Are HR Certifications Really Worth It?

Human resource is a versatile profession. It means that it offers as many ways to enter the profession as there are people in the field. Given that there’s no hard-and-fast criterion to be eligible to work in the profession, it is also correct to say that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to enter human resources.

Degrees might be cost-prohibitive, taking a certification is an affordable and credible way to make your way and progress in the industry. Professional certifications for HR practitioners have proven beneficial in several ways, including growth in salary and career advancement.

Typically, certifications are optional, but many hiring managers prefer to hire certified practitioners over non-certified practitioners. Similarly, fresh graduates with a non-HR background are eligible for entry-level roles in HR, but a certification brings them to par with their peers with an HR education background.

Benefits of certifications

A certification shows that your skills are up-to-date and proves your ability to manage HR functions and deliver results in the interest of the business. No surprise that the profession pays more to certified practitioners than non-certified practitioners. A PayScale survey found that professionals with at least one certification earn 17% more than their non-certified peers.

Similarly, the survey found that the likelihood of a certified candidate getting a promotion is 15% more than that of non-certified candidates. These are obvious tangible benefits that a professional can expect, which makes certifications worthwhile. Moreover, a credential from a globally recognized body in the industry proves that you hold the latest knowledge required to deliver results in the interest of the business. Metaphorically, a certification is a trunk of skills, which is called upon in distressing times.

Best HR certification bodies

There is a handful of certification bodies in the Philippines that are recognized globally and prove your competence to work efficiently in human resources.

1. Certified Practitioner in Human Resources (CPHR): CPHR offers a gamut of HR certifications for professionals with all levels of experience including CPHR and CSPHR among its recognized certifications for mid-level professionals, and senior-level HR professionals, respectively. CPHR represents 36,000+ members in the Human Resources Profession across the globe and is the global voice on the enhancement and promotion of the HR Profession.

2. Certified Learning and Development Professional (CLDP): CLDP is an internationally-accredited certification enhancing L&D competencies that are highly useful in corporate training, organizational development, performance management, and succession planning. As organizations are increasing their focus on talent management to battle out the war for talent, they are seeking out professionals who are well-versed with talent management practices.

3. International HR Institute (IHRI): Certified Recruitment and Selection Professional (CRSP) and Certified Compensation and Benefits Professional (CCBP) are two certifications offered by IHRI. Meant for mid-level and senior-level HR professionals, these two certifications prove a candidate’s adeptness in building and implementation of HR strategy and employee policymaking in the facets of talent acquisition and total rewards. Certifications provided by IHRI are recognized by SHRM, ATD, and HRCI.

Preparation courses for all of these certification programs are facilitated by a senior professional through a live online learning setup typically over the span of two full days.

Preparation courses for all of these certification programs are facilitated by a senior professional through a live online learning setup typically over the span of two full days.

Unsure which ones are the best certification for you, feel free to talk to a Career Advisor for free assistance.