Certifications - l) y2 D' s% }4 G ]6 _% G
In addition to education, another way to prepare yourself for the HR field is through certification. Why are certifications important? Not only do they show a proficiency in HR, but they also recognize HR professionals who have a certain level of experience and ongoing training in their field. % P2 R b! n7 p4 [0 W
9 C* o7 d0 n3 h3 S) NCertifications are also an immediate way for a recruiter or hiring manager to know that you have a baseline of HR-related knowledge. Since most certifications can only be attained through exams, they demonstrate that you have a collection of HR-specific knowledge that non-certified professionals can't always prove. Most HR certifications require at least one or two years of HR-related work experience, so you'll want to pursue certifications as you grow your career. - c- U3 e' h1 j1 X2 g7 V5 z
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Having an HR certification also shows commitment. Most professionals won't take the time or spend the money to get certified unless they plan to stay in the field for a significant period of time. Most certifications require renewal after a certain period of time (typically three years), so professionals also have to commit to a certain number of professional development hours each year to maintain their certification status.
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If you're a career changer, it's worth noting that many certifications require the certification candidate to demonstrate that a high percentage (at least 51%) of current job responsibilities are HR-related.
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( C6 x; {, m D5 d' o+ S7 ZThere are a number of different certifications to get--each with its own distinction and process. If you're unsure about which certification is right for you, there are a number of ways to investigate: 0 b& P2 ]9 A+ p$ B
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0 d# b" Y" u6 N7 kUse the chart and certification overviews below to link to certification websites
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Research each certification carefully to make sure you understand the process, costs, and requirements to maintain your certification through the years; you don't want to lose it after all your hard work& K( _/ ~: g( E, I$ R& L" f2 j
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Read job descriptions in your areas of interest; many will indicate a certain certification as a requirement or preference in the hiring process5 k' L6 h) R) f/ `
) a! U* d; ?3 f$ lAsk mentors and experienced HR professionals in your area of interest to share their experiences with the certification process and their insight on the many certification options |