The Beginners Guide to Human Resources Certification

Human resource is a broad field, but it can be broken down into three main areas: talent acquisition, workforce management, and people development. This article will provide you with the basics of what HR work entails and information on how to become certified in this particular discipline. Today’s talent market is more competitive than it has ever been, making it tough to distinguish out in the employment market. As a result, human Resources certifications are becoming more popular for HR professionals to get an advantage. The credential also provides prospects for job progression and pay raises. This tutorial will walk you through every Human Resources certification process step.

What does it mean to be certified in human resources?

Human resources certification is a distinction given to HR professionals that demonstrates they have gained the necessary knowledge and abilities to do their job. Advanced degrees are not required for human resources certification. However, it may be achieved in addition to or instead of them. Two leading HR membership organizations offer certification:

The HR Certification Institute is a non-profit organization that certifies people (HRCI). For more than 40 years, this institution has provided certification. More than 500,000 HR professionals have been accredited by the organization, which has over 100 countries. HRCI provides at least eight distinct certifications, some of which we’ll go through in more detail in the next section.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to (SHRM). The Society is the world’s most prominent professional development organization for human resource professionals. The organization’s certification program began in 2014, and there are presently two kinds of HR certificates available.

HR Certification Fundamentals

It’s not always easy to figure out which HR certification to pursue. However, understanding the many sorts of HR certifications, their criteria, and who they are for should clear up the majority of the ambiguity.

Human Resources Associate Professional (aPHR) 

The Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) is an entry-level certification offered by the HRCI for newcomers. This certification takes a broad rather than in-depth approach to HR as part of its attractiveness. Learners are introduced to various fundamental HR principles, including recruitment and selection, operations, employee relations, health, safety, security, and pay and benefits. The aPHR also has no criteria for education or HR experience, making it ideal for people just starting their careers. The aPHR exam is 2 hours and 15 minutes long and includes a 25-question pretest and 100-question exam. The majority of them are multiple-choice questions. For three years, the certification is valid. After that, you’ll need to obtain 45 recertification credits in three years to keep your accreditation. You may register for the exam online or at a nearby test center. The test is offered all year and costs $100 to apply and $300 for the exam.

Human Resource Management Expert (PHR) 

The HR Certification Institution also offers the Professional in Human Resources, which is considered a step up from the aPHR. This credential is undoubtedly worth looking into if you are an HR assistant or administrator trying to further your career.

This certification covers both technical and operational aspects of HR management and corporate management, and US laws and regulations. The qualifying conditions are a bit more stringent than those of the aPHR and include the following:

• A master’s degree or higher is required, and at least one year of HR experience.
• A bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience are required.
• HR experience of at least four years is required.

To take the exam, you need to satisfy one of the requirements listed above. There are 25 pretest questions and 90 scored questions in the exam. The majority of these questions are, once again, multiple-choice. The test will take two hours to complete. There is a $100 application fee and a $395 exam fee for the PHR. In addition, you must obtain at least 60 recertification credits every three years to keep your certification. Attending authorized seminars, conferences, and online resources may help you earn these credits. Unlike the aPHR, which has little or no effect on your compensation, the PHR may result in a slight pay increase.

Human Resources Senior Professional (SPHR)

Suppose you want to work in senior HR roles like the vice president, director, or chief human resources officer. In that case, the Senior Professional in Human Resources credential will help you get there. This is the HRCI’s highest level of certification for professionals located in the United States.

The SPHR is primarily concerned with strategic and policy-making issues. To take the test, you must fulfill at least one of the following requirements:

• A master’s degree or higher is required, and at least four years of HR experience.
• A bachelor’s degree and at least five years of experience working in human resources are required.
• Have at least seven years of experience working in human resources.

It takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the exam, including 25 pretest questions and 155 scored questions. You’ll have to pay a $100 application fee as well as a $495 test price. To keep your distinction, you’ll need to obtain 60 certification credits in three years. According to Payscale, professionals with the SPHR qualification earn 9.7% more on average.

Certified HR Professional (SHRM-CP) 

The SHRM Certified Professional is an excellent credential for newbies in the profession searching for growth prospects outside of the HRCI’s designations. The Society offers this certification for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as an alternative to the PHR.

The PHR and SHRM-CP are comparable in many aspects, yet there are some notable variances. For example, the PHP emphasizes subject-matter knowledge, while the SHRM-CP emphasizes proficiency and intangible HR skills.

To be eligible for the exam, you must satisfy one of the following criteria:

• If you’re presently enrolled in an HR-related school, you’ll need three years of experience in an HR function; if you’re enrolled in a non-HR program, you’ll need four years.
• If you have an HR-related Bachelor’s degree, one year of experience in an HR job is required; if you do not have an HR-related Bachelor’s degree, two years of experience in an HR capacity is needed.
• If you have an HR-related Graduate degree, you must be currently employed in HR, or you must have worked in HR for one year if you have a non-HR Graduate degree.

It takes four hours to complete the SHRM-CP test. It has 95 knowledge questions and 65 situational judgment questions. This test has a total of 160 questions. If you are an SHRM member, the cost is $375; if you are not, the price is $475. Spring and Winter are the two test dates offered by SHRM. From January 4 through May 18, the spring slot is available. From June 1 through November 9, the winter slot is available. According to Payscale, professionals holding the SHRM-CP qualification get a 3.9 percent salary raise on average.

Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

The Senior Certified Professional title, also provided by the SHRM, is the next level up from the SHRM-CP. High-level HR professionals, notably HR managers aiming to further their careers, are eager to get this credential. This credential improves your chances of progression if you want to move up to a senior leadership role.

To take the test, you must meet the following requirements:

• In addition, if you are pursuing an HR-related program, you must have at least six years of experience in an HR job or seven years of experience in an HR function if you are pursuing a non-HR degree.
• If you have an HR-related Bachelor’s degree, you must have at least four years of experience in an HR job; if you do not have an HR-related Bachelor’s degree, you must have at least five years of experience in an HR function.
• If you have an HR-related Graduate degree, you must have at least three years of experience in an HR job; if you do not have an HR-related Graduate degree, you must have at least four years of experience in an HR function.

The test consists of 160 questions, 65 of which are situational judgment questions and 95 of which are knowledge questions. If you’re an SHRM member, it’ll cost you $375, and if you’re not, it’ll cost you $475. If you apply to take the exam by April 2 for the spring testing window or October 15 for the October testing window, you will get a $75 discount. According to Payscale, HR professionals with the SHRM-SCP accreditation earn an average of 5.7 percent more.

Three Resources to Help You Advance in Your HR Certification Journey

Examining for an HR certification might seem to be a difficult chore. It will, nevertheless, be well worth your time. HR certification may help you advance in your profession, improve your knowledge and abilities, and earn more money. Three essential tools to make your certification path smoother are listed below.

1. Guidebooks to the Human Resources Body of Knowledge.

It’s a good idea to go through the HR body of knowledge guidebooks whether you want to take the HRCI or SHRM examinations. The SHRM Body of Competency & Knowledge (BoCK) provides the critical HR knowledge, and behavioral abilities HR professionals need to do their jobs. Ethical Practice, Consultation, Relationship Management, Business Acumen, and Critical Evaluation are among the eight behavioral skills in the BoCK. Structure of the HR Function, HR Strategic Planning, Employee & Labor Relations, and Diversity & Inclusion are among the 15 HR knowledge topics addressed in the book. If you intend to take the HRCI examinations, A Guide to the Human Resource Body of Knowledge (HRBoK) is another excellent resource. This book, in particular, contains all of the critical knowledge requirements addressed in HRCI tests. Workforce Planning and Employment, Business Administration and Strategy, Human Resource Development, Employee and Labor Relations, and Compensation and Benefits are among the six major areas of HR functional competence covered by the HRBoK. Both instructions should be properly read. Each body of knowledge approaches Human Resource Management somewhat differently, providing a more extensive view on the issue.

2. Mometrix’s PHR Certification Course.

Mometrix Study Guide provides a thorough approach to assist you in passing the PHR test if you don’t want to take any risks. All of the knowledge topics that will be covered in the test are covered in the online course, including:

• Business Management
• Planning and acquiring talent
• Development and Learning
• Employee and Labor Relations Total Rewards

Mometrix also includes a comprehensive set of assistance tools, including test-taking methods, PHR exam secrets, course feedback, flashcards, lesson evaluations, and practice tests. The monthly fee for the course is $99.99. If you are unhappy with the course, you have a seven-day money-back guarantee.

3. Handbooks on Certification.

A procedures manual is available from all accrediting agencies to assist you in preparing for the technical aspects of the test. In addition, depending on the test you want to take, download the HRCI Certification and Procedures Handbook or the SHRM Certification Handbook. These comprehensive handbooks cover all aspects of the certification process, including planning examinations, paying for them, exam schedules, eligibility verification, exam cancellations, and exam transfers.

6 Tips to Help You Pass Your HR Certification Exam

If you’re finally ready to acquire your HR certification, keep reading for some helpful hints on how to pass your test on the first attempt.

1. SHRM Certification vs. HRCI Certification 

Two rival accrediting organizations are the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). Both are well-known and respected, but the HRCI is often the best choice.

The HRCI, for example, has more certification possibilities than the SHRM. In addition to the certifications listed in the preceding section, the HRCI additionally offers:

• International Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHRi)
• International Human Resources Professional (aPHRi)
• Human Resources Professional in California (PHPca)
• International Human Resources Senior Professional (SPHRi)
• Professional in Human Resources from across the world (GPHR)

SHRM certification, on the other hand, comes with a wealth of professional development opportunities. Access to networking, resources, training and mentoring are just a few examples. Nonetheless, most HR specialists think that neither approach has a clear benefit. The decision is mainly based on personal preference. Some individuals opt to pursue both certifications.

2. Make a schedule for your studies. 

Make a detailed study plan far in advance of the test. Most individuals need at least 45 days to thoroughly study for the test. Make a comprehensive weekly or daily schedule for yourself and stick to it. The more often you look for the examination, the better your chances of passing are.   A few hours of learning course materials, viewing videos, and taking practice tests regularly will help you prepare for the exam. Finally, closer to the exam date, try taking full-length practice examinations. This activity will assist you in psychologically preparing for lengthy tests.

3. Become a member of a study group.

A study partner or a study group might assist you in sticking to your study routine. You will also get the opportunity to meet HR experts at different stages of their careers. In addition to knowledge bodies, HR certification tests focus heavily on the real-world job experience. Therefore, getting input from various professions may be beneficial, especially when it comes to situational judgments.

4. Become acquainted with the exam.

Find out at the very least what will be on the test you intend to take. This comprises the subjects that will be addressed, the number of questions asked the time limit, and the structure (such as multiple-choice questions). Practice exams are excellent for providing you with a realistic idea of what to anticipate on exam day. Additionally, the SHRM and HRCI websites provide a comprehensive overview of their examinations and what to expect.

5. Take a look at how you learn.

Even the most efficient study regimen will be ineffective if it does not match your learning style. Everyone learns at their speed and in various ways. Consider your most productive study sessions and use the same concepts in your HR certification test preparation. Some individuals prefer audio, such as webcasts, to study, while others prefer flashcards. Mometrix is a study tool that combines several learning formats to suit different learning types.

6. Get ready for the exam.

To avoid any possible difficulties on test day, prepare well. Plan your journey ahead of time if you’re taking the exam at a testing facility. It also helps if you visit the facility ahead of time to feel the location. If you’re taking the exam online, ensure sure everything is working correctly. Make careful to read the technical criteria of the test to confirm that your equipment meets them.

What Should I Do Next?

After finishing the exam, you will get your test results right away. In most circumstances, the certification process takes a few weeks. It’s a proud moment for any professional, but there’s still work to be done. The next logical step is to keep your accreditation current. Your certification is usually only good for three years. Depending on your accreditation, you’ll need to obtain 30 to 60 recertification credits throughout this period. Attending seminars and conferences, donating resources to the improvement of the HR profession, and volunteering are all ways to obtain these points. Make sure to keep track of your credits and keep your information up to date. Both accrediting agencies have websites where you may input your credits. You may also opt to repeat the test every three years to keep your certification current.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which certification is best for HR?

A: The highest certification is platinum. That’s because it costs a lot more money to make sure that you have taken all of these steps and are very careful with your work.

What is the most accessible HR certification?

A: The most accessible HR certification is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Information Technology (CPHIT).

Is it worth getting a certificate in HR?

A: Many people believe that HR is worth getting a certificate in. Not only does the field typically require less education, but it’s also easier to find work within your field with this degree.

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