How Much Do Human Resources Certifications Cost?
The cost might impede entry, especially for those new to HR certification. You’ll have to pay a lot of money to earn your HR certification, but the aim is that the money you spend now will pay off in the long term with a higher salary and greater career opportunities. The following list of HR certification fees is up to date as of 2021, but keep in mind that it just includes the application and exam; it does not include additional costs such as training materials.
How Do You Decide Which Certification to Pursue?
The first question you should ask yourself is why you want to be certified in the first place. If you’re a newbie, knowing which HR certification to seek will rely on what you want from your professional path and what kind of education and experience you’ve already invested in—certification prerequisites may play a significant role in which certification you will be able to obtain. JD Conway suggests inquiring with the head of HR at your current employer or the company you want to work for about any preferences for HRCI or SHRM (or other) certifications. No matter the certification you choose, you must pass the exam and keep your certification current by engaging in recertification events.
What Is Necessary for Recertification?
Unfortunately, your HR certification is not permanent. All SHRM and HRCI certifications have a three-year validity period. If you want to retake the exam, you can, or instead of spending long nights preparing, you can obtain recertification credits. To maintain your certification, all SHRM certifications and most HRCI certifications require 60 credits (aPHR and aPHRI only require 45 credits) every three years. Attending conferences, viewing webinars, engaging in online courses, and volunteering are all methods to gain credits.
Throughout the year, BambooHR provides numerous opportunities to earn recertification credits. Attendees of our main HR Virtual Summit receive four credits, and three mini-versions of the event presented later receive one credit each. We also hold frequent webinars that count toward recertification, including topics ranging from corporate-wide tactics such as company culture building to personal skills such as time management. Credits are only provided for live webinars, so sign up for one today (and feel free to browse some older ones as well, even though you won’t get credit).
Conclusion
An HR certification demands a significant time and financial investment on your behalf, but it could be the push you need to take your career to the next level. However, don’t rush into obtaining a certification. Instead, consider your professional path and whether certification can help you. Take the time to choose the correct certification for you, and once you’ve invested in one, make sure you maintain your certification by completing the necessary recertification credits. It may not be a must for success in an HR position, but data suggests it will be a wise decision for your career.