Is Human Resources Certification Worth it?
Over the past two decades, human resources certification has become increasingly important for professionals seeking a means to differentiate themselves from peers in a competitive business marketplace. As an affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management, the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) has awarded certification to 115,000 professionals within just the past ten years. Although certification is held in high regard among most executives, it is not required to obtain entry or mid-level employment in the field of human resources at this time. Since pursuing HR certification can be a rather hefty investment, the following will explore whether becoming certified is really worth your time, money, and effort.
Career Advancements with Certification in HR
Along with gaining a valuable education from an accredited HR-related degree program and relevant work experience, holding certification will undoubtedly provide a powerful boost in your career momentum. Certification sends a clear message to employers that you are committed to the human resources profession and have obtained professional competence in the essential skills needed to success. Since it is not required, pursuing HR certification demonstrates your passion, ambition, and determination better than you can communicate in an interview. In today’s tough job market, certification is often used as a decision-maker when choosing between two candidates with similar degrees and experiences. Once on the job, 70% of human resources professionals with certification received a promotion in their first five years.
Monetary Rewards of Earning Human Resources Certification
Due to the fact that professionals with HR certification have the highest area for career advancement into the leadership roles of human resources manager, director, and even vice president, it is no surprise that there are serious monetary rewards that come with being certified. While the difference in income potential is relatively small at entry-level positions, HR professionals who hold certification tend to make much more money than their colleagues without in senior-level roles. For instance, a PayScale survey discovered that the median pay for certified HR managers was $64,900, but non-certified HR managers earned over $10,000 less in the same position at $54,200. In the major metropolitan areas of Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Dallas, certification can translate into gaining an up to $25,000 edge over peers yearly.
Which HR Certification is the Right Fit for You?
Despite the fact that it is not required in the field, it is important to realize that you will be competing in a job market full of individuals who have earned HR certification. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you allow your strategic, financial, organizational, and interpersonal skills advertise themselves by earning certification. Through the HRCI, you can pursue certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) based on your level of experience. While the PHR requires you to have at least two years of experience with a bachelor’s degree, the SPHR mandates that you have a minimum of four years of experience with a master’s degree or higher.
Resource: Top 10 Best Online Masters in Human Resources Management Degrees (MSHR)
Overall, certification is definitely worth its investment to stand out in today’s competitive HR arena and obtain more opportunities for advancement. While you will spend money on study materials, spend time in prep courses, and take practice tests for hours on end, having a human resources certification will more than pay for itself when you begin making considerably higher wages than your colleagues for the same amount of work.
