What’s needed in today’s HR : a degree or a certification (masters in HR mgmt currently)

Question

Although busy, working from home may provide more opportunity for online learning. My inbox is slammed with offers. What are your thoughts on what has more value for HR professionals  with 10+ years experience? Is the SPHR or HRC certification still valued. I want to stay current - looking at a Masters in Legal Studies or other degree vs certification seems like good ideas but I’m not sure if a 3rd is the best next step for my professional growth. Any suggestions for next level executive leadership?

Ruth A. Ford, PHR · Answer

If you already have 10 years of HR experience and a degree in another discipline, I'd say a certification makes more sense. Not only does it look impressive on a resume; the knowledge you gain prepping for the certification exam is invaluable.  You can always take a prep course if you are concerned about tackling the exam self study. Good luck! :-)

April · Answer

Thank you Melissa. This is helpful. If I made it through grad school, Hopefully I can get through a SHRM exam although I know neither is a cake walk. Time to invest in me again.

Kathleen Beeman · Answer

SHRM is the one that our company values more and when I look at job postings that is the one they list as the minimum certification requirement. My company is a little odd because they value experience more than education or certifications. If you have 10+years they mark that as more important than having a degree or certification. Makes it tough though when you want to move up in the company and you have more degrees and certifications than others!

Melissa M Bowen · Answer

Credentialing is still incredibly valuable.  Most employers are adding a HR credentialing as required (not just preferred) to JD's and job postings.  If you're not sure which vendor (HRCI vs. SHRM) to choose, then look at the job postings in the geographic you want to work.  Another factor is the type of test you want to take, the SPHR & SCP are very different exams even through both are at the senior level.

What’s needed in today’s HR : a degree or a certification (masters in HR mgmt currently)

You're invited.

See what women are sharing on Fairygodboss.