GUIDE 2024

Best Entry-Level HR Certifications 2024: Reviews and Pricing

Want to get an entry-level HR Certification?

Employers are often reluctant to hire an entry-level candidate without any formal training. It is true in the Human Resources field, where most employers want strong interpersonal skills and some experience dealing with employees.

Entry-level HR Certification will land you a good job opening and give you an advantage over those who don’t have one.

Best Entry-Level HR Certifications

Choosing an entry-level human resource certification is a hectic task. Selecting the wrong certificate can have a destructive impact on your career. I have searched out some of the best HR certificates to help you achieve your career goals. So, let’s explore them:

1. HR Generalist Certification by HR University

HR generalist certification

This certificate is an excellent choice for those looking to enter the HR industry at the ground level. It is an ideal choice for HR professionals who want to learn every facet of the HR field, including recruitment and staffing, training and development, and payroll and benefits administration.

It offers video training, online assessments, practice tests, learning aids, and study guides to ensure a thorough understanding of all the subjects. It helps an HR professional develop valuable knowledge about human resources and apply it in real-world situations.

It enables you to build HR strategies, network with experts, and enhance your skill set. Some of the many benefits include an online portal for all students, expert instructors with HR experience, and access to learning material. Topics included in HR Generalist Certification are:

  • Key Responsibilities of an HR Generalist
  • Human Resources Tasks
  • What is the Employee Lifecycle
  • Employee Onboarding Process
  • New Hire Checklist
  • Training Cycle
  • Hiring Process
  • Conducting Interviews
  • Effective Conversations
  • Providing Feedback
  • History of Labor Law in the US + Wages
  • New Hire Paperwork
  • Employee Eligibility Verification
  • Form I-9
  • W-2 Form
  • Employe Benefits
  • ADA Leave
  • Protected Characteristics
  • Discrimination
  • Harassment
  • Employee Relations

How Much Does HR Generalist Certification Charge?

This certification program is one of the most affordable HR certificates. It only costs $199.

Who Should Take HR Generalist Certification?

This certification is ideal for an entry-level HR professional or someone looking to make a career change. It is also useful for those who want to start a career as an HR professional.

2. Associate Professional in Human Resources by HRCI

Associate professional in human resources certification

It is one of the most popular and demanded entry-level HR certifications. HR Certification Institute offers numerous courses that provide in-depth knowledge of the HR industry. aPHR is a credible HRCI certification that can help you excel in your career path.

To get this certificate, you need to pass the certification exam. You need to learn numerous HR expertise to clear the exam. This certification offers a thorough understanding of HR procedures and practices.

You also need to focus on the HR cycle, including recruitment and selection, performance management, labor relations, and HR management’s legal and ethical aspects. Topics included in this program are:

  • Compliance and Risk Management
  • Employee Relation
  • Talent Acquisition
  • Compensation and Benefits
  • Learning and Development

How Much Does aPHR Certification Cost?

The exam fee for aPHR is $300, and the application fee is $100.

Who Should Take aPHR Certification?

HR Certification Institute offers this Certification for professionals looking to enter the rewarding field of human resources. This course provides an excellent opportunity to enhance a career in this fast-growing industry. You can also go for testing appointments that provide you with an actual simulation of the exam experience.

Visit this course on this page here.

3. SHRM Certified Professional by SHRM

SHRM certified professional

Society of Human Resource Management is the world’s largest HR membership organization. SHRM offers credible certification programs for human resources professionals worldwide. SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)and SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) are among the best ones this institute offers.

SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) is a competency-based certification that shows you’re knowledgeable about all aspects of HR management. It demonstrates you have the knowledge and skills to excel in an HR role.

The exam is computer-based and consists of 134 questions. The exam length is four hours, and you need to complete the exam within this duration. The passing score for the exam is 200. The topics included in this certification are:

  • Foundational Knowledge items (FKIs)
  • Situational Judgment Items
  • Field-Test Questions
  •  Leadership
  • Situational Judgment
  • Foundational Knowledge
  • Business
  • Interpersonal
  • People
  • HR-Specific Knowledge  
  • Organization
  • Workplace

How Much Does SHRM-CP Cost?

This certifications program offers a standard fee of $375 to the SHRM members. For non-members, this fee is $475. The early birds can get a discount over the standard fee.

Who is Eligible to Apply for SHRM-CP?

This Certification aims to assess the knowledge and expertise of HR professionals. It is ideal for entry-level professionals looking to make a career in this field. Candidates need to have a Master’s degree along with three years of working experience. If you have a bachelor’s degree, you need to acquire at least four years of HR experience to apply for this certification.

Visit SHRM Certified Professional here.

4. Strategic HR Leadership Certification Program by Academy to Innovate HR

strategic HR leadership certificate program

It is another entry-level HR certification course offered by Academy to Innovate. It is an ideal certification for those wanting to take their career path in HR management to the next level. The Strategic HR Leadership Certification encompasses various aspects of HR management, including strategic, operational, and basic functions.  

With this certification, you can enhance your expertise in navigating the diverse challenges in the HR industry. You can lead and direct all aspects of this profession with high-level expertise. It enhances your understanding of human resource practices and skills. This certificate enables an HR manager to create effective business strategies for enhancing employee satisfaction, retention, and engagement.

You can boost your business insights and success rate through this credential. Certification also enhances your understanding of the strategic value of human resources for implementing an organization’s overall goals and objectives. It also enables you to make effective business decisions for the organization’s overall benefit.

The duration of this program is one year. It consists of five courses and a Capstone project. It provides you with 41 video lectures and several assignments and quizzes. This certification provides you with a broad understanding of the following topics:

  • HR Analytics Leader
  • HR Data Analyst
  • Strategic HR Metrics
  • Digital HR Strategy
  • Statistics in HR
  • Global Data Integrity
  • Employee Experience and Design Thinking
  • Blockchain and HR
  • Digital HR Transformation
  • Employee Branding
  • Hiring and Recruitment Strategy
  • HR Data Visualization

How Much Does a Strategic HR Leadership Certification Program Cost?

This certification program offers three enrollment plans. If you want to go for a single course, you have to pay $975. For getting ten hr certification courses, you need to choose the full access plan. It costs $1,320. It also offers a team plan that allows two members to access the ten courses. It costs $2,600.

Who Should Take The Strategic HR Leadership Certification Program?

This Certification is ideal for you whether you are an entry-level professional or a senior professional. It provides you with close insights into strategic HR practices, different business functions, and HR data analysis.

Visit this entry-level course here.

5. Talent Management Practitioner Certification Program by Talent Management Institute

talent management practitioner

It is another great entry-level HR course offered by Talent Management Institute. It aims to build your expertise in business management through online learning. This program provides you with an opportunity to enhance your knowledge in managing the workforce.

You can understand how organizations attract, retain, and engage their employees. You can also learn about strategic planning, recruitment process outsourcing, and building employee relationships.

You can acquire skills to utilize several benefits of new technologies to enhance your organization’s performance. The program also enables you to comprehend how organizations leverage analytics to measure their HR processes.

If you want to become part of a competitive and thriving organization, take this certification. It can help you make your space in the HR department. It enhances your understanding of the talent development processes required to succeed in your career. The program focuses on business needs and requirements. To get the certificate, you need to pass an exam. Following are the key areas you need to focus on for passing the exam:

  • Defining Concepts & Perspectives in Talent Management
  • Elements of Strategy & Leadership in Talent Management
  • International Talent Management Experiences & Insights
  • Critical Focus Areas of Talent Management Practice

How Much Does a Talent Management Practitioner Certification Program Cost?

This certificate costs $625.

Who Should Take Talent Management Practitioner Certification Program?

This certification is ideal for professionals who have a bachelor’s degree. It helps you enhance your expertise in managing and planning the workforce.

You can visit this course here.

6. Entry-Level HR Course by Upstart

Entry level HR course

This certification course provides you with a strong foundation in human resources. It enables you to understand how organizations attract, retain, and engage their employees.

It provides articles and video lessons to familiarize you with various HR functions like recruitment, onboarding, workforce planning, performance management, etc. You can acquire the skills to utilize the benefits of new technologies in y your career. It also offers you comprehensive guides that can help you understand how organizations leverage analytics to measure their HR processes successfully.

As you progress in your career, you can specialize in a particular field of HR. It helps you grasp the key areas of human resources management. It enables you to prepare for your interviews and enhances your chances of getting a higher salary.

The program provides you with the opportunity to learn and understand how organizations are utilizing various resources and tools for measuring their HR processes successfully. It helps you cope with your weaknesses and enhance your strengths.

If you are an entry-level professional, this course is ideal for you. It can help you make a space for yourself in the HR department. It enables you to enhance your knowledge of critical topics related to human resources, including

  • Networking
  • Interviewing
  • Salary Negotiations
  • Work Habits
  • Credibility

How Much Does an Entry-Level HR Course Cost?

It is one of the most inexpensive entry-level courses. It only charges $37.

Who Can Take The Entry-Level HR Course?

The main target group for this course is recent graduates. They can learn and understand human resources. If you are a recent graduate looking to enhance your knowledge of HR, then this course can help you a lot.

Visit this course here.

7. Administrative Human Resources (HR) for Beginners by Udemy

administrative human resources (HR) for beginners

Udemy is one of the best online sources for learning HR skills. It provides you with extensive courses that enable you to learn and understand how organizations leverage various technologies to measure their HR processes.

If you are a beginner, this course can prove beneficial for you. This course enables anyone to learn the basics of HR. It is ideal for those looking to develop their skills in human resources so that they can join an entry-level position in the HR department.

Administrative Human Resources (HR) for Beginners covers all the major HR functions like recruitment, payroll, training, benefits, performance reviews, etc. It enables you to understand the overall process of human resources and how different organizations manage it.

By completing this course, you will be well aware of various resources. You can also learn about labor relations, staffing, training & development, etc. It enables you to understand how organizations leverage HR technologies for better workforce planning and management. This course consists of the following topics:

  • Introduction to HR for Business
  • The Role of Human Resources
  • Conducting an HR Audit
  • Recruit Great Talent 1
  • Recruit Great Talent 2
  • Recruit Great Talent 3
  • Increase Performance
  • Increase Performance

How Much is The Fee for Administrative Human Resources (HR) for Beginners?

This course is available at a discounted price of $12.99.

Who is Eligible to Apply for Administrative Human Resources (HR) for Beginners?

There are no prerequisites or eligibility criteria for taking the course. Anyone can enroll as it is for those who want to learn about the basics of HRM.

You can visit this course here.

8. Certificate in Human Resource Management QLS Level 1 by Oxford Home Study Centre

human resource management QLS level 1

If you don’t have any experience in HR or business, this course can prove beneficial for you. It helps you understand the overall process of human resources, starting from recruitment to retirement planning.

It enables you to learn about the various types of HR functions like staffing, training, development, etc. It covers all the major HR functions for you to understand how organizations are leveraging HR technologies for better workforce planning and management.

By the end of this course, you will be well aware of different human resources entry-level professionals and how you can manage them. This course helps you acquire skills to plan, engage, motivate, and retain employees. Topics included in this certification program are:

  • The Basics of HR Management
  • Training and Development
  • Managing Performance

How Much Does a Certificate in Human Resource Management QLS Level 1 Cost?

This certificate offers discounts over fees. If you opt to pay the fee at once, you have to pay just $32. If you want to pay the fee in installments, you have to pay $47 in 12 payments of $3.41.

Who Should Take The Certificate in Human Resource Management QLS Level 1?

It is suited for those who want to learn about the various functions of human resources. If you are a student or have a graduate degree, this course can help you get an entry-level position in the HR department.

You can visit this course here.

FAQs

Here are answers to some of your most asked queries on entry-level HR certification courses:

Benefits of Getting an Entry-Level HR Certificate

An Entry-Level HR Certificate can help you in many ways. It is an essential step toward a rewarding career in human resources. Let’s go through some of the benefits of getting an entry-level HR certification.

Add Value to Your Resume

An Entry-Level human resource certification program will add value to your resume. It shows that you are dedicated and committed, and it gives employers evidence of your professional development. It can increase your worth in the eyes of potential employers, and it will add to your qualifications when applying for jobs.

Shows Your Dedication

Getting entry-level certifications shows employers that you are serious about a career in Human Resources. Businesses want to hire professionals who have proven themselves knowledgeable and passionate about their careers. An Entry-Level HR certificate program shows that you are dedicated and serious about a career in the human resource field, which can help you land your dream job.

Adds Value to Employer Branding

It will add value to the employer branding. If your company hires entry-level candidates who have already earned an entry-level HR certification, it’s a great way to build employer branding. If you are new in the industry and looking for your first job, this professional HR designation will allow you to stand out from other applicants who might have more experience but lack certification.

Unleash More Career Opportunities

Getting entry-level human resource certification opens doors to professional development and career advancement opportunities. It also provides the basic knowledge to form the foundation of your HR career, which means you can unlock the power of HR certification.

Build Career Knowledge

Entry-level HR certification will help you become familiar with the basic foundations of human resources. You can establish yourself as a professional who adds value to the company by strengthening your interpersonal skills, building career knowledge, and keeping up with the latest industry standards.

Makes Job Search Easier

Having an entry-level HR certification can make your job search easier. You can use your certification as a strong selling point to employers, and it will help you stand out from the crowd of other applicants.

Boost Your Earning Potential

You can see an increase in your earning potential. Human resources professionals who hold entry-level HR certification earn more than their non-certified experienced HR professionals. It enables you to climb up the ladder quicker and attain a higher salary as soon as possible.

Entry-level HR certification is an essential step toward a rewarding career in human resources. It gives employers evidence of your commitment and dedication.

Which Certification is Best for HR?

There are many different HR certification programs to choose from, and it’s challenging to know which one is right for you. Depending on your goals, your current level of experience, and what sort of work you are looking for, one certification will be enough for your needs.

If you are an entry-level HR professional, the above-mentioned certifications are best for you. HR Management Certification, SHRM Senior Certified Professional, or PHR will work best for senior professionals.

Which HR Certification is Easiest?

Entry-Level HR Certification is the easiest of all as they require fewer certification hours and no practical experience. It is best to start with those with little or even zero HR experience. HR Generalist Certification, aPHR Certificate, and PHR are the easiest as knowledge gained through these courses are comprehensive and applicable.

Is it Worth Getting a Certificate in HR?

Yes, it is very important to get a certificate in HR. Certification and training courses and programs play a key role in any career. A certificate in HR can help you to stand out from other applicants who have a similar educational background. Sometimes, hiring companies expect professionals with a certificate in HR at their disposal.

What Certifications Do You Need to Work in HR?

Working in HR requires no special certifications if you have a degree or diploma in human resource management. However, they can provide you an edge over your competitors by providing comprehensive HR knowledge and skills. If you are looking for a job as an HR consultant, international certification is a good idea. SHRM Senior Certified Professional, HR Management Certification by HR University, and Professional in HR are some of the best certificates that can help you boost your credibility and help to get a job.