Certifications have always proven their worth both – when you are seeking a job or a promotion. The same is true for HR Certifications. Whether you are a new entrant in the HR field or are an experienced professional, HR certifications can be pretty handy in your professional life.
Certifications are necessary as per today’s demands for highly specialized HR professionals. So if you are planning to get an HR certification, then here are few factors that may help you in deciding whether the certification is right for you and if yes, which one should you go for.
The factors that would help you decide include:
Would that certification help you get a job?
Certification, whether listed as a prerequisite or not, would definitely get you bonus points. And put you in a favorable position with your recruiters. With HR certification mentioned in your resume, you would have an added advantage over other applicants. It would also display your dedication towards your profession.
HR Certifications and your career growth
Certifications help you stay abreast with all the latest trends and practices in the industry. And it is no different with HR certifications and your career. With certifications, you would always be on top of your game – as certifications help you keep your knowledge and skills updated. A definite confidence boost for your competency. And a sure shot way to promotion and raises in your organization.
Different types of certifications available
There are three major organizations offering HR Certifications to applicants – Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), Talent Management Institute and Society For Human Resource Management.
Each of these organizations offers internationally renowned HR certifications and you could choose the one that would go best with your degree and experience.
So let’s have a look at all the HR certifications offered:
HRCI or HR Certification Institute
One of the oldest and the renowned certification institute is HRCI. It has been offering HR Certifications to the Human Resource professionals world over. The certifications from HRCI are highly valued in the industry and employers swear by it. The certifications are for both entrants and senior level. Depending on your qualification and experience in the field you could choose from the list of certifications offered by the HRCI.
The list ranges from aPHR or Associate Professional in Human Resource, aPHRi or Associate Professional in Human Resource – International, SPHR or Senior Professional in Human Resource, SPHRi or Senior Professional in Human Resource, PHR or Professional in Human Resource, PHR-Ca or Professional in Human Resource –California, to PHRi or Professional in Human Resource –International.
The details could be found on their website.
TMI or Talent Management Institute
The Talent Management Institute with its unique certifications aims to take a step further than merely fueling the 21st century human resource through talent management. The institute aims to educate the applicants not only in the regular HR practices but also to make them talent management experts – a new prerequisite in the HR field.
The Talent Management Institute offers three major credentials including Talent Management Practitioner or TMP, Senior Talent Management Practitioner or STMP and Global Talent Management Leader or GTML. Each of these credentials have prerequisite criteria that you could check out on the website.
SHRM or Society For Human Resource Management
Initially a branch of HRCI, SHRM has evolved as one separate entity offering two major certifications for professionals seeking a successful career in Human Resource. SHRM-CP or SHRM- Certified Professional, or SHRM-SCP or SHRM-Senior Certified Professional are two certifications offered by SHRM for both entrant and senior level professionals.