadership management for HR executives. Learning, total rewards, acquisition and strategy make up this curriculum.

4. Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)

This program is for high-level executives who want to develop their expertise in multinational operations. The curriculum focuses on strategic global human relations, mobility and talent acquisition, and students learn the best practices to help companies grow internationally.

5. SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP

HR professionals who primarily handle operations can benefit from the SHRM-CP certification through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The SHRM-SCP certification covers decision-making responsibilities, including planning and overseeing HR operations.

6. Executive Master of Human Resource Management (EMHRM)

This 15-month online program teaches executives how to advance into senior HR positions. Courses include HR analytics for business decisions, competitive advantage and profitability, strategic positioning in markets and HR strategy combined with organizational strategy.

7. HR Analytics Certificate

Those wanting to advance their career in data analytics in human relations can apply for this 3.2-credit certificate from Cornell University. Students learn to recognize, organize and analyze data with a cost-based approach to effectively manage budgets and make informed decisions.

8. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for HR

Managing a diverse workforce requires strategic cultural efforts. Those with a Diversity and Inclusion HR certificate are trained to support the department and workplace with initiatives to encourage an inclusive work culture.

9. Human Resources Management

Professionals with this certification may gain a holistic foundation in the core principles of human resources management. Classes include driving engagement for HR, consulting, navigating labor relations and facilitating staffing decisions.

10. HR Transformation

This certification program is designed for HR professionals to provide a people-focused view of operations and teach how to build meaningful relationships with employees, collaborators and clients. Classes include using design thinking in HR, finding and managing talent through social media and creating and sustaining remote work programs.

11. Strategic Human Resources Leadership

Strategic thinking and organizational competency are critical to efficient HR operations. The subjects include strategic talent analytics and engagement, ways to get results through talent management and diversity and inclusion practices in the workplace.

5 human resources certification providers

Here are some of the best HR certification providers to familiarize yourself with.

1. Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)

With over 45 years of experience, the HRCI is a trusted authority in human resources education. It offers industry-leading curriculums and special discounts for veterans. The courses are conveniently accessed through an online classroom, which offers eight certifications.

2. Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

SHRM is a global workplace advisory group dedicated to helping businesses grow with trends, new research and employee management tools, including samples and templates. It also offers human resource certificate programs for mid-tier and high-level HR professionals.

3. Cornell University Online Education

This university hosts business classes to educate corporate professionals. Its online initiative, eCornell, focuses on student success by keeping instructor-led classes small.

4. Villanova University

The online human resources management certificate from Villanova University is among the highest rated courses. The several available course programs provide 242-280 education hours. If your team members join a program at Villanova, consider its group student packages for a potential discount.

5. American Management Association (AMA)

AMA focuses on organizational strategies for improving returns, acquiring talent and decreasing negative management events. It also provides self-study and youth programs. The AMA has over 100 years of experience in the field. Its certification curriculum is overseen by an objective advisory board.

Frequently asked questions about human resources credentials

Do certifications need to be from accredited organizations?

Accredited schools have been thoroughly vetted and are trusted by HR managers, students and administrators worldwide. Standardized credentials prove a person meets generally accepted criteria to perform their job well. For this reason, it may be best to consider credentials from accredited organizations.

Why is the SHRM globally accepted for certification?

The SHRM has been in business for over 65 years, researching human resources practices and policies, using a global viewpoint and implementing the input of employers, professionals and academics. For this reason, the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certificates are widely used to train HR managers.

What does a typical HR hierarchy look like?

The HR department typically has multiple tiers of employees, each with different skills, education requirements and salary standards.

Some entry-level HR positions may include:

• Staffing coordinator: Staffing coordinators recruit and screen employees and may complete administrative tasks.
• Staffing specialist: A staffing specialist coordinates staff members, creating schedules and scheduling interviews. Their job duties include assisting in the hiring process, reviewing resumes and screening candidates.
• HR administrator: These human resource professionals maintain employee records, contracts and databases.

Mid-tier human resource positions typically include:

• HR supervisor: An HR supervisor may oversee the daily activities of their staff, manage payroll and lead training and other presentations.
• HR generalist: Focusing on the overall human resources department, an HR generalist supervises all HR processes, including employee relations and company policies.

Operating at the highest level within the department, these professionals may also have a master’s degree or specialized HR certifications.

• HR director: These professionals manage employee relations, payroll and budgeting.
• Vice president of HR: The vice president of HR typically tends to executive employee management needs and handles scheduling.