How to get an HR certification

Take stock of your career goals when looking into HR certifications. Depending on the type of company you want to work for, some certifications will help you more than others.

For instance, the aPHRi certification is a good one for most global companies, while an aPHR certification is a good one if you want to work strictly in the United States.

Both of these certifications also enable you to get advanced certifications in HR like:

• Professional in Human Resources (PHR)

• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

• Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)

Study for the certification exam with the proper materials

The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) has exam synopsis and studying materials available on their website for a fee.

Here are some examples of the studying materials you can purchase on the HRCI website:

• aPHR Study System - A course created by Distinctive HR that includes audio CDs, a study guide and flashcards, over 1,000 practice questions, and access to relevant online lectures.

• HRCI aPHR Prep - A program by MindEdge that is a take-at-your-own pace online course including real case studies, tips for taking the exam, a diagnostic test, practice questions and a practice full-length exam. It also has an option to "Ask the Expert" where you can inquire about specific items, and receive an answer, typically within 24 hours.

• aPHR Practice Exam - A comprehensive online sample exam from HRCI that has a practice option and sample exam option of 50 questions.

• aPHRi Cert Prep - Human Resources Certification Prep designed this program that includes 300 pages of information on the six prime subjects on the exam. It also gives access to 300 online flashcards, eight timed exams, an audio reader, seven practice tests, two comprehensive exams, and study materials.

• aPHR Certification Preparation Class - A live course conducted by an instructor at HR.com that encompasses over 20 hours of didactic information, flashcards, a study guide, and 400 sample exam questions.

Go in to take the exam in person or take it online

You can take the exams for certifications in person at specific testing sites. These are available generally all year round. If approved to take the test, you have 180 days to schedule your exam.

Taking the exams online is another option and in this case, you do not have to schedule it for a specific day or time.