12 Types of HR Certifications: Know the Cost and Eligibility

Managing people is hard work. 

Whether it’s dealing with an existing workforce or sourcing out new talent, you must be well-equipped to handle the biggest company resource - your people. And one of the most effective ways of equipping yourself better is by getting professionally certified in human resources.

There has been some buzz around human resources certifications for several years now. While acquiring HR certification isn’t mandatory for most organizations, it’s quickly becoming preferred for most high-profile HR roles. Navigating HR functions through human resource management systems and core HR software is also easier when you’re a certified expert. 

So, if you’re looking for ways to elevate yourself as an HR professional, it’s time to look into the different types of HR certifications available at your disposal.

The importance of HR certification

Gaining an HR certification is a great way to improve your resume. It shows employers that you’re self-motivated and aim to learn continuously to grow in your field. Plus when you have the necessary certifications, you will excel in the role which makes you a better candidate. 

Certified professionals are also more likely to negotiate for better increments and compensations. There have been many studies and surveys that concluded the same thing - certified HR professionals from the human resource certification institute (HRCI) earn higher salaries than non-certified employees. They tend to get promoted more quickly and populate more senior positions, resulting in overall stronger business performance.

Moreover, irrespective of which industry you’re a part of, keeping yourself updated with the latest technologies and relevant subjects is crucial to career advancement. Earning the right certification will grant you that benefit and ensure you’re aware of HR statistics and industry trends, resulting in improved job performance.

Deciding which human resources certifications are right for you is all about identifying where you are in your career path. No matter if you’re in your first year on the job, an HR manager, or you’re vying for a C-Suite position, there are human resources certifications designed to fit your needs.

With so much information out there, it can be hard to cut through the noise. We’ve put together a list of the 12 most popular human resources certifications, who they might benefit from, and the requirements for each.

Best entry-level HR certification

The following human resources certifications are perfect for anyone looking to get a head start at the beginning of their human resources career. These human resources certifications have the lowest requirement thresholds and can be completed within a couple of months.

Associate Professional in Human Resources™ (APHR™)

The Associate Professional in Human Resources™ certification is perfect for entry-level human resources professionals because it doesn’t require any previous work experience. That means college students studying for a career in human resources can get a head start by studying for and completing the APHR™ before graduating.

The APHR™ is also unique from other human resources certifications because it doesn't require any previous work experience or HR experience. This certification is perfect for anyone looking to make a career change to HR.

If you're ready to take the APHR™, the cost is as follows:

• Application fee: $100
• Exam fee*: $300

*Once an exam application is approved, no refunds will be made whether a candidate withdraws or no longer wishes to take the exam.

Professional in Human Resources®

The Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®) certificate is designed for human resources professionals who are a couple of years into their human resources career and are looking for advanced development.

As you can see above, your eligibility for the PHR® depends on your level of education and your current experience in an HR role. You may be eligible for the PHR® within your first year on the job, or you may need to wait until you are a couple of years into your career. Whichever is the case, planning ahead is always a good idea.

If you’re ready to take the PHR®, the cost is as follows:

• Application fee: $100
• Exam fee*: $395

*Once an exam application is approved, no refunds will be made whether a candidate withdraws or no longer wishes to take the exam.

Best HR certification for career advancement

It’s not just increased knowledge you look to gain with a human resources certification, it’s more money throughout the length of your career. Studies show that HR professionals with human resources certifications are set to earn more money than their non-certified counterparts. 

The following human resources certifications are perfect for anyone with a couple of years of human resources experience under their belt and/or an advanced degree to qualify. These human resources certifications are more time intensive than the previous certification and have a higher requirement threshold. 

SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM®–CP)

The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM®-CP) certificate is a human resources certification offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). This certification is designed for HR professionals who have been in the field for several years and are seeking out management-level positions.

The SHRM®-CP certification program is a bit different than other certification programs because there are different requirements depending on whether or not you graduated with an HR-related degree. We’ll break down the eligibility based on the degree program requirements.

 It’s important you double-check the education requirements for the SHRM®-CP because your eligibility requirements will change depending on whether or not you hold an HR degree.

If you’ve done your research and you’re ready to take the SHRM®-CP, the cost is as follows:

• Application fee: $50
• Standard exam fee (SHRM members): $410
• Standard exam fee (Non-SHRM members): $510

*Once an exam application is approved, no refunds will be made whether a candidate withdraws or no longer wishes to take the exam.

Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR®)

The Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR®) certificate is designed for seasoned HR professionals looking to demonstrate their industry knowledge. This is human resources certification is designed for people who are looking to advance their careers toward leadership roles.

As you’ll see with many of these more advanced human resources certifications, eligibility for the SPHR® certification depends on your level of education and your current experience in an HR role.

If you’re ready to take SPHR®, the cost is as follows:

• Application fee: $100
• Exam fee*: $495

*Once an exam application is approved, no refunds will be made whether a candidate withdraws or no longer wishes to take the exam.

SHRM Senior Certified Professional® (SHRM–SCP®)

The SHRM Senior Certified Professional® (SHRM–SCP®) is certificate a human resources certification offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). This certification is designed for HR professionals who are looking to make the jump to the C-Suite within the next couple of years.

The SHRM–SCP® certification program is a bit different than other certification programs because there are different requirements depending on whether or not you graduated with an HR-related degree. We’ll break down the eligibility based on the degree program requirements.

 It’s important you double-check the education requirements for the SHRM–SCP® because your eligibility requirements will change depending on whether or not you hold an HR degree.

If you’ve done your research and you’re ready to take the SHRM–SCP®, the cost is as follows:

• Application fee: $50
• Standard exam fee (SHRM members): $410
• Standard exam fee (Non-SHRM members): $510

*Once an exam application is approved, no refunds will be made whether a candidate withdraws or no longer wishes to take the exam.

Best specialty HR certification

The above human resources certifications outline a linear path from the beginning of your HR career toward the top, but what if you still have the feeling you haven’t found the right certification for you?

Regardless of your career aspirations or goals, there is an HR certification that is right for you. The fact is that human resources certifications are back on the rise after a dip between 2014 and 2017. A stronger economy and a more competitive job market make human resources certifications more valuable than ever.

The following certifications are for HR professionals who have special skills they want to highlight to make them stand out. Not everyone will meet the qualifications for these human resources certifications, but if you do, you might want to consider exploring your options.

Associate Professional in Talent Development Credential (APTD)

The Associate Professional in Talent Development Credential (APTD) certificate is a human resources certification offered by the Association for Talent Development (ATD). It’s designed specifically for HR professionals who work in talent management. This certification is perfect for someone who is a few years into their career and looking to move into a management position.

Other than having experience working in talent development, there is no required educational background to take the APTD.

If you’re ready to take the APTD, the cost is as follows:

• Exam fee (ATD members): $499
• Exam fee (Non–ATD members): $699

Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)

The Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) is a human resources certification offered by the Association for Talent Development (ATD). It’s designed specifically for HR professionals who work in employee talent development. This certification is perfect for someone who is a few years into their career and looking to move into a management position.

In addition to the above requirements, you must be able to apply talent development principles and practices globally, across cultures and borders, as defined by the Foundational Competency: Global Mindset in the ATD Competency Model

If you’re ready to take the CPTD, the cost is as follows:

• Exam fee (ATD members): $975
• Exam fee (Non-ATD members): $1,350

Professional in Human Resources – California® (PHRca®)

The Professional in Human Resources – California® (PHRca®) certificate is a special human resources certification designed for HR professionals living in the state of California. This certification is perfect for HR professionals looking to show they understand the unique state laws California has regarding employment.

This certification would likely only benefit someone who is currently managing employees within the state of California or someone looking to make a move to California.

If you’re ready to take the PHRca®, the cost is as follows:

• Application fee: $100
• Exam fee*: $395

*Once an exam application is approved, no refunds will be made whether a candidate withdraws or no longer wishes to take the exam.

Best international HR certification

If you’re an HR professional who works for cross-continental teams, you may be looking for a certification program designed specifically for your needs. The HR Certification Institute has an entire certification program designed specifically for people who work with international teams.

The following certifications are best taken in order as your career progresses. However, if you find you already qualify for more advanced certification, you’re more than encouraged to skip ahead to that one.

Associate Professional in Human Resources – International™

The APHR™ – International™ is very similar to the APHR™ with a few key differences: the aPHRI™ is designed for any human resources professional outside of the United States or anyone who will be working with an international team.

Much like the APHR™ this program doesn’t require any previous human resources experience.

The cost for the aPHRI™ is as follows:

• Application fee: $100
• Exam fee*: $300

*Once an exam application is approved, no refunds will be made whether a candidate withdraws or no longer wishes to take the exam. To make certification more accessible worldwide, HRCI offers a global allowance for the aPHRi exam which provides the exam at a reduced fee. Applicants who live in low-income, lower-middle-income, and upper-middle-income economies, as defined on the Global Allowance Pricing (GAP) List will pay a reduced exam fee of $150 USD.

Professional in Human Resources (PHR®) – International™

The Professional in Human Resources (PHR®) — International™ certificate is the next step upward after you’ve completed the APHR™ – International™. Once again, this designation is perfect for HR professionals who work outside the United States or work with international teams.

Much like the PHR®, the PHR® – International™ certification depends on your level of education and your current experience in an HR role.

If you’re ready to take the PHR®, the cost is as follows:

• Application fee: $100
• Exam fee*: $395

*Once an exam application is approved, no refunds will be made whether a candidate withdraws or no longer wishes to take the exam. To make certification more accessible worldwide, HRCI offers a global allowance for the PHRi/SPHRi exam which provides the exam at a reduced fee. Applicants who live in low-income, lower-middle-income, and upper-middle-income economies, as defined on the Global Allowance Pricing (GAP) List will pay a reduced exam fee of $200 USD/$300 USD.

Senior Professional in Human Resources – International™ (SPHRi™)

The Senior Professional in Human Resources – International™ (SPHRi™) certificate is the third step in the international human resources certification ladder. Once again, this designation is perfect for HR professionals who work outside the United States or work with international teams.

The SPHRi™ – International™ also requires documented knowledge of local employment laws. As with the SPHR® certification, eligibility for the SPHRi™ depends on your level of education and your current experience in an HR role.

If you’re ready to take the SPHRi™, the cost is as follows:

• Application fee: $100
• Exam fee*: $495

*Once an exam application is approved, no refunds will be made whether a candidate withdraws or no longer wishes to take the exam. To make certification more accessible worldwide, HRCI offers a global allowance for the PHRi/SPHRi exam which provides the exam at a reduced fee. Applicants who live in low-income, lower-middle-income, and upper-middle-income economies, as defined on the Global Allowance Pricing (GAP) list will pay a reduced exam fee of $200 USD/$300 USD.

Global Professional in Human Resources® (GPHR®)

The Global Professional in Human Resources® (GPHR®) certificate is the final step in the international human resources certification ladder. As always, this designation is perfect for HR professionals who work outside the United States or work with international teams.

The GPHR® also requires global HR experience. Global HR experience is defined as having direct, cross-border HR responsibilities for two or more countries or regions. Eligibility for the GPHR® depends on your level of education and your current experience in an HR role.

If you’re ready to take the GPHR®, the cost is as follows:

• Application fee: $100
• Exam fee*: $495

*Once an exam application is approved, no refunds will be made whether a candidate withdraws or no longer wishes to take the exam.

How to get HR certification

While HR certifications are most commonly sought out by professionals with relevant experience, many newbies want to get certified and build a stronger resume. So if you don't have enough experience in your field, here's how you can get certified.

• Pick the right certification course. Make sure to align your certification with your career goals to make the most out of it. For example, if you wish to work with specific companies around the world, the aPHRi™ certification is a good option.
• Prepare for the certification exam. You can get the right exam preparation material from the official HRCI website. Study bundles can include manuals, flashcards, practice tests, access to connect with experts and audio readers.
• Take the exam online or in person. Certification tests can be taken online or at test centers. There are no designated periods for these tests and can be taken within 180 days of approval.
• Continue working on professional development. Once you pass your exam, you will need 45 recertification credits within three years to remain certified. You can earn that by participating in conferences, seminars, and online courses. 

Who should look into getting certified?

Whether you’re looking to climb the corporate ladder, upskill yourself, or enter the industry as a newbie, looking into certification courses is the answer for you. 

• HR graduates entering the job market: Landing your first job will get a lot more rewarding when you’re able to stand out from other candidates. An HR certification can help you do that. It can help in proving you’re more qualified for the role.
• Professionals in their first HR role: When you’re just starting out in a new role, brushing up your skills and learning new things is the way to make the most out of your job. Getting certified in your role will help you in becoming more efficient in what you do.
• Experienced professionals looking for new opportunities: If you’ve gained enough experience in a role and are now looking for some new challenges, getting an HR certification can help you explore other specialties. It’ll make you more qualified for higher-level work and responsibilities.
• Certified professionals looking to upskill: Even if you already have an HR certification, you can take your career to the next level by earning a high level of certification. For example, you could be professional in human resources (PHR) certified and looking to gain senior professional in human resources (SPHR) certification.

Get a certified win for your career.

Now that you know everything there is to know about HR certifications, you’re ready to take your career to the next level! Remember, the above descriptions are just a high-level summary of each certification program. We encourage you to do your own research before committing to any HR certification program.

Learn more about human resource management, its functions, and what it takes to succeed in this role.

This article was originally published in 2019. It has been updated with new information.