Types of HR Certifications and How to Become HR Certified

Earning HR certifications helps to make sure you’re trained to support employees. Not only that, but these qualifications help reassure people that they can trust HR teams to handle their problems professionally.

Besides the personal benefits of advancing your career, HR certifications can help you better manage conflict and mitigate risk. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the key HR certification courses you can take and how to become qualified.

What is an HR certification?

An HR certification is a professional qualification awarded by recognized Human Resources organizations, such as the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). You’re awarded an HR certification after completing courses and exams that evaluate and test your capabilities and knowledge surrounding HR compliance and best practices.

HR certification programs usually follow the subsequent process:

1. Show your experience: Some HR certifications require you to have at least some entry-level HR work experience. However, some courses do exist for those without.
2. Completing a curriculum: Your learning will cover a variety of modules across HR, including employment law, inclusion and diversity, talent acquisition, and employee benefits.
3. Undertaking assessment: After completing the HR certification course itself, your knowledge and experience will be tested in official exams.

Types of HR certifications

There are a variety of professional HR certifications you can apply for, both in-person and online. However, most companies will only recognize qualifications that come from certain professional bodies. The most common are HRCI and SHR, which provide globally-recognized HR certifications.

Below, we’ll explore some of the top HR certification programs you can apply for, including who they’re most relevant for.

SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

SHRM-CP is best suited to those who perform general, operational-level HR duties. This HR certification provides training to help you support day-to-day operations and compliance, and helps you demonstrate your knowledge of general HR strategy and policy.

• Best suited for: Entry- or mid-level HR professionals and people who act as daily points of contact for employees
• Covers: Operational, foundational knowledge and how to support day-to-day business processes

SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

SHRM-SCP is for senior HR managers and professionals who need to demonstrate more advanced, technical expertise and knowledge. It focuses on leadership and development, rather than operational understanding. Its modules incorporate developing HR strategy, management, overseeing operations, and aligning with wider business goals and processes.

This HR certification course follows a stricter, more rigorous curriculum than the SHRM-CP, and is for top-level professionals who are ready to take on the next stage of their career.

• Best suited for: HR leaders and managers who are ready to demonstrate top-level advanced knowledge
• Covers: Effective and strategic leadership, organization-wide strategy, technical expertise, performance management, and talent acquisition

HRCI Associate Professional in Human Resources^® (aPHR^®)

The HRCI aPHR^® certification is similar to SHRM-CP—an entry-level, knowledge-based qualification for operational HR professionals. It covers basic knowledge for people starting out in their careers, focusing on day-to-day operations, HR and legal compliance, employee relations, and recruitment.

• Best suited for: Entry-level, non-HR managers who work with employees every day and want to develop their early careers
• Covers: Core HR principles like recruitment, benefits, general operation, and health and safety

HRCI Professional in Human Resources (PHR)

HRCI’s PHR qualification is for HR professionals with at least a year’s experience who want to demonstrate their technical and operational expertise. It focuses on logistics and strategy rather than general knowledge, and covers employment law, benefits and compensation, implementing strategy, and HR program creation.

• Best suited for: Experienced HR pros with at least a relevant Bachelor’s degree who want to demonstrate technical and logistical knowledge
• Covers: Program and strategy implementation, logistical management, employment law, recruitment, and benefits

IHRIM Human Resources Information Professional (HRIP)

The HRIP certification is given by the International Association for Human Resources Information Management (IHRIM). It is a more specific, technical qualification that illustrates expertise in HR information management (HRIM) and HR information systems (HRIS). It’s designed for people who manage employee and organizational data.

• Best suited for: HR professionals who regularly manage employee data and work with HRIS
• Covers: Data management and analysis, HRIS best practices, data protection, and technology trends

APA Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC)

The FPC is given by the American Payroll Association (APA) and is an entry-level qualification to demonstrate general payroll administration knowledge. It is primarily for HR professionals, but some consultants, analysts, and payroll staff also pursue this certification. It acts as a foundational certification to ensure you understand the basics of payroll.

• Best suited for: Entry-level professionals who handle payroll data and information
• Covers: Foundational administration knowledge, how to manage payroll data and employee earnings, and understanding digital payroll software

APA Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)

The CCP HR certification is another APA course, but for experienced HR professionals with top-level payroll expertise. A CCP qualification demonstrates knowledge in more advanced areas like processing, tax, compensation, and federal regulations and compliance.

• Best suited for: Experienced payroll professionals and managers, or people who want to develop their expertise
• Covers: In-depth topics like compliance, federal and state regulations, tax, payroll management, and technical processing

What are the benefits of getting an HR certification?

Besides ensuring a company’s HR team is properly knowledgeable and qualified, gaining an HR certification has many personal skill set and career progression benefits. It’s important to choose the right course to suit you, as each will provide different areas of focus.

However, some general benefits of obtaining HR certifications include:

• Career progression and development: HR certifications make you a more attractive choice for career progression and promotions. They demonstrate both your depth of knowledge and your commitment to develop and improve.

• Improving your employability: Your certifications act as proof of your ability and expertise, helping you to stand out in the job market. Plenty of people have experience, but not everyone takes the time to become globally certified.

• Developing broader knowledge and expertise: HR certification courses allow you to expand your operational HR knowledge. Foundational courses cover key areas like processes, law, and management, and often act as a great stepping stone.

• Specializing your skill set: On the other hand, more advanced qualifications allow you to specialize in certain areas—for example, inclusion and diversity, employee benefits, or data. By specializing, this also makes you a more desirable employee.

• Keeping up with current regulations and trends: Federal and state regulations and HR law and data compliance often shift. Keeping up to date with certifications ensures you continue to follow HR best practices.

HR certification FAQs

Becoming professionally certified can be both daunting and exciting, so it’s important to be prepared and make the right choices before you jump in. Below, we’ve answered some of the most asked questions about HR certifications below.

What HR certification is best?

The best HR certification course for you will depend on your own personal circumstances, where you are in your career, your HR experience, and what you want to achieve. Different courses cater to different levels and areas of focus, so you’ll need to do thorough research before making your choice.

Do you have to maintain an HR certification?

Yes, depending on your HR certification, you will have to actively maintain it by continuing your education, retaking exams, or earning certain credits. Both the HRCI and SHRM require you to get recertified every three years to maintain your qualification. You may also be asked to earn certain credits through further education, like workshops and professional achievements.

Learn more about earning HRCI recertification credits in our guide.

How long do HR certifications last?

HR certifications are not indefinite, and most require you to become recertified after three or five years. It’s a good idea to stay up to date with certification processes that are specific to your chosen body so you can ensure you remain qualified.

Can you get an HR certification without a degree?

Yes, you can qualify for some HR certifications without a degree, especially entry-level courses. Most foundational certification courses are designed for industry beginners who perhaps only have limited work experience. However, more advanced courses, like HRCI’s PHR^® qualification, require you to have a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

Do I have to be HR certified?

No, you don’t have to have HR certifications to work in Human Resources, but some companies may require them. Most entry-level roles won’t ask for any certifications, but they may be part of your development as you progress. However, they’re often required for leadership and top-level positions. Gaining HR certifications can also aid career advancement, helping you to demonstrate your expertise and stand out in a competitive job market.