10 HR Certifications You Could Pursue After Graduation

Across the country, the demand for human resources specialists continues to increase as more industries recognize the value of their work. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for HR specialists is projected to grow 6 percent between 2024 and 2034 alone, which is faster than the national average for all occupations.

Whether you're a recent HR graduate or are just starting to explore HR as a potential career path, there's no overstating the value of both formal education and HR certifications as you progress in your professional journey.

What Is an HR Certification?

Specifically, an HR certification refers to a designation that an HR professional earns to demonstrate the mastery of specialized skills and knowledge in the field. These are offered through reputable credentialing bodies in the field, including SHRM and HRCI, and often require completion of specific coursework and/or passing of an exam.

Certifications can be pursued at every stage of an HR career, typically falling into one of the following three categories:

• Entry-Level HR Certifications - Suited for early-career professionals.
• Professional-Level HR Certifications - Ideal for those with at least a few years of experience in the field.
• Advanced and Specialty HR Certifications - More specialized designations for HR professionals with many years of experience.

Benefits of Earning HR Certification

For HR students, recent graduates, and career-changers alike, certifications offer a range of real-world benefits that can impact employability, salary, credibility, and career flexibility.

Stronger Employability

Even if you have a formal degree in HR, having industry-specific certifications could help you stand out in a competitive job market — especially compared to other applicants with a formal education and no additional certifications.

Higher Earning Potential

With specialized certifications in HR, you can also increase your earning potential by bringing more skills and advanced knowledge to the table. In fact, according to a HumPRO study, "certified HR professionals [...] are more likely than non-certified professionals to get hired and be employed full-time, be well compensated, and be happier with their career."

Professional Credibility

As you advance and grow in your HR career, earning certifications can also increase your sense of credibility and recognition as a reputable professional and industry thought leader. Your designations (and the valuable skills and knowledge that come with them) could earn you greater respect among your colleagues and beyond.

Access to Professional Networks

The simple act of pursuing a professional certification in HR could also open up doors to new networking opportunities — especially if you join a professional association (like SHRM or HRCI) as part of the process.

Updated Skills and Knowledge

No matter which certification(s) you end up pursuing, earning new designations means leveling up your industry skills and knowledge in new and exciting ways. With developed skills in compliance, strategy, critical thinking, and beyond, you may be better prepared to perform your job or advance into new roles.

Career Flexibility

Because HR is such a broad field, earning certifications can be a great way to explore different niches and add versatile skills to your toolkit. Using what you learn in a certification program, you can explore new areas of the field or even make that long-awaited career pivot.

10 HR Certifications to Consider

So, what are some of the best HR certifications to explore? We're breaking them down for you below, along with some last-minute tips to help you choose.

SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

The SHRM-CP certification is a popular designation offered through SHRM to those with at least one or two years of experience in strategic HR. 

• Ideal for: HR professionals who are responsible for implementing HR policies and executing HR contracts.
• Key Focus Areas: General HR knowledge, situational judgment, and applying HR concepts to real-world scenarios.

SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

The SHRM-SCP certification requires at least three years of experience performing strategic HR duties, and is meant to demonstrate a professional's ability to lead HR teams, drive culture, and develop policy.

• Ideal for: Mid-level and advanced professionals with some strategic leadership experience.
• Key Focus Areas: Developing HR frameworks, policy creation and implementation, and the alignment of HR strategies with business goals.

Professional in Human Resources (PHR)

The PHR designation, which is offered through HRCI, demonstrates technical and operational knowledge of such areas of the field as HR management and nationwide laws/regulations. To be eligible, HR professionals should have at least two years of experience in an HR role and a bachelor's degree.

• Ideal for: Early-stage HR professionals and recent graduates looking to enhance credibility.
• Key Focus Areas: Workforce planning, compensation/benefits, talent acquisition, and employee relations.

Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

For more experienced HR professionals with at least 4–5 years of experience in the field, it may be worth pursuing HRCI's SPHR designation instead. This certification moves beyond everyday HR tasks to include a more strategic focus.

• Ideal for: Senior HR leaders and professionals responsible for long-term strategic direction and policy.
• Key Focus Areas: Leadership and strategy, talent management, workforce planning, and HR information management.

Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR)

Another HRCI designation to explore is aPHR certification, a popular option for entry-level professionals looking to build their credentials. Compared to many other HR certifications, this option requires no formal HR experience.

• Ideal for: New HR professionals and recent graduates who are just starting out.
• Key Focus Areas: Broad HR knowledge in topics like operations, retention, employee relations, and compliance.

SHRM Talent Acquisition Specialty Credential

Interested specifically in the talent acquisition side of HR? SHRM's Talent Acquisition Specialty Credential offers a unique opportunity for HR professionals to develop their skills and knowledge in global hiring, DEI, and the virtual talent acquisition life cycle in a two-day, in-person credentialing event held in San Mateo, CA.

• Ideal for: HR professionals who want to earn a specialty credential that demonstrates their knowledge of the dynamic talent acquisition landscape.
• Key Focus Areas: Strategic planning, candidate experience, virtual recruiting leadership, and cyber recruiting.

SHRM People Analytics Specialty Credential

Another specialty option to consider through SHRM is their People Analytics Specialty Credential, which centers around making informed talent decisions based on people-related data and analytics to drive strategic business goals.

• Ideal for: HR professionals interested in learning how to lead change using data and analytics.
• Key Focus Areas: Enhanced workforce planning, decision-making, foundational data literature, and the metrics behind people analytics.

Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)

As compensation remains a critical aspect of talent acquisition, many organizations are looking for CCP-designated HR professionals to help them build and manage more competitive pay programs.

• Ideal for: HR professionals interested in compensation roles who want to validate their credibility.
• Key Focus Areas: Employee pay structure design, implementation, and management.

Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)

Likewise, the CEBS certification offered through the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEB) is a credential designed to demonstrate advanced knowledge in navigating employer health, welfare, and retirement plans. 

• Ideal for: HR professionals interested in employee benefits roles.
• Key Focus Areas: Group benefits, retirement plans, strategic, and regulatory compliance.

Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)

Last but not least, there's the GPHR certification, which is offered through HRCI. This designation requires a few years of experience with a preferred bachelor's or master's degree — and is meant to demonstrate expertise in multinational HR responsibilities.

• Ideal for: HR professionals working for multinational companies or who wish to advance into this type of role.
• Key Focus Areas: Strategic global HR, global talent management, compliance, and workplace culture.

How to Choose an HR Certification That Matches Your Career Goals

With so many great HR certifications to choose from, how can you possibly decide on one? The good news is that you don't have to settle on just one; as an HR professional, you can pursue as many (or as few) as you'd like. The key, of course, is to manage your time wisely and to select the best HR certifications that align with your career goals and interests.

Identify Your HR Career Interests

Start by thinking about the areas of HR that interest you. Whether it's data, leadership, compensation/benefits, or talent acquisition, there's bound to be a certification available that aligns with your interests.

Match Certifications to Your Experience Level

Remember that not all certifications are available to all HR professionals. Some may require that you have a minimum amount of experience before applying, whereas others may be open to recent college graduates with little to no experience. As you explore your options, be sure to look specifically at certifications available at your current experience level.

Review Job Descriptions and Employer Expectations

If there's a certain promotion or job opening that you already have your eye on, review the job description carefully for any required or preferred certifications. Even if there aren't any designations required, preferred skills may be mapped directly to an HR certification program to aid in your decision.

Evaluate Time, Cost, and Preparation Requirements

Some certifications are meant to be completed in just a few months, whereas others may take longer. As you research your options, make sure you understand exactly what will be required of you, not just in terms of time and preparation, but cost as well.

Consider Your Long-Term Career Growth

Think about where in HR you see yourself in a few years or even ten years down the road. Do you dream of advancing into an HR management role? If so, then a certification that focuses on leadership could serve you well. 

On the other hand, if you're more interested in a specialized niche in the field, like data analytics or compensation/benefits, there are certification options in these areas as well.

Advance Your HR Education at Champlain College Online

With so many potential career pathways in HR, the right certifications can make all the difference as you explore your interests and sharpen your skills. Still, nothing replaces the value of a quality education. At Champlain College Online, we're proud to offer a Bachelor of Human Resource Management degree that provides the flexibility, career-driven curriculum, and convenient online learning format that today's adult learners need.

Get in touch to learn more about our HR Management program, or take the next step by beginning your application for admission.