Continued learning is an important part of skill development. Irrespective of the career you have, you must continue to build better skills. Human resources isn’t any different. Like other fields, certifications in human resources are a good way to hone skills. For HR professionals, taking a certification in human resources can enhance career and increase salary.

Institutions like SHRM, HRCI, and TMI are prominent institutions for professional certifications in human resources.

How to get an HR certification?
Typically, a certification is a 3 -6 months’ process which involves learning, practicing, and taking a time-bound exam. On qualifying the exam, a certification is awarded.
An HR certification increases knowledge about human resources, build actionable skills, and implementable strategy to maximize employee productivity and deliver desired business output.

As human resources is diverse, certifications in this field vary according to HR functions– compensation & benefits, employee training and development, etc. Certifications can be costly. On top of that, immense time and preparation is required to qualify certification exams. So the question is – are certifications worth it?

Certifications lead to more money

Several industry reports and surveys have reported that HR certifications lead to increase in pay. Here some highlighting facts —

1. HR certifications are available for all levels of experience –from HR Associates to director. The salary difference between a certified and non-certified HR professional can be as much as $10,000, according to a Payscale report.
2. According to the aforementioned Payscale report, certifications also lead to salary increase across geographical regions differs too. For instance, in Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Washington D.C salary for Certified professionals is more than non-certified professionals. Washington has the highest difference in salary between certified and non-certified professionals.
3. Certified HR directors have 25 percent chances of promotion than non-certified ones, the SHRM Value of certification report says.

Other benefits of certifications
Apart from making more money, certifications help in numerous other ways, giving better job prospects.

Promotions

Certifications increase the likelihood of getting promotions at all levels. HR assistants who are certified are 37 percent more likely to be certified within five years than those who are not certified. Further, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics says candidates with certification or master’s degree have the best job prospects.

some organizations even go to the extent of making certifications for roles. Under the circumstances, where no certification is found with candidate’s companies simply toss resumes away.

Shows professionalism
By going to the extent of taking certification exams, paying fees, and putting in effort to prepare for the exam, shows commitment to a career in HR. Terry Henley, Director of compensation services for the Employers Resource Association, having certification means you are serious about HR as a profession and give your career utmost priority.

Prominent institutions for HR certifications
HR certifications can be earned from several institutions. Following certification institutes are highly regarded in the field of HR–

SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management)—This is one of the premier HR certification institutions known worldwide. It offers globally recognized certification for HR professionals with extensive experience to make their position more concrete in the industry.
TMI (Talent Management Institute) – Talent management Institute takes a new gen approach towards equipping HR professionals by introducing talent management certifications. Certifications are available for professionals of all level of experience. Certifications offered by the institution prepare candidates for managing today’s workforce and developing it by leveraging sound strategies and frameworks.

HRCI (HR Certification Institute) — Founded over 40 years ago, HRCI is a premier institute for credentialing HR professionals. It offers an array of certifications across all levels for experience for HR professionals. PHR and SPHR are prominent credentials offered by the institution.