To obtain human resources certification, you must complete three steps: postsecondary education, human resource department experience, and passing the certification exam. Human resources is a broad term that refers to everything from payroll to hiring, firing, and managing employees. Any company or institution’s long-term survival and success depends on effective management of people and their skills.
Human resources certification candidates have typically worked in human resources departments for several years and enjoy working with people. Several organizations offer human resources certification. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies® (NCCA®) has accredited the HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®) as one of the most widely accepted. From Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®) to Global Professional in Human Resources® (GPHR®), the HRCI® offers four different types of certificates.
Completing a post-secondary education program is the first step toward obtaining a human resources certification. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in business administration or management from an accredited university or college. Alternatively, some certification agencies will accept candidates with only a high school diploma if they have at least seven years of experience as a human resources manager.
Before you can take the human resources certification exam, you must have a certain amount of human resources experience, which varies depending on your academic credentials. Work experience must be verifiable and completed under the supervision of a certified human resources professional. The majority of candidates complete this requirement in two stages. The first step is to find a job or participate in an internship program organized their school. The second phase begins after they have graduated and secured their first job in a human resources office.
The three-hour human resources certification exam consists of a mix of computerized multiple-choice and essay-style questions. Exam preparation classes are available from a variety of independent associations and schools. These courses cannot guarantee a specific grade, but they can assist you in focusing and preparing for the types of questions that will be asked.
Candidates can apply for positions with a variety of employers after successfully completing the human resources certification. Many large corporations will not hire applicants until they have obtained certification. It’s important to remember that certification does not guarantee a higher salary right away, but it does open up more opportunities as your career progresses.