Suppose you have ever browsed the HR Certification Institute’s (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) available certifications and determined to pass for time or financial reasons. In that case, you might require to revisit that idea. While you would not be expected to get an HR certificate to work in human resources, it can be a valuable resource for some HR professionals’ careers.
Advance your career with Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) certification, the first-ever HR certification designed for professionals who are just beginning their HR career journey.
A study schedule is essential in preparing for the HR certification exams. Creating and sticking to a program is the best way to ensure you cover the entire HR Body of Knowledge before your scheduled exam.
About Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) Certification
HRCI’s Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) is the perfect certification to support fast-track your career growth and you with the courage to launch into the HR profession. The aPHR is the first-ever HR certification intended for professionals who are just beginning their HR career journey and proves their knowledge of foundational Human Resources.
To be available for the aPHR, you must have a high school diploma or global equivalent. No HR experience is required since this is a knowledge-based credential.
aPHR certification is valid for three years after testing. To support your aPHR credential, you must earn 45 recertification credits over three years or retake the exam.
Who Should Look Into Getting aPHR Certified?
While you are not required to earn an aPHR certification to work in the industry, there are several times when having a certificate can aid you to add value to your current role or make you more appealing to potential employers.
Here are four kinds of professionals who can help from having aPHR certification:
- Recent HR graduates joining the job market. Landing your first job out of college can be challenging, but having a certification can help you stand out from fellow applicants and guarantee your resume rises to the top of the stack.
- Professionals are working their first HR role. Whether you are working your first professional job or you switched to HR from a different career, it is normal to feel somewhat overwhelmed in a new position. Creating a certification can help you build the skills you require to become more productive, effective, and confident in your abilities.
- Experienced HR professionals are looking to boost their careers. If you have been working in HR for a while and are ready to advance to a higher position, obtaining an aPHR certification can improve. Not only will it make you by making sure you are qualified for new responsibilities, but it can also provide you leverage when asking your employer for a raise or promotion.
- Certified professionals are seeking to move up. Suppose you already have an Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) certification and want to take your career and winning potential to the next level. In that case, you may require to reconsider getting the higher-level Human Resources certifications.
Why Might an aPHR Certification Be Required?
In the future, with your career, you will be competing in the job market with people who have earned similar certifications. Unfortunately, companies looking for more strategic, financial, and organization development skills in their HR staff do not advertise these credentials as essential for applicants. Many post this aPHR certification as optional or decide not to require them, although they can substantially boost career success.
Obtaining either of the available HRCI certifications involves an investment of money for preparation courses and books. In addition, the time investment requires hours and hours of study, often attending in-room class sessions.
Talk to current HR people where you live and work to find answers from informed people about whether you need an aPHR certification. People reporting actual local conditions may differ from what you hear from industry publications or your school’s career office.
Conclusion
Choosing the proper HR certification will depend on your career and education, but starting with an aPHR can help you expand your career opportunities even if you are new to the industry. While opting to complete a certification may require you to commit time outside of work, the advantages you will enjoy will make it a worthwhile investment.
