Best HR certifications: 9 leading programs compared
Table of Contents
The best HR certification depends on your career stage. SHRM-CP and HRCI’s SPHR are the most widely recognized options for practitioners and senior leaders, AIHR and HCI run strong skills-based certificate programs, and TMI and OHSC cover specialist and entry-level needs. This guide compares 9 leading programs on cost, eligibility, and exam format.
With options ranging from foundational courses to advanced leadership programs, certifications help professionals stay ahead of industry trends and expand their skill sets with valuable knowledge.
The rise of people who create digital certificates makes it easier for HR professionals to track progress, share accomplishments online, and increase market credibility.
Below, we cover who these certifications are designed for, the benefits of earning one, and the 9 best HR certification providers to consider.
Who are HR certifications designed for?
The best HR certifications are fit for professionals of every level, from beginners to advanced experts. For example, entry-level HR certifications are ideal for those just building their skills in the field. These certificates require no previous experience or qualifications: they help professionals hone specific HR skills from scratch to build their careers.
In addition, certain HR certifications offer career advancements to professionals across departments. They help employees in other roles, like internal trainers, move into more HR-centric positions and earn promotions by expanding their current knowledge and skills.
On the other hand, specialty HR certifications are designed to highlight competency in established HR professionals. They are aimed at individuals with previous backgrounds in HR roles, who want to gain the needed skills to move into a higher-level HR role.
The advantages of obtaining HR certification
With the demand for HR professionals expected to grow by 6% from 2024 to 2034, holding a certification can provide a competitive market edge. Here are some of the key benefits of completing some of the best HR certifications for your skills and needs.
- Improved knowledge, skills, and experience. HR certifications help professionals develop a deeper understanding of essential HR practices. This enhances their knowledge of HR concepts and ensures real-world applications that drive performance success.
- Elevated job performance. HR certification programs, like talent management courses, give individuals practical tools they can instantly implement in the workplace. It’s a great way for existing HR professionals to build up their current expertise and excel at their new roles with confidence.
- Showcasing commitment to learning. Earning HR certification shows dedication and commitment to one’s professional growth, ensuring they keep up with industry standards. This investment gives HR professionals a competitive edge, increasing their value in the job market.
- International recognition. The best HR certifications will be internationally recognized, helping professionals become globally fit for any HR role.
- Digital certifications. Unlike traditional HR certificates, digital certifications are easier to obtain and manage, and equally valid. Professionals can receive them right after completing the course and share them on social media like LinkedIn to highlight their knowledge and stand out from peers.
Best HR certifications: top 9 providers to consider
1. HR Manager Certificate Program by AIHR
The HR Manager Certificate program by AIHR is a self-paced, online course designed to help HR professionals transition into strategic leadership or manager-level roles. The program emphasizes developing core HR management competencies necessary for career growth. AIHR offers 16 certificate programs in total, including HR Manager, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, and People Data and Business Insights.
Learners have access to interactive lessons, mini-courses, and real-world knowledge from HR experts, with a resource library with HR templates. The flexible format allows professionals to tailor their learning experience while future-proofing their HR skills.
Best HR Certification for: HR professionals at all levels, from beginner to advanced.
Learning Format: Online, self-paced
Exam: No proctored exam; the certificate is earned by completing the program online
Duration: About 35 hours of learning, with 12 months of access from enrollment.
Eligibility: No prior HR experience is required
Cost: Individual courses cost $1,125, or $1,850 for 12-month full Academy access to all certifications. Installment payments are also available.
2. SHRM Certified Professional exam
The SHRM-CP Exam by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) validates the competencies of professionals performing operational HR work, and it is also open to students and career changers pursuing HR.
The computer-based exam consists of 134 multiple-choice questions, with 80 knowledge items and 54 situational-judgment items, to be completed in 4 hours. The questions are based on the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK), covering behavioral competencies and HR knowledge areas such as leadership, ethics, workforce planning, talent acquisition, learning and development, and total rewards.
The exam doesn’t come with a mandatory study program. SHRM offers study materials and courses to help prepare for the exam. Students can opt to study these materials independently or by attending third-party preparatory courses.
Best HR Certification for: Experienced HR professionals seeking to advance their careers
Exam format: Computer-based exam taken in person at authorized Prometric test centers
Exam duration: 4 hours, with 3 hours and 40 minutes of testing time
Eligibility: No degree or HR experience required; basic working knowledge of HR is recommended
Cost: $350-$499, depending on SHRM membership and application deadline, including a $50 application fee
3. GTML™ certification
The Global Talent Management Leader (GTML™) certification by the Talent Management Institute (TMI) advances senior HR professionals into leadership roles.
Their online program provides comprehensive learning materials covering the art and science of talent management. It introduces advanced frameworks, techniques, and tools essential for driving business success through effective talent strategies.
The GTML™ certification ensures professional readiness to lead talent management functions, with diverse multinational organizations. The curriculum includes real-world case studies and science analysis to demonstrate the global impact of talent management decisions. Following the coursework, learners need to pass their online exam to earn certification.
Best HR Certification for: Senior HR professionals aiming for global leadership positions.
Format: Self-paced online program
Exam: Online exam, available after completing the coursework.
Duration: Candidates have 180 days from registration to take the exam. The exam takes 2 hours.
Eligibility: A bachelor’s or master’s degree plus 7-12 years of experience, depending on the eligibility track.
Cost: $1,750, covering the certification exam, materials, digital badge, and credential kit.
4. TMP™ certification by TMI
The Talent Management Institute (TMI) does it again, offering one of the best HR certifications for young HR professionals. Their Talent Management Practitioner (TMP™) Certification is aimed at recent graduates and entry-level HR professionals looking to establish a strong foundation in talent management.
The certification equips candidates with essential knowledge and skills to excel in HR roles, enhancing their value in global HR roles. The program is based on the globally tested TMI Universal Knowledge Framework (TMI-UKF™). It includes comprehensive learning resources, covering leading theories, techniques, and tools in talent management to ensure robust training for next-gen HR professionals.
Best HR Certification for: Young HR professionals and recent graduates seeking to build a career in talent management.
Learning Format: Online, self-paced with dedicated learning materials
Exam: Computer-based, online, one-attempt exam, completed in one sitting. Digital badge available upon completion.
Duration: Self-paced learning program, based on availability. The exam lasts 120 minutes.
Eligibility: A bachelor’s or master’s degree, held or in progress, in HR, business, or a related field, or a recognized HR certification.
Cost: TMI lists the current all-inclusive fee on its website; it covers study materials, one exam attempt, and the digital badge.
5. Senior Professional in HR (SPHR) certification
The Senior Professional in HR (SPHR) certification by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) is aimed at experienced HR leaders with a strategic role in driving organizational outcomes. The certification demonstrates expertise in areas like HR as a business partner, organizational effectiveness, and change management.
While there is no mandatory learning program included, HRCI offers exam preparation programs through various training provider partners, like AIHR. Most candidates spend several months preparing before taking the exam.
Besides SPHR, HRCI offers various other HR certifications to help validate professionals’ skills in HR management. From Professional in Human Resources (PHR) to Global PHR certification, it’s one of the most established providers in the field. There’s also a digital certification option, complete with a digital badge with the exams proctored by Pearson.
Best HR Certification for: Senior HR professionals with strategic leadership experience.
Exam format: Computer-based, with 115 scored questions plus 25 pretest questions, taken at Pearson VUE test centers or online via OnVUE.
Exam duration: 2.5 hours, plus 30 minutes for administration
Eligibility: At least 4 years of professional-level HR experience with a master’s degree, 5 years with a bachelor’s degree, or 7 years without one.
Cost: $100 application fee, $495 exam fee.
6. Global Professional in HR (GPHR) exam
The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) offers one of the best HR certifications for professionals. The Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) certification is specifically designed for those with global experience in managing HR functions across international borders.
The certification builds advanced knowledge in global HR strategies, managing cross-cultural teams, and navigating global mobility, compliance, and labor laws. While there’s no official learning program, to take their exam, GPHR candidates should have extensive experience in global HR management and working in diverse regions.
By obtaining this certification, HR leaders can gain recognition for their expertise in global HR management and strategies. It is a great accreditation for those aiming to advance or transition their careers into global HR roles.
Best HR Certification for: Experienced international HR professionals working with global teams.
Exam format: Computer-based, with 100 scored questions plus 25 pretest questions, at Pearson VUE test centers or online via OnVUE
Exam duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes, plus 30 minutes of administration time
Eligibility: Several criteria are required:
- At least two years of professional-level HR experience with a master’s degree or higher.
- At least three years of professional-level HR experience with a bachelor’s degree.
- At least four years of professional-level HR experience with less than a bachelor’s degree. In every case, HRCI requires global HR experience, defined as direct cross-border HR responsibilities for two or more countries or regions.
Cost: $100 application fee, $495 exam fee.
7. AI+HI Specialty Credential by SHRM
The SHRM AI+HI Specialty Credential is a certification offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) integrating AI with human resources functions. The program combines eLearning modules, instructor-led labs, and a capstone project, and is designed for HR professionals aiming to enhance their understanding of AI applications in talent acquisition, management, and employee engagement.
Learners can gain insights into how AI automates and streamlines HR processes. Plus, they learn how data analytics can improve decision-making in recruitment, performance management, and training.
The program emphasizes practical skills in using AI-powered HR tools and technologies to foster AI-human collaboration and drive organizational success.
Best HR Certification for: HR professionals seeking to integrate AI into HR processes.
Learning format: eLearning modules plus three instructor-led labs and a capstone project.
Program duration: Varies by cohort; the capstone project is due two weeks after the final lab session.
Exam: No proctored exam; completion requires an online knowledge assessment and the capstone project. SHRM issues a digital badge through Credly.
Eligibility: No prerequisites; open to HR professionals at all levels.
Cost: See current pricing on the SHRM Store
8. Strategic HR Leadership (SHRL) by the Human Capital Institute
The Strategic HR Leadership (SHRL) certification from the Human Capital Institute (HCI) is created for HR professionals stepping into leadership roles. It’s focused on aligning human capital strategies with broader business goals, with a competency-based program equipping participants with needed tools to drive organizational performance.
The program is delivered as a virtual, instructor-led class held over two days, with a participant guide, a toolkit, and access to additional videos and research. To become certified, students must attend all sessions, engage in class activities, and pass an online exam.
Best HR Certification for: HR professionals looking to perform leadership roles.
Learning format: Virtual, instructor-led sessions held over two days.
Exam: Online multiple-choice exam; a score of 80% or higher is required to pass
Exam duration: Unspecified
Eligibility: No education prerequisites. Attendance at all sessions and completion of classwork are required
Cost: $1,995
9. HR Management (OHSC)
The HR Management course from Oxford Home Study Centre (OHSC) offers a free, self-paced introduction to HR management. Designed for beginners, this course covers key HR functions like recruitment, employee training, performance management, and organizational development.
The curriculum provides learners with practical knowledge relevant to all HR departments, and it lays useful groundwork for anyone later pursuing a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification. With 20 hours of on-demand content, the course is robust and accessible online, making it a flexible option for everyone aiming to develop relevant HR skills.
Best HR Certification for: Beginners looking to enter HR or strengthen HR knowledge.
Learning Format: Online, self-paced
Exam: Short multiple-choice assessments; an optional certificate is available for a small fee after completion
Duration: 20 hours
Eligibility: No prerequisites
Cost: Free to study; official certificates cost a small extra fee
Best HR certifications: the verdict
HR certifications are invaluable for professionals at every stage of their careers. Choosing the best HR certifications will depend on each learner’s needs, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Specialized certifications provide opportunities to gain new skills, expand current knowledge, and enhance job prospects.
With a variety of learning styles, from self-paced courses to in-person programs, every professional can find a path that suits their preferences and schedule. Budget and experience levels also play a key role in selecting the right certifications, with options varying from free courses to more advanced programs.
Digital certificates also streamline the accreditation of HR professionals, offering instant verification, flexibility, and easy sharing of achievements online.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best HR certification?
It depends on your career stage. SHRM-CP suits professionals doing operational HR work, HRCI’s SPHR targets senior HR leaders, AIHR and HCI offer skills-based certificate programs, and OHSC provides a free entry-level course.
How much does the SHRM-CP exam cost?
Between $350 and $499, depending on SHRM membership and application deadline, including a $50 application fee. The exam is taken in person at authorized Prometric test centers.
Who is eligible for the SPHR certification?
You need at least 4 years of professional-level HR experience with a master’s degree, 5 years with a bachelor’s degree, or 7 years without one. The exam costs $495 plus a $100 application fee.
How long is the SHRM-CP exam?
The exam is 4 hours long, including 3 hours and 40 minutes of testing time. It contains 134 questions: 80 knowledge items and 54 situational-judgment items.
Are there free HR certifications?
Yes. The HR Management short course from Oxford Home Study Centre (OHSC) is free to study, self-paced, and takes about 20 hours. An optional certificate is available for a small fee.
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