9 Best HR Certifications To Elevate Your Career in 2025

HR Tech

11 minutes

March 21, 2025

HR certifications play an important role in the field of human resources. These human resources certifications help professionals to demonstrate their professional knowledge, skills, and experience in HR-related jobs.

However, why is an HR certification important and what are the best HR certifications?

After getting general information about HR certification and its importance, you will advance your career thanks to the 9 best HR certifications below.

What Is an HR Certification?

A human resources (HR) certification is a professional title that attests to proficiency in human resources-related topics. In order to become a certified HR professional, individuals must generally complete a course or pass an exam.

Obtaining an HR certification demonstrates the mastery of industry-standard human resource procedures, which can help to get a career, prepare for higher-level roles, and boost earning potential. For this reason, although the validity of them depends on each country's regulations, the demand for these certifications is increasing.

Why Are HR Certifications Important?

In recent years, many HR employees have become aware of the importance of HR certification. Besides, human resources certification benefits are increasingly understood to provide various advantages, from developing professionals' careers to increasing their self-confidence in the workplace.

These credentials are significant because they offer many HR certification benefits including:

• Increased recognition and trust in the HR sector
• Better work options and promotion opportunities
• Larger earning potential and better chances for compensation
• Shown proficiency and knowledge of HR procedures
• Expanded professional network
• Continuous professional growth and current knowledge
• Adapting to shifting industry norms and regulations
• Enhanced marketability and job security
• Improved confidence in dealing with complex HR issues

What Are the Best HR Certifications?

Since HR training and development are crucial in today's competitive business world, certified human resource professionals are one step ahead. For this purpose, it is critical for professionals to find the most suitable ones for themselves from the human resources certifications list below.

Here are the 9 best HR certifications compiled for you to become a certified HR professional:

1. Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR)

Overview

The first HR certification on this list, Academy to Innovate HR, is a completely accredited online course library for HR certification programs that offer domain-specific training and certification. With an emphasis on future-proofing the HR skill set, AIHR has created bundles of learning materials for individuals to finish at their own pace.

For the complete experience, people can enroll in the Academy and obtain several specialized certifications. They may also decide to concentrate on just one topic at a time.

Full Academy access also enables students to enroll in mini-courses, like High-Impact Performance Management, which provide them with use cases and tools to boost their productivity.

Each of the certificate programs is offered online, using interactive lessons, films, and activities that prepare students for the demands of a career as an HR professional. Learners also get access to a resource collection that includes helpful HR templates. Instructors are experienced HR professionals who provide real-world information.

The certificate programs seek to assist learners in becoming T-shaped HR professional through the development of fundamental HR competencies including business acumen, data literacy, people advocacy, digital agility, and execution excellence.

Each HR certificate program’s duration ranges from 22 to 36 hours. Students have up to 12 months from the time of enrollment to finish any course, and lessons are self-paced.

Suitability

It is suitable for human resources professionals with various levels of expertise. Entry-level and advanced subjects are covered in the courses.

Requirements for Eligibility

No previous HR experience is required.

Program Cost

HR certification courses cost $1,125 each, or students can pay $1,850 to join the Academy, which gives them access to all certification programs for a full year and gives them more time to finish them. Installment payments are also an option.

2. Professional in Human Resources (PHR) by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI)

Overview

One well-known option for HR professionals to continue their education is the HR Certification Institute. Professional in Human Resources (PHR) is their most popular certification.

People can begin their path and obtain higher certification as they acquire on-the-job experience and greater responsibility thanks to certification levels in the senior and global areas of Human Resource Management vocations.

After getting the associate level certification (aPHR), candidates can move on to the PHR, Senior PHR, and Global PHR. Additionally, there is an online version of this certification that comes with a digital badge and Pearson-proctored tests. Before the exams, the majority of participants study for six to nine months.

Suitability

HR professionals range from new graduates with little experience to senior and worldwide human resources leaders.

Requirements for Eligibility

To be eligible, candidates must either have four years of experience in a professional-level HR role, two years of experience in the HR field and a Bachelor's degree, or at least one year of experience in the HR area and a Master's degree. They have to attend an HRCI-approved training session and receive acceptance after their application.

Program Cost

AIHR is one of the hundreds of authorized certification preparation providers that HRCI partners with. Programs and expenses vary greatly per provider, and there is a $100 non-refundable registration fee, with exam fees varying with the level. The cost of a PHR exam is $395, while the cost of a Global PHR exam is $495.

3. SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

Overview

There is a competency-based HR certification program provided by The Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). It is founded on the fundamentals of the SHRM Body of Applied Skills & Knowledge (SHRM BASK®), which helps HR professionals' career aspirations to reach their highest potential in the field. Both organizational strategy and successful leadership are the main topics of the course and tests.

The HR department of, immigration rules, workplace investigations, inclusive culture, talent acquisition, and people analytics are among the specializations that SHRM provides. HR workers in California might also locate certifications tailored to their area. Before the test, the majority of learners study for six months.

Suitability

Because it covers every facet of the HR job, this curriculum is ideal for HR generalists.

Requirements for Eligibility

Those who want to join the SHRM certification program must meet an extensive list of eligibility criteria. Candidates should check out these for their HR experience.

Program Cost

Exam fees differ depending on the candidate's status and kind of certification; students and SHRM members receive a discount.

4. Strategic HR Leadership (SHRL) by the Human Capital Institute

Overview

The Human Capital Institute is well-known for prioritizing the integration of human capital with business strategy, with a particular emphasis on HR leaders and their effect on the business.

Strategic HR Leadership (SHRL) and a number of other competency-based HR certification programs are accessible through HCI. The HCI Academy provides mentor help, practice exams, participant materials, and instructions.

For up to four weeks, students can take part in half-day sessions of the virtual series or two-day programs. To obtain the certification, students need to successfully complete the online exam.

Suitability

For people who are unfamiliar with HR leader roles and responsibilities and the difficulties they encounter, the SHRL certification is an excellent fit. According to their website, everyone who manages a team aspires to be a people leader or needs to boost team productivity should take part.

Requirements for Eligibility

This training does not require any prior knowledge. Students nevertheless have to attend every session, take part in group discussions, finish all of their coursework, turn in an evaluation, and pass their final exam successfully in order to receive the certificate.

Program Cost

The cost of the SHRL certificate program online is $1,995.

5. Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) by HRPA

Overview

A unique credential offered by The Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) is the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP). Additionally, they provide two more advanced credentials: the Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE) and the Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL)

Learners have to finish a series of nine HR-related college courses via a network of Canadian colleges and institutions, which are examined for approval before sitting for challenge tests.

There is also a workforce readiness program available to help people interested in a career in human resources.

Suitability

For people who have a degree or are currently pursuing HR courses, the CHRP is a suitable fit. Only HRPA members in good standing are eligible to receive these credentials.

Requirements for Eligibility

The HRPA has several special requirements for obtaining CHRP certification. Students have to become members and follow their course and exam dates.

Program Cost

The program's cost may vary. In order to qualify, students must join HRPA. The cost of membership varies according to their status, the month they joined, and whether they live in Canada or abroad. Examinations and courses also have additional costs.

6. Talent Management Practitioner by the Talent Management Institute

Overview

People who want to pursue professions in talent management are the target audience for the Talent Management Institute's Talent Management Practitioner certification. All of the books and other study materials required to complete the online test are included in the TMP™ Resource Box, which is part of the program.

Suitability

It is suitable for graduates of college or university with an emphasis on human resources and talent management are the target audience for the TMI online certification.

Requirements for Eligibility

Candidates must fulfill specific educational and professional requirements before being approved for the program, and they are validated using a unique technology.

Program Cost

The total cost, including taxes, is $675. Exam preparation training costs differ depending on the provider.

7. Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) by The Association for Talent Development (ATD)

Overview

The Association for Talent Development (ATD), which is popular for its cutting-edge professional development training, now offers a thorough certification, Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD). It addresses a variety of talent development issues spanning diverse skill sets and aptitudes.

The curriculum is available in person, online, and during weekend workshops, or students can self-study utilizing ATD materials. The exam is difficult, therefore candidates should plan ahead of time. Many people say it takes six to nine months to prepare.

Suitability

It is an excellent fit for professionals in HR and talent development who wish to keep improving their skills in this area.

Requirements for Eligibility

Five years of relevant work experience and an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of employee talent development are prerequisites.

Program Cost

It costs $975 for members and $1,350 for non-members to take the CPTD exam. For members, the preparation course costs $1,695, while for non-members, it costs $1,945.

8. Human Resource Information Professional (HRIP) by the International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM)

Overview

For HRIT and HRIS professionals, The International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM) has established a solid international reputation. They provide a comprehensive Human Resources Information Professional (HRIP) certification program in addition to a number of continuing education choices.

The generalist competencies of HR professionals and their comprehension of HR information management are the main topics of this certification. Live online proctoring is an option for taking the test.

Suitability

According to IHRIM, this certification is best suited for individuals with three to five years of job experience, a post-secondary degree, other professionally recognized HR training, or professionals seeking a more in-depth grasp of HRIS or the technology with which they work extensively every day.

Requirements for Eligibility

There are no prerequisites for taking part.

Program Cost

Three packages are available from IHRIM for this certification. The cost of the HRIP certification exam ranges from $445 to $1,100, which includes the whole package of learning materials, new member fees, and exams.

9. Certified HR Manager (CHRM) by HR University

Overview

HR University is a platform for HR education that provides classes that combine interactive learning methods with expert-led, on-demand video courses. HR University enables individuals to advance their education and launch a career in human resources or to learn more about particular HR subjects like people analytics on their own time.

There are more than 90 lessons in the Certified HR Manager (CHRM) track, along with case studies, quizzes, and assignments.

Suitability

It is a good fit for people who want to begin or advance their careers as HR managers.

Requirements for Eligibility

There are no specific requirements for taking part.

Program Cost

The curriculum costs $199 for one certification, in this case, CHRM. The price is $499 for a complete catalog with six certification options. A 30-day money-back guarantee is offered.

Conclusion

In this blog content, you discovered the top 9 HR certifications to advance your career in 2025. This list will be an important guide for all professionals aiming for HR career advancement.

Although certifications are important for HR skills development, there are many more HR topics you need to learn as an employer, HR employee, or someone interested in HR topics. You can visit Hirex to explore many more HR subjects!