Human Resources Certification

As the need for specialized human resource professionals increases, employers seeking upper-level candidates prefer those who have a formal education with a human resource concentration and certification, often in a specialized topic (such as compensation or benefits).

There are many certifications available for the field of human resources. Often, examinees must take a course or series of courses in order to successfully sit for one or more comprehensive exams, and professional experience in the field is required for virtually all exams.

Examples of the more prominent certifications are:

International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP)

Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBP) – This credential requires eight college-level courses covering three distinct areas: group benefits, retirement and compensation. (Any of the three areas can also be completed as a stand-alone tract.) Professionals typically complete two or three classes (and exams) each year until completion. Classes can be taken online or in a classroom, however all exams are taken electronically.

The American Society for Training and Development Certification Institute (ASTD)

Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) – The CPLP credential requires at least three years of experience and knowledge in nine different topics relating to training and employee performance. In order to earn CPLP, hopefuls must pass a comprehensive exam and submit a work product for review. This organization also offers sixteen shorter certificate and workshop programs.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) – These comprehensive exams require some experience in the field of HR, and examinees may elect to take a certification prep course. In addition, this organization also offers the Global Professional in Human Resources certification which is designed for those professionals working with multi-national organizations, and their California Certification In Human Resources is ideal for those professionals looking to work in California to prove familiarity with the state’s labor and human resources laws.

World at Work Society of Certified Professionals

Various credentials specific for Compensation, Benefits, Work-Life and Global specialties – Depending on the certification specialty they choose, candidates must pass between four and fifteen exams. Examinees take prep courses and/or a preparation seminar prior to sitting for the exams.

Herzing University student data for Human Resource programs