The recruitment industry is a versatile industry. It means that it offers as many ways to enter the industry as there are people in the industry. Given that there’s no hard-and-fast criterion to be eligible to work in the industry, it is also correct to say that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to enter recruitment and human resources.  

Degrees might be cost-prohibitive, taking a certification is an affordable and credible way to make your way and progress in the industry. Professional certifications for HR practitioners have proven beneficial in several ways, including growth in salary and career advancement   

Typically, certifications are optional, but many hiring managers prefer to hire certified HR practitioners over non-certified HR practitioners. Similarly, fresh graduates with a non-HR background are eligible for entry-level roles in HR, but a certification brings them at par with the peers with an HR education background.  

 Benefits of certifications  

 A certification shows that your skills are up-to-date and proves your ability to manage HR functions and deliver results in the interest of the business. No surprise that the industry pays more to the certified profession than non-certified professionals. A PayScale survey found that professionals with at least one certification earn 17% more than their non-certified peers.   

Similarly, the survey found that the likelihood of a certified candidate getting a promotion is 15% more than that of non-certified candidates. These are obvious tangible benefits that a professional can expect, which makes certifications worthwhile. Moreover, a credential from a globally recognized body in the industry proves that you hold the latest knowledge required to deliver results in the interest of the business. Metaphorically, a certification is a trunk of skills, which is called upon in distressing times. 

Best recruitment and HR certification bodies 

Recruitment and human resources are nearly the same across the world, except for a few labor and employee laws. No wonder, the world’s leading HR certification bodies are recognized globally and prove your competence to work efficiently in human resources.   

1.Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI): HRCI offers a gamut of HR certifications for professionals with all levels of experience. It offers PHR, SPHR, and GPHR among its recognized certifications for fresh graduates and mid-level professionals, and senior-level HR professionals, respectively.    

2.Talent Management Institute (TMI): TMP, STMP, and GTML are three talent management certifications offered by TMI. As organizations are increasing their focus on talent management to battle out war for talent, they are seeking out professionals who are well-versed with talent management practices. 

These certifications prove that you are well-acquainted with the building, implementation, and execution of a holistic talent management strategy. As a certified talent management practitioner, you demonstrate that you possess comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for talent acquisition, talent development, and talent retention. TMP, STMP, and GTML are gold standards for talent management skills for entry-level, senior-level, and global leadership roles in the HR industry.  

3.Association for Talent Development (ATD): ATD offers two internationally-recognized professional certifications APTD (Associate Professional in Talent Development) and CPTD (Certified Professional in Talent Development). These certifications are meant for mid-level and senior-level professionals, who are working in the learning and development function at organizations.   

learning and development programs have become crucial tools for employee retention, employers are seeking HR professionals who can craft and deliver bespoke learning and development programs, and help improve productivity, performance, and reduce employee churn.  

4.Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM): Certified Professional (CP) and Senior Certified Professional (SCP) are two certifications offered by SHRM. Meant for mid-level and senior-level HR professionals respectively, these two certifications prove a candidate’s adeptness in building and implementation of HR strategy and employee policymaking. CP and SCP hold high reputations in the HR fraternity.