The Benefits of Human Resources Certifications for Human Resources Professionals and Their Organizations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine (a) what motivates Human Resource (HR) professionals to obtain HR certifications and (b) the benefits of HR certifications for the employee and his or her organization. I surveyed 291 HR professionals from across America and found that HR professionals were more likely to obtain an HR certification, or to be planning to obtain one, if their organization provided support to prepare for the certification. They were also more likely to obtain an HR certification, or to be planning to obtain one, if they could perceived more benefits associated with being certified. I also found that HR professionals with an HR certification made more money than those without one, even after controlling for years of HR experience. HR professionals with an HR certification also had higher occupational commitment than those without one. The findings of this study may help HR professionals determine whether working for an HR certification would be beneficial to their careers. The findings may also help organizations and their HR departments determine whether they want to select HR professionals with certifications and/or encourage their HR professionals to obtain one. Further, this study may help organizations to develop more effective strategies for motivating HR professionals to obtain HR certifications.