Which Human Resources Certification is the best? Why? | LinkedIn Answer... http://www.linkedin.com/answers/hiring-human-resources/staffing-recruit...

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Nick D.
Nicholas.Disney(at)faculty.ashford.edu 2.7k+ connections - Instructional Specialist at Ashford University see all my questions

Which Human Resources Certification is the best? Why?

I've seen SHRM SPHR, GPHR, HRCI and AIRS, but which one is really the best to have for a successful career track in HR?
posted December 8, 2009 in Staffing and Recruiting | Closed

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Dawn B. Chair - The Scholarship Committee at South Hampton Roads Geekettes Club
see all my answers Best Answers in: Staffing and Recruiting (60)... see more

NIck, You have definitely touched a 'hot spot' question. SHRM is a good organization when it comes to Human Resources information, and the PHR exam is good at testing the legal knowledge of the HR practitioner. I have been a member for twenty years, but mostly to able to 'milk' their site for information I need in day-to-day practice. Passing any test or certification doesn't necessarily make you a qualified person in the field. It simply means you were able to take a test and pass it, but doesn't prove you are able to practice the topic matter upon which you were tested. I've encountered folks with SPHR certifications who didn't know squat, but had managed to pass the test with sheer luck, including senior management executives who didn't study for the exam, but passed on the first try because they knew more about business and finance and could answer the questions from their general knowledge (but didn't know the first thing about employment and labor law). I have taken all the courses from AIRS a few year ago, and was thrilled with the content matter, but those courses are primarily geared towards recruiting. SHRM is primarily geared toward Human Resource practice (and the various certifications were noted below). HRCI is geared more towards to the advancement of talent management practices for individuals and organizations. WorldAtWork is geared toward and focused on attracting, motivating and retaining employees. Most of these certifications must be 'fed' by continuing educational credits, and in many cases, are expensive to keep valid because of the cost of the continuing education credits (that are - of course - training sold by the issuing organizations, which is a money making machine for those organizations). There is also another organization that is geared towards benefits management (health & welfare), but forgot what their name is for this writing. So you have to know what the certifications are 'for' within these organizations and what any of the certifications are going to prove to anyone reviewing your credentials, as well as knowing what level or specific niche you wish to focus your education and training in within the HR industry. Overall - these are industry 'organization' certifications, but you may wish to attend a university that provides a Human Resources Degree (Bachelor or Master's) to get in-depth knowledge of all the practices of Human Resources within a general knowledge field. The degree would carry more, it not an equal, weight with any of the certifications that are offered by those HR related trade organizations, but combined might provide a powerful knowledge base within HR. On another note - I've heard business managers are more and more relying on SHRM certifications to judge whether or not to hire a Human Resources manager or certification tips the scales for the hiring decision. This really is a inequitable decision because they may have two candidates - one with dozens of years of Human Resources experience and a resume or CV to prove their value, that they are judging

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9/2/2012 11:37 AM

Which Human Resources Certification is the best? Why? | LinkedIn Answer... http://www.linkedin.com/answers/hiring-human-resources/staffing-recruit...

others, but save it - I've heard it all), just because a Human Resources practitioner has a certification, does not mean they are the best candidate or the most knowledgeable candidate. It means that they knew enough to be able to pass the exam for the certificate.

Hope this answer provides you some guidance?

I accept all LinkedIn Invitations: Dawn.Boyer@me.com Currently providing Human Resources consulting to small businesses, including startup defense companies, in the Hampton Roads, VA area. Please visit this Poll to provide an opinion (and would love your comments) on HR Practitioners and Education: http://polls.linkedin.com/p/28062/mzylg
Links: http://www.linkedin.com/in/DawnBoyer http://www.shrm.org
Clarification added December 9, 2009:

Jenelle had that fourth source I couldn't think of when I first posted a response: Certified Employees Benefits Specialist (CEBS)
posted December 8, 2009

More Answers (5)

Andrea H. Uncomplicates the people side of running a small business | Coach for Small Business | Coach for HR | HR Speaker
see all my answers Best Answers in: Personnel Policies (2)... see more

HRCI is the certificating body of the SPHR, PHR & GPHR. I am unfamiliar with AIRS. PHR = professional in human resources SPHR = senior professional in human resouces GPHR = global professional in human resources Each comes with it's own qualifications for being able to take the exam. There is even a California version of the PHR & SPHR. Any of the certification will help in your career. To learn more check out the HRCI website.
Links: http://www.hrci.org/
posted December 8, 2009

Bob W. Experienced IT Staffing Professional

see all my answers Best Answers in: Staffing and Recruiting (24)... see more

If you're looking for a career in HR as a generalist, or manager, one of the certs from HRCI would be the way to go. if you're looking to go into staffing and recruitment, then the CPC designation is a good option. AIRS certification is merely a verification that you have been trained in advanced search techniques used in recruitment. I don't believe it has as much overall value to an HR professional as any of the other certifications mentioned. I hope this helps. Bob
posted December 8, 2009

Naresh N. UI/UX & WCM Recruiting Specialist

see all my answers

I feel AIRS deals more with Recruitment's and doesn't cover all the aspects of Human Resource Management, whereas PHR and SHRM deals with complete HR functionalities.
posted December 8, 2009

Hallie Gabor H. Author at Get It Together- The Real-World Money Guide for Graduates
see all my answers Best Answers in: Mentoring (2)... see more

Paula Harvey is a great resource in the HR world.

Hallie Gabor H. also suggests this expert on this topic: Paula H.
posted December 8, 2009

Jenille F. HR Professional

For those interested in Benefits, I would take a look at the Certified Employees Benefits Specialist (CEBS) certification.

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Which Human Resources Certification is the best? Why? | LinkedIn Answer... http://www.linkedin.com/answers/hiring-human-resources/staffing-recruit...

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