Human Resources Certifications for Aspiring HR Professionals

Human resources (HR) certifications are vital to stand out in a competitive job market. These aid candidates to differentiate themselves by highlighting their:

• Up-to-date knowledge and skills that make them job-ready
• Professional commitment to continuing education
• Credibility through the validation of their expertise

Certifications also validate foundational HR knowledge before or soon after graduation.

Best of all, you don’t have to wait until you’ve earned your degree to pursue them. Many programs offer pathways for students or entry-level professionals. Examples include the PHR and SHRM-CP.

So, are you interested in earning these credentials? If yes, read on. We’ll feature human resources certifications for aspiring HR professionals. These are among the most recognized, affordable, and accessible credentials available today.

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Why HR Certifications Matter for Aspiring Professionals

You’ll want to earn these certifications as soon as you’re eligible. These certifications matter in your future career success for the following reasons.

• Employers and job roles increasingly require both education and certification as proof of competency.
• Certifications demonstrate knowledge of employment law, ethics, compensation, and HR operations.
• Many employers prefer or require candidates with credentials from HRCI or SHRM.
• Early certification helps students transition smoothly from academics to applied HR practice.

Earning these certifications has its monetary benefits, too. Human resources managers earned $140,030/year, on average (BLS, May 2024). Human resource specialists with certifications reported 20%-30% higher earnings (HRCI survey).

Most Recognized HR Certifications for Students and Entry-Level Professionals

We selected the best HR certifications for students based on their:

• Global recognition
• Accessibility to students and early professionals
• Relevance to gaining foundational skills

Check with the official websites for more information about these certifications.

Professional in Human Resources (PHR)

The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) awards the PHR certification for students. It is considered one of the best entry-level human resources certifications because:

• It only requires a bachelor’s degree and some relevant professional experience. Alternatively, you can apply for the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) certification.
• It’s a globally recognized certification that employers value, especially for generalist roles. You can highlight your applied HR knowledge through it.

The certification focuses on HR operations, business management, employee relations, and talent acquisition. As such, it’s ideal for students planning to work in corporate HR or HR operations roles.

Be ready to spend $395 (exam fee) and $100 (application fee).

Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR)

The HRCI also awards the aPHR credential. This is among the best HR certifications for beginners because:

• It allows candidates without prior professional experience to sit for the certification exam.
• It focuses on foundational HR knowledge (e.g., recruitment basics and employee relations). So, it’s a great choice for undergraduates and recent graduates.
• It’s an affordable credential (i.e., $300 for the exam).

Also, it’s the perfect starting credential to show initiative early in your HR career. If you want to become an HR assistant, recruiter, or training coordinator, consider it.

SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

This SHRM certification for college students is a beginner-friendly credential. It matters because it’s among the most widely recognized HR credentials worldwide.

Students in SHRM-aligned degree programs can take the exam early. SHRM members receive discounts to reduce the $375 exam cost.

The certification focuses on people management, HR strategy, and employee engagement. So, it’s ideal for aspiring HR generalists, HR business partners, and HR coordinators.

SHRM Student Membership & Competency Badges

SHRM also offers digital badges and microcredentials (e.g., HR Tech, DEI Foundations). These are also top HR credentials for undergraduates.

These credentials provide proof of your specialized skills. Be sure to highlight them in your resume and LinkedIn profile.

The cost is included with SHRM student membership – $49 per year. You’ll have access to badges, webinars, and tools.

These digital badges and microcredentials are ideal for students who want early exposure to HR tools and networking events.

SHRM also offers specialized and Niche HR certifications.

Talent Acquisition Specialty Credential (SHRM)

The Talent Acquisition Speciality Credential is among the top HR management certifications online because it:

• Focuses on recruitment, interviewing, and workforce planning. You’ll gain skills in the best practices in end-to-end talent acquisition.
• Provides proof of your understanding of modern recruiting technologies. Many employers value candidates with said understanding. 

If you’re planning a career in recruiting or HR analytics, consider it. But prepare for its cost in advance – $1,830 for SHRM members, $2,105 for non-members.

HR Analytics Certificate (AIHR or Coursera)

If you’re looking for more affordable HR certifications, consider this one. You’ll spend between $300 and $800, depending on the platform.

The HR Analytics certificate focuses on data-driven decisions, metrics, and predictive analytics. As such, it’s a great choice for students planning on careers in the following:

• HR analysts
• Compensation and benefits analysts
• Workforce planning specialists

The best reason to earn it: You’ll gain data fluency. It is a top trend in the HR profession for 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Certification (Cornell, SHRM, or Coursera)

The DEI certification is among the HR certifications without experience requirements. The eligibility requirements vary by program. But it’s usually open to students, recent graduates, or HR professionals.

The certification focuses on building equitable workplaces and inclusive HR strategies. So, it’s best for students interested in people strategy and cultural leadership.

You’ll want to add the DEI certification because it has a strong demand. Many organizations want to strengthen their DEI programs.

How to Choose the Right HR Certification for Your Career Path

While it may seem like a good idea to earn as many certifications as you can, it isn’t. Indeed, doing so can be counterproductive. Your credentials can be all over the place, so to speak.

So, you must select certifications that support your career path. Here are the steps to achieve it.

• Step 1: Identify your career goal (HR generalist, recruiter, compensation analyst, etc.).
• Step 2: Match certifications to those roles and education levels.
• Step 3: Compare cost, eligibility, and return on investment.
• Step 4: Consider student-friendly credentials first (aPHR, SHRM badges).
• Step 5: Plan your progression (aPHR → PHR → SHRM-CP → SHRM-SCP).

Here’s a table that you can use to streamline your decision-making process.

Cost, Study Time, and Exam Preparation

Most HR certification exams require 40-120 hours of preparation. Effective time management habits are a must to balance academics and preparation.

The total costs range from $300 to $1,200, depending on many factors. These include the type of certification and membership discounts. You should seek university SHRM chapters for group discounts and prep resources.

Be sure to use official prep materials (HRCI or SHRM Learning Systems). This way, what you’re studying aligns with the exam content.

Check with your employer about certification cost reimbursement, too. This may fall under your company’s tuition reimbursement program, if any.

How to Get Certified While Still in College

Earning human resources certifications for aspiring HR professionals demands deliberate actions. Here are steps you can take to earn them as a college student.

• Join SHRM student chapters or campus HR clubs for mentorship and networking.
• Take HR electives that align with certification competencies (e.g., employee law, compensation).
• Use student discounts from HRCI or SHRM.
• Add completed certifications and badges to LinkedIn and resumes for internship applications.
• Attend SHRM regional events or virtual HR summits.

You should also consider a mentor who can provide guidance and insights into your career.

Career Benefits of HR Certification

Of course, earning human resources certifications for aspiring HR professionals isn’t easy. Again, you’ll spend time and money to do so. But the career benefits make it well worth your time and money.

While certifications aren’t guarantees, these can lead to increased:

• Competitiveness for faster career advancement and higher earning potential
• Credibility for new graduates applying to competitive HR roles
• Professional networking opportunities, especially in the SHRM and HRCI communities
• Access to specialization opportunities in training, analytics, recruiting, and compliance

Certifications also show a commitment to lifelong learning. It is a critical aspect in evolving workplace environments.

Conclusion

Certifications bring meaningful value for starting and advancing an HR career. But you must start early in earning them so as to maximize their value. Start with either the aPHR or SHRM student credentials, and then progress from there.

You should also consider mapping out a step-by-step certification plan before graduation. This way, you can check the boxes, so to speak, as you progress.

So, what are you waiting for? Explore affordable HR degrees and certification-friendly programs to jumpstart your HR career.

Frequently Asked Questions

What HR certification is best for students with no experience?

The aPHR (Associate Professional in HR) is an ideal choice.

Is SHRM-CP harder than PHR?

It depends on your background. Go for the SHRM-CP for behavioral competencies. Choose the PHR  for operational skills.

Can college students take HR certification exams?

Yes, many certifications allow it.