The benefits of human resources certification

Many HR professionals devote hours of their own time studying for HR certification exams. Once they become certified, those HR professionals devote their own financial resources and time to continuing education so that they can maintain certification.

HR certification – Benefits to HR professionals and their organizations.

HR certification benefits for employees

The reasons individuals pursue certifications include demonstrating one’s professional achievement, fulfilling personal satisfaction, helping in career advancement, enhancing one’s understanding of the field, and earning recognition from peers.

Earning a certification may help an individual make a favorable impression during a job interview for showing potential employer about his/her knowledge and competencies and has the capability to do that job.

• Employee’s dedication to his/her HR career and updated with latest HR trends.
• It gives more perception of more competent, more qualified and capable of performing better.
• It helps in group decision making among peer since certified employee may be given more consideration.
• It boosts employee’s moral and motivation for work. It is clearly reflected in self-confidence and self-satisfaction
• HR certification considered as receiving better opportunities and higher salary and advancement

HR certification benefits for employer

From the organization’s perspective, HR certifications are used as a selection tool to identify the best fit and qualified candidate for the position.

Certifications help organizations determine whether applicants or employees can perform at an acceptable level in his job.

Employers can also use certifications to present an image of employee respect and authority.

Certification leads to lead more consistent ways to deal with information, challenges, conflicts etc., related to HR.

Encourage employees to perform in a better way with up to date skills and competencies.

Difference between HR certifications

The differences between the four designations are the amount of relevant work experience and level of training. The SHRM-CP and PHR are basic certifications and on a similar level of experience, while the SHRM-SCP and SPHR are both senior-level certifications. Candidates need to meet certain requirements for each type of certification. Here is a typical profile for each:

SHRM-CP Candidate

• Serves as a point of contact for staff and stakeholders
• Delivers HR services
• Performs operational HR functions
• Implements policies and strategies
• Requires at least three years of experience in an HR-related role if the candidate has obtained less than a Bachelor’s degree
• Professionals with a Bachelor’s degree in an HR-related field require at least one year of experience in an HR role
• Professionals with a Graduate degree require one year of experience in an HR role, unless their degree is HR-related
• Understands SHRM’s Body of Competency & Knowledge (BoCK)

SHRM-SCP Candidate

• Develops HR strategies
• Leads HR functions
• Analyzes performance metrics
• Aligns HR strategies to organizational goals
• Has three-to-seven years of HR-related experience
• Has an understanding of SHRM’s new Body of Competency & Knowledge (BoCK)

PHR Candidate

• Focuses on program implementation
• Has tactical/logistical orientation
• Has accountability to another HR professional within the organization
• Has two to four years of exempt-level generalist HR work experience, but because of career length may lack the breadth and depth of a more senior-level generalist
• Has not had progressive HR work experience by virtue of career length
• Focuses his or her impact on the organization within the HR department rather than organization wide
• Commands respect through the credibility of knowledge and the use of policies and guidelines to make decisions

SPHR Candidate

• Designs and plans rather than implements
• Focuses on the “big picture”
• Has ultimate accountability in the HR department
• Has six to eight years of progressive HR experience
• Has breadth and depth of HR generalist knowledge
• Uses judgment obtained with time and application of knowledge
• Has generalist role within the organization
• Understands the effect of decisions made within and outside of the organization
• Understands the business, not just the HR function
• Manages relationships; has influence within the overall organization
• Commands credibility within the organization, community, and field by experience
• Possesses excellent negotiation skills

Certified individuals are usually issued a certificate attesting that they have met the standards of the credentialing organization and are entitled to make the public aware of their credentialed status, usually through the use of initials (i.e., SHRM-SCP or SPHR) after their names.

Your HR Career Success Depends Upon New Skills and Certification

To be an effective HR professional, candidates not only need to understand concepts such as strategic management, workforce planning, HR development and organizational management, but they also require practical skills to implement these concepts.

Online Master Certificate in Human Resource Management program is an ideal way to gain critical skills and prepare for the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certifications.

Check online certification program here