Explore Jobs
Find Specific Jobs
Explore Careers
Explore Professions
Best Companies
Explore Companies
Best Human Resource Specialist certifications
Human resource specialist certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an human resource specialist to employers. However, not all human resource specialist certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a human resource specialist are Certified Professional - Human Resource (IPMA-CP), Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), and Certified human resource specialist (CHRS).
Below is a list of the best human resource specialist certifications. Obtaining an human resource specialist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
According to Christopher Stone, from Wichita State University, "Maximizing salary potential in HR begins with specialization and certification. Gaining credentials such as SHRM-CP or PHR can significantly boost your marketability and salary prospects. Specializing in high-demand areas of HR can also set you apart. But what truly makes a difference is demonstrating the impact of your work-how you contribute to your organization's success, be it through enhancing employee engagement, improving retention, or streamlining HR processes. Don't shy away from negotiating your salary and benefits; armed with research on industry salary norms and a clear articulation of your value, you can make a strong case for yourself. Lastly, pursuing higher education, like a master's degree in HRM, can open doors to higher-paying and leadership roles."20 best certifications for human resource specialists
20 best human resource specialist certifications
1. Certified Professional - Human Resource (IPMA-CP)
IPMA-HR strives to encourage excellence in public sector human resources, promote continuous learning and develop the next generation of leaders. To that end, IPMA-HR offers two internationally recognized certification programs to the public HR community: the IPMA-CP and the IPMA-CS.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
2. Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
HR professionals who implement policies and strategies, serve as point of contact for staff and stakeholders, deliver HR services, and perform operational HR functions, should take the SHRM-CP exam.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
3. Certified Human Resource Specialist (CHRS)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
4. Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
By earning the Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR) certification you demonstrate that you have mastered the strategic and policy-making aspects of HR management as practiced in the United States. The credential is designed for the HR professional who plans, rather than implements, HR policy, focuses on the "big picture," has ultimate accountability in the HR department, has breadth and depth of knowledge in all HR disciplines and understands the business beyond the HR function and influences the overall organization.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
5. Certified Manager Certification (CM)
The Certified Manager Animal Resources (CMAR) certification program is designed to raise competency and professionalism in the field of Animal Resources Management. The CMAR designation involves a series of four examinations: three exams arranged via an organization called the Institute for Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), and the Animal Resources Exam offered by AALAS. Obtaining the CMAR designation is a sign of professionalism in the field of animal resources management.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required?
6. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is the advanced professional certification specifically designed to measure the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)
7. Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)
A Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) primarily focuses on converting a medical procedure, diagnosis, or symptom into specific codes to submit a claim for reimbursement.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
8. Human Resources Business Professional (HRBP)
The Human Resource Business Professional (HRBP℠) is a globally relevant credential that is designed to validate professional-level core human resource knowledge and skills. The credential demonstrates mastery of generally accepted technical and operational HR principles.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
9. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) performs routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians running smoothly.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
10. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)
Experienced medical office professionals with exceptional administrative skills are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) exam. To attain CMOM certification, all candidates must demonstrate a high level of knowledge in financial management, managed care contracting, personnel, and time management. Risk management, medical record keeping and facility management issues should also be mastered.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required?
11. Master Project Manager (MPM)
If you have 3+ years of Project Management Experience, you may apply for MPM™ Master Project Manager Board Certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
12. Microsoft Office Specialist Master Certification (MOS)
The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Master certification helps demonstrate an individual's overall comprehension and expertise of Microsoft Office programs. Microsoft Office Specialist Masters have more than a working familiarity with Microsoft Office programs-they are technically skilled to take advantage of the breadth of features efficiently and effectively.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required?
13. Certified Criminal Justice Specialist (CCJS)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)
14. Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR)
HRCI's Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) is the perfect certification to help fast-track your career growth and provide you with the confidence to launch into the HR profession. The aPHR is the first-ever HR certification designed for professionals who are just beginning their HR career journey and proves your knowledge of foundational Human Resources.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
15. Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required?
16. Microsoft Office Specialist: Expert (Office 365 and Office 2019)
Demonstrate that you have the advanced skills needed to get the most out of Office by earning a Microsoft Office Specialist: Expert certification in multiple Office programs.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? No
- Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)
17. Certified Resume Specialist: Accounting and Finance (CRS+AF)
The CDI Certified Industry Resume Specialist allows you to gain certification in your chosen industry.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)
18. Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)
Obtaining the CCP designation is beneficial for human resources professionals responsible for their organization's base pay and incentive compensation programs. This may include examining and evaluating current market trends, managing compensation survey data including data analysis and conducting benchmarking studies, conducting audits to ensure legal compliance, and assessing and making appropriate recommendations for various pay programs, structures, policies and practices.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
19. Certified Instrumentation Specialist (CIS)
Technology changes. Standards update. Instrumentation evolves. The learning curve for Central Service professionals is steep and ever-changing, and the demands placed on them ever-growing. To help professionals stay abreast of rapidly changing medical technology, IAHCSMM offers the Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) exam, which tests knowledge and recognition of medical instruments, as well as reviewing instrumentation practice skills. The CIS exam will test your proficiency in the identification and cleaning of medical instruments, and upon completing and passing the exam you will hold the designation of Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS).
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)
20. Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP designation following your name tells current and potential employers that you have demonstrated a solid foundation of knowledge from which you can competently practice project management.To be eligible for a PMP Credential, you must first meet specific educational and project management experience requirements and agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. The final step to becoming a PMP is passing a rigorous multiple-choice examination designed to objectively assess and measure your ability to apply project management knowledge in the following six domains: initiating the project, planning the project, executing the project, monitoring and controlling the project, closing the project, and professional and social responsibility. This computer-based examination is administered globally with translation aids in 10 languages.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
What is the best certification for a human resource specialist?
The best human resource specialist certification is Certified Professional - Human Resource (IPMA-CP). The Certified Professional - Human Resource (IPMA-CP) is awarded by the International Public Management Association for Human Resources. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire. Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this human resource specialist certification: To become a certified Certified Professional - Human Resource (IPMA-CP), you need to pass the exam. This certificate requires more than two years of work experience. Renew certification every 3 year.
According to J. Adam Shoemaker Ph.D., Associate Professor of Management & Operations Department at Saint Leo University, "In any field, it helps to be able to demonstrate you are qualified by presenting professional certification. Certification is shorthand for all soft and hard skills that an employer would want a new hire to have. You can say that you have the skills; you can demonstrate that you have the skills if you get the chance. Alternatively, you can show that an external organization has assessed your skills and found you worthy by presenting your certificate. Most upper-level HR professionals hold one or more certifications in compensation, strategic human resources, or talent development, demonstrating that they have the experience and the know-how to get the job done."
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for human resource specialists?
The most in-demand human resource specialist certification is Senior Professional in Human Resources based on all active job postings. Having this human resource specialist certification will give you access to more human resource specialist jobs with higher salaries.
According to David Anderson, Professor, Department of Kinesiology, and Director, Marian Wright Edelman Institute at San Francisco State University, "Consider what else you can do to further your learning. Consider pursuing a Master's degree in Kinesiology, for example. Many graduates pursue Master's degrees part-time while working full time. Also consider pursuing specialist certifications in areas like strength and conditioning, coaching, or sports management to highlight specific aspects of your skill set to current and future employers."What certifications can impact a human resource specialist career and salary?
The Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional certification will help you to secure a human resources generalist position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A human resources generalist's average salary is $56,337 whereas human resource specialists make an average salary of $53,143.
According to Alexsandra Sukhoy M.B.A., Asst. Lecturer at Cleveland State University, "The best leaders know how to communicate and motivate others towards a desired outcome. This means conducting interviews, having one-on-one discussions, presenting to clients and delivering both good and bad news to key decision makers. On the flip side, today's candidates must also know how to navigate technology. And this goes above and beyond being social media natives. It includes studying for and earning MS Office certifications, creating a visual portfolio of graphics programs like Adobe and video/editing proficiency, and knowing how to read and then take action with Google analytics. One of the most critical tools today is AI, so staying current with those advances and paying attention to how the industry is using it becomes a critical candidate decision tree." Furthermore, Dr. April Bullock PhD, Chair at California State University - Fullerton, advises to "BEFORE YOU GRADUATE, LOOK AT A VARIETY OF SOURCES, SUCH AS LINKEDIN, TO DETERMINE WHAT SORTS OF ADDITIONAL SKILLS OR CERTIFICATIONS PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE KINDS OF JOBS YOU WANT HAVE. THIS SEARCH CAN ALSO HELP YOU TO THINK ABOUT HOW TO PACKAGE YOURSELF AND YOUR SKILLS ON YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER. IF IT IS POSSIBLE TO DO AN INTERNSHIP TO GET SOME RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE, DO SO. THIS HAS AN ADDED ADVANTAGE OF ALLOWING YOU TO TRY OUT YOUR POTENTIAL WORKPLACE TO MAKE SURE THIS IS THE PATH YOU WANT TO PURSUE."
The most common combination of human resource specialist certifications include: Certified Professional - Human Resource (IPMA-CP), Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), and Certified Human Resource Specialist (CHRS).
Online courses for human resource specialists to earn certifications
1. Effective Human Resource Administration
Effective Human Resource Administration...
2. Master Course in Human Resources 2.0
Strategic human resource management, strategic planning, recruiting, training, HR management,Labour welfare...
3. Human Resources For Beginners
A guide to learning the fundamentals of human resource management...
4. Introduction to Human Resource Concepts
Introduction to Human Resource Concepts...
5. Administrative Human Resources (HR) for Beginners
This course is an introduction to the role and duties of Human Resources (HR)...
6. Human Resources (HR) Training for Entry Level Professionals
How To Get Your First Job As An HR Assistant...
7. HR - Agile HR Fundamentals ( Human Resources )
Human Resources - Paradigm Shift Agile Movement in Human Resources HR Courses HR Certification...
8. Certification Course in Human Resource Management
Curriculum commensurate to Top B School's Management Program : with downloadable resources, quiz, assessments & exercise...
9. Introduction to Human Resource Management
HRM is an important function of any organization. It includes managing people in a structured and thorough manner...
10. The Human Resources Certification Program (HRCI - PHR/SPHR)
An Exam Preparation Guide to the Human Resource Body of Knowledge...
11. Ultimate HR Generalist and Human Resource Management Course
Hands-on HR Certification: All HRM topics. Master Employee Life Cycle, Payroll, Recruitment, Engagement, EXDesign and AI...
12. HR,HR Analytics, Human Resource Management, Black Friday Ed
HR Analytics ,HR Courses, human resource management, ,HR certification, HRM, hr payroll, people management, 2022...
13. Human Resources (HR) as a Business Partner
This course provides valuable information on how Human Resource Business Partnering (HRBP) operates in practice...
14. Hands-On HR Analytics Online Course for Human Resources
People Analytics & Analytical Process to Human Capital XL & Open Source Data Mining & ML Tools 6 Data Assignments...
15. Diploma Course in Human Resource Management (HRM)
Become top-notch HRM Practitioner - Get Live Projects, Ready-to-use Templates, Demos, Quizzes, Articles, Case studies...
16. Human Resources 101: Learning HR fundamentals today
Learn the basics in Human Resources Management through HR involvement in different stages in the employee lifecycle...
17. Prep to Pass the Professional in Human Resources (PHR)® Exam
The Complete Preparation Course for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR)® Exam 2022-2023...
18. Learn HR Fundamentals for a Career in Human Resources
Human Resource Management is key to developing any business or organization. Learn core HR roles and responsibilities...
19. SAP Human Resources (HR) for Beginners
Hatch as a Beginner in SAP HR by Learning the Basics of Human Resources and HCM...
20. Certification Course in Human Resource Management (HRM)
Excel in the HR domain!...