Online HR certifications have become a trend nowadays, in fact, people are pursuing online certifications instead of an MBA in HR. There are a lot of reasons for this which will be covered in the following article in detail, but before jumping into the details, let’s talk about the basics of HR Certification.

An HR certification is a recognition of your skills, knowledge, and experience in the field of HR. It is tangible proof showing that you have the required HR skills and abilities to work as an HR professional. To earn a certificate, you have to pass a test so that your knowledge and skills could be tested, and after passing the test, the certification will be awarded to you. There are many types of online HR Certifications each having different eligibility criteria, different sub-topics, and different requirements, some of these are: 

• Associate Professional in Human Resources (APHR)
• Professional in Human Resources
• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
• Associate Professional in Talent Development Credential (APTD)
• Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)
• Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)

Process of getting an HR Certificate

It is very easy to get an HR certificate these days, as everything is online and virtual. Taking classes and appearing for exams on smartphones or laptops is no big deal these days. All you have to do is to pick the right course and make sure that it aligns with your career goals. After that, simply register for the selected course and then you need to prepare for the exam while taking classes and going through relevant materials. You will have to take the exam online or in-person depending on your suitability, after the completion of the test and if you have successfully passed the test then you receive the certificate and then you can continue on the path of your professional journey.

Reasons for the Popularity of Online HR Certifications

One of the foremost reasons to pursue a human resources certificate program is the career growth connected to it. There are lots of credible brands when it comes to HR courses such as Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM), HRAcademia, HRMI etc which offer a variety of certifications in the field of HR. The main benefit of an online certificate is its feasibility, anyone can get a certificate no matter where they live, and this feature has attracted many HR Professionals. Starting with the reasons for the popularity of HR Certifications:

Reason #1 – Specification and Relevance

Whenever we complete an HR Certificate, the course material and the course outline are considered very important. In normal HR degrees, such as MBA in HR programs, the course material is not specific to HR, in fact, the course content includes the details of another course content as well. However, HR certification programs are highly organized and specific to the subject.

Reason #2 – Time Duration

The best part about HR certification is that they generally require less time duration than any other HR program. 

Reason #3 – Helps you get a Raise

When you start collecting more certifications, which means increasing your skills and updating your abilities, then there is a high probability that your salary could get increased. The reason your salary should increase is because when you acquire new skills and knowledge then your worth also increases, which generally should increase your salary. If your company identifies that you have put a positive impact on your work, then they are most likely to increase your pay.

Reason #4 – Accelerates Career

There is an upward trend for your career when you acquire different HR Certifications. According to the PayScale Survey, 82% of entry-level HR employees who hold an HR Certificate have received a promotion in the early 5 years of their career than the non-certificate holders. HR certificates make recruiters take an interest in your resume and they will give you the confidence and opportunities to expand your career. 

Reason #5 – Feasibility

People nowadays search for feasibility in everything, mainly while studying. When other HR programs put a lot of pressure in the academic year and are not at all feasible for working individuals, HR certificates eradicate this issue, as an individual can take classes according to their feasibility and can also appear for exams on their feasibility. The online feature of these certificates helps many individuals to work as well as study at the same time. 

Reason #6 – AccessibilityThe design of products, devices, services, or environments for people with disabilities to ensure th... of Course Material

Due to the online feature of HR Certifications, the course material is very easy to find on any website, and it mainly focuses on those books for which electronic versions are available. Due to the easy accessibility of course material from the internet, it becomes very convenient for individuals to read and study at their own feasibility. 

 Reason #7 – Availability of Options

Unlike other HR programs, while pursuing an HR Certificate, an individual can select their specialization area from a variety of topics and courses. You are never limited to options like in some HR programs where you have to select from only 3 or 4 areas of specialization. When you have a variety of topics to select from, you can focus on your topic of interest which makes you more curious and eager to learn about. 

Reason #8 – Inspires Creative Thinking

Human Resources is all about understanding humans, and when you acquire HR certificates your consciousness over this particular aspect boosts remarkably. The training courses and examinations will put you in such practical situations that will increase your creative thinking, and it will also give you several ideas on how to handle employees in an organization effectively. These creative exchanges will inspire you to make positive changes in your company and also in your career.

The Takeaway

The trend nowadays is changing, recruiters are searching for fresh talent and smart work. An MBA program or other degree programs have lost their charm, as they neither give practical knowledge, nor exposure to the outer world. The option you choose will determine your career trajectory.