Interested in HR Certification?

HR Certification is an opportunity for HR professionals to validate their expertise in the body of knowledge and competencies within the profession. It is also an outward sign of professional achievement that distinguishes you from your peers and highlights your commitment to the HR profession. Certification signals that your knowledge of HR topics and legislation is current, opens doors to career growth and demonstrates that you have mastered a significant body of knowledge in the HR field.

Currently, there are two entities that offer professional certifications for HR Professionals; SHRM and HRCI.  For information regarding certifications including eligibility requirements, testing windows and preparation materials, please visit the websites listed below.

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
SHRM offers two competency-based certifications for HR Professionals. Your scope of work and depth of experience will determine which exam is best for you:

• SHRM-CP (SHRM Certified Professional)
• SHRM-SCP (SHRM Senior Certified Professional)

For complete details about the certifications above, including the process and testing dates, visit the SHRM Certification Website or check out this video highlighting the top 5 reasons to become SHRM Certified.

Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI)

HRCI offers eight certifications that cover different HR disciplines. Work history and level of experience will determine which path you should pursue:

• Associate Professional in Human Resources™
• Associate Professional in Human Resources—International™
• Professional in Human Resources®
• Professional in Human Resources - California®
• Professional in Human Resources - International™
• Senior Professional in Human Resources®
• Senior Professional in Human Resources - International™
• Global Professional in Human Resources®

For complete details about the certifications above, including the process and testing dates, visit the HRCI Certification website.

Maintaining Your Certification—NEHRA’s Approved Provider Status

To retain your certification, SHRM and HRCI require all certified professionals to re-certify every three years either by accumulating 60 educational hours or by retaking the exam. NEHRA is an approved provider of educational hours for both the SHRM and HRCI designations. We offer over 40 programs each year— view our Events Calendar as well as our E-Learning Library, and be sure to check back often as programs are added throughout the year. 

Membership with NEHRA gives you 3 PDC's towards SHRM re-certification, and 2 credits towards HRCI re-certification. Additionally, educational hours required to maintain certification(s) can be earned via continuing education, instruction, on-the-job experience, research, publishing, and more.  Visit SHRM or HRCI for specific requirements for re-certification.