HR Certificates (an overview)

The volume of questions and requests especially when it comes to HR Certificates has been rising, therefore, I decided to list the most “globally” known organizations and accreditation bodies.

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Before diving into the subject,  let’s take a quick look at the benefits of obtaining an accredited certificate:

Valued by employers: Qualifications help you to develop the business understanding and technical knowledge that employers look for.  They demonstrate that you’ve achieved a certain level of knowledge in the subject matter.

Relevant and practical: Develop your HR, L&D and business knowledge. Plus everything you learn can be applied back in the workplace with immediate effect.

Flexibility and choice: With most of the providers you can work towards your qualification at your own pace and gain credits for your achievements along the way. 

Enhance your professional credibility: Most qualifications provide you with a professional level of membership, which demonstrates your professionalism in the workplace.

We will look into the following organizations:

• The HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
• The Talent Management Institute (TMI)
• The Human Capital Institute (HCI)
• The Association for Talent Development (ATD)
• The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
• The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Let’s take a quick overview of each of them:

CIPD: The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is a professional association for human resource management professionals. It is headquartered in Wimbledon, London, England. The organization was founded in 1913 – it is the world’s oldest association in its field and has over 145,000 members internationally working across private, public and voluntary sectors.

SHRM: The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is a professional human resources membership association headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. SHRM promotes the role of HR as a profession and provides education, certification, and networking to its members while lobbying Congress on issues pertinent to labor management. Representing about 260,000 members in more than 140 countries, the Society serves the needs of HR professionals and advances the interests of the HR profession. Founded in 1948, SHRM has more than 575 affiliated chapters within the United States and subsidiary offices in China and India.

ATD:  The Association for Talent Development (ATD), formerly American Society for Training & Development (ASTD), is a non-profit association serving those who develop talent in the workplace. ATD has an international as well as US membership base (more than 120 countries; 100 U.S. chapters; 18 international strategic partners and global networks). The association’s members work in every industry and sector.

HCI: The Human Capital Institute is an institute for Talent management leadership related to Human Capital (Human resources). The institute conducts training, certification, research, education, and events. Membership includes Fortune 1000 and Forbes Global 2000 corporations, government agencies, global consultants and business schools.

TMI: The Talent Management Institute (TMI) is a world leader in Talent Management credentialing and is widely credited for its contribution in developing Talent Management into a profession of critical significance for global industry and business. While TMI initiatives, standards frameworks, and body of knowledge spell the state of the art in Talent Management today, TMI certifications for professionals and enterprise talent systems have become industry-leading qualifications demonstrating leadership and excellence in the thought and practice of Talent Management.

HRCI: The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) headquartered in the U.S., is the premier credentialing organization for the human resources profession. For 40 years, HRCI has set the standard for HR expertise and excellence around the globe. An independent nonprofit organization, HRCI is dedicated to advancing the HR profession by developing and administering best-in-class accredited certifications

Now let’s take a look at the accredited programs each has to offer:

Certifying Body	Program	About
HRCI	Associate Professional in Human Resources™ (aPHR™)	HRCI’s Associate Professional in Human Resources™ (aPHR™) is the perfect certification to help fast-track your career growth and provide you with the confidence to launch into the HR profession. The aPHR is the first-ever HR certification designed for professionals who are just beginning their HR career journey and proves your knowledge of foundational Human Resources.
HRCI	Associate Professional in Human Resources – International (aPHRi)	If you are new to HR and want to distinguish yourself early on, the Associate Professional in Human Resources – International™ (aPHRi™) from HRCI is the perfect certification to help propel your career growth and provide you with the confidence to launch into the HR profession. Be one of the first to earn your aPHRi — earn the aPHRi and prove your knowledge of foundational Human Resources in any locale.
HRCI	Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®)	The PHR demonstrates your mastery of the technical and operational aspects of HR management, including U.S. laws and regulations. The PHR is for the HR professional who has experience with program implementation, has a tactical/logistical orientation, is accountable to another HR professional within the organization, and has responsibilities that focus on the HR department rather than the whole organization.
HRCI	Professional in Human Resources – California® (PHRca®)	The PHRca demonstrates your mastery of the laws, regulations and HR management practices unique to the state of California. The PHRca is for professionals who either practice in California or are  responsible for human resource management in California. You do not have to be located in California to earn a PHRca. Many certification holders add the PHRca to their other HRCI credentials.
HRCI	Professional in Human Resources – International™ (PHRi™)	The PHRi (formerly the Human Resources Business Professional™ or HRBP™), for internationally based practitioners, validates professional-level competency, knowledge and skills to help to propel your HR career forward. With the PHRi, you demonstrate mastery of generally accepted technical and operational HR principles in a single international setting.
HRCI	Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR®)	The SPHR demonstrates your mastery of the strategic and policy-making aspects of HR management as practiced in the U.S. The credential is designed for big-picture thinkers responsible for planning rather than implementing HR policy. Organizations seek out SPHR professionals for their proven accountability for HR department goals, for breadth and depth of knowledge in all HR disciplines, and for understanding business issues beyond the HR function.
HRCI	Senior Professional in Human Resources – International Professional™ (SPHRi™)	The SPHRi (formerly the Human Resources Management Professional™ or HRMP™), for internationally based HR leaders, validates senior-level HR competency and mastery of generally accepted HR principles in strategy, policy development and service delivery in a single international setting.
HRCI	Global Professional in Human Resources® (GPHR®)	The GPHR demonstrates your expertise of multinational HR responsibilities, including strategies of globalization development of HR policies and initiatives that support organizational global growth.
TMI	Talent Management Practitioner (TMP)	The TMP™ Credential is designed for individuals graduating with an HR major or similar discipline from premier universities, business schools and HR institutions. TMP™ re-engineers your understanding of the field as a modern HR professional. Your HR degree coupled with a Talent Management qualification is a reliable way to establish your career in a high-paying Talent Management function after you graduate. TMP™ makes you a more desirable candidate, which is why MBAs and HR professionals with majors like HRM, Industrial Psychology, Personnel Management, and Labor Relations are increasingly opting for TMP™
TMI	Senior Talent Management Practitioner (STMP)	The STMP™ credential helps professionals drive themselves through the Talent Management discipline efficiently and effectively. It is robust proof of your competence as an ambitious HR professional. It will help you assure employers of your advanced skills in handling the complexities of a changing business landscape, workforce dynamics and HR accountabilities for their business. It’s a qualification that increasingly proves how a Talent Management credential can accelerate career growth.
TMI	Global Talent Management Leader (GTML)	Global Talent Management Leader (GTML™) is a qualification for professionals who are spearheading organizational growth through strategic Talent Management. This certification is for seasoned HR leaders who are determined to make an impact on HR. GTML™ is the world’s most thorough learning in Talent Management yet. The successful management of global talent directly drives the success of organizations. The GTML™ credential equips ambitious HR professionals with the perspective and knowledge they need to effectively lead with talent management. It includes an online learning resource to aid you in the preparation of your GTML™ exam.
CIPD	Associate Diploma in Human Resources Practise (Assoc. CIPD)	Recognises HR professionals who demonstrate excellence in people practice by supporting the delivery of HR solutions, or hold a relevant CIPD qualification
CIPD	Associate Diploma in Learning and Development Practise (Assoc. CIPD)	Recognises L&D professionals who demonstrate excellence in people practice by supporting the delivery of L&D solutions, or hold a relevant CIPD qualification
CIPD	Level 5 Diploma in Human Resources Management  (Chartered MCIPD)	Recognises HR professionals who deliver organizational performance by leading, driving and delivering people plans and solutions
CIPD	Level 5 Diploma in Learning and Development Management (Chartered MCIPD)	Recognises L&D professionals who deliver organizational performance by leading, driving and delivering people plans and solutions
CIPD	Level 5 Diploma in Applied Human Resources (Chartered MCIPD)	Recognises HR professionals who deliver organizational performance by leading, driving and delivering people plans and solutions
CIPD	Level 7 Diploma in Human Resources Management (Chartered FCIPD)	Recognises HR professionals who deliver sustained long-term business performance by leading and developing people strategy
CIPD	Level 7 Diploma in Human Resources Development (Chartered FCIPD)	Recognises L&D professionals who deliver sustained long-term business performance by leading and developing people strategy
HCI	Change Management for HR	Most organizations turn to HR to help support and manage change, no matter the size or complexity involved. They know people are the key to success, and change is hard for most. Change Management for HR (CMHR), HCI’s newest certification course, is designed to build the skills you need to guide people through change: aligning change initiatives with business strategy, communicating effectively, addressing resistance and encouraging sustainability.
HCI	Leadership Development & Succession Strategist (LDSS) Certification	Adopt a strategic and systematic approach to succession management. Take succession planning beyond the C-suite and plan leadership development solutions that address competency gaps, identify high-potential talent, facilitate engagement, and drive growth throughout the organization.
HCI	Human Capital Strategist (HCS) Certification	Traditional people management strategies are underwhelming and outdated. They fail to keep up with the pace of technology, evolving skill sets, and an increasingly global and remote workforce.
HCI	Strategic Workforce Planning (SWP) Certification	Move your career, and your business, forward with one of the most sought-after skills in talent management today. HCI’s Strategic Workforce Planning Certification Program provides you with the skills required to integrate quantitative measures such as headcount planning and workforce analytics into a qualitative decision framework that can inform and transform organizational strategy.
HCI	Strategic HR Business Partner (sHRBP) Certification	This new certification program helps you close the HRBP skills gap by redefining what it means to be a Strategic HR Business Partner. You’ll master a new capability framework based on fresh research, gain confidence through the program’s emphasis on learning by doing and practicing skills in real time, and cultivate the mindset you need to think and act strategically.
HCI	Analytics for Talent Management (ATM) Certification	Become a true strategic partner to the business by leveraging data and analytics to make strategic talent decisions. With HCI’s certification course, you’ll learn to effectively navigate the world of data and analytics by learning how to think analytically, understand basic statistical techniques, and connect talent management initiatives to bottom-line business impact.
HCI	Coaching for Engagement & Performance (CEP) Certification	In this one-of-a-kind certification course, you’ll learn how to leverage coaching to improve the way you develop your talent. You’ll gain the tools necessary to cascade coaching skills and capabilities to managers and leaders throughout your organization, maximizing potential and driving growth across the enterprise.
HCI	Strategic Talent Acquisition (STA) Certification	Become a true business influencer with HCI’s new approach to talent acquisition. With HCI’s certification course, you’ll learn to identify quality talent, increase diversity, and enable winning teams. Presented through a lens of customer centricity, you will gain an actionable framework and end-to-end strategy to win the war for great talent—and drive your business forward.
ATD	Associate Proffessional in Talent Development (APTD)	The Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) is a certification for talent development professionals who are in the early part of their careers or whose professional roles and aspirations are focused on a few areas of expertise. The competencies included in the APTD are the basics of talent development that professionals can use every day, no matter the level within an organization or company. It may be a destination for some or a stepping stone to the CPLP for others.
ATD	Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)	The Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) is broad based and measures a talent development professionals’ competency in 10 areas of expertise (AOEs) with a focus on global mindset as defined by the latest ATD Competency Model.
SHRM	SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)	HR professionals who implement policies and strategies, serve as point of contact for staff and stakeholders, deliver HR services, and perform operational HR functions, should take the SHRM-CP exam.
SHRM	SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)	HR professionals who develop strategies, lead the HR function, foster influence in the community, analyze performance metrics, and align HR strategies to organizational goals, should take the SHRM-SCP exam.

Finally, choosing a certificate/accreditation can be an overwhelming expierence, let me start off by saying just like a personality test, there is no right answer, the only advice applicable here would be to look at the outlines and details of the courses to make facilitate your career path as needed, another advise might be to look at organizations that you aspire to join (or your own organization) and observe the leadership and the choices they made in that regard.