10+ Best HRIS certifications and training programs [2025]

HRIS tools (human resource information systems) have come a long way—from simple record-keeping systems to comprehensive platforms that streamline processes, improve compliance, and enable data-driven strategies. For HR professionals, staying ahead of these advancements is key to creating better workplaces and advancing their careers.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), certifications and training programs add credibility to your resume. HRIS certifications provide an opportunity for you to upskill and reskill continuously, ensuring you know all the best practices, tips, and tricks to excel at your job. 

In this article, you’ll learn the benefits of getting HRIS certifications, the best HRIS certifications and training programs, and how to choose an HRIS certification that aligns with your career goals. 

What are HRIS certifications? 

HRIS certifications are credentials awarded by professional HR organizations to validate your expertise in using HRIS platforms. These certifications are earned by completing HRIS-related courses and passing an examination. Beyond HR tech competency, these certifications test your knowledge in various core areas of HR, such as talent acquisition, HR compliance and risk management, information management, and employee relations. 

Many certifications require periodic renewal, ensuring you stay current with industry trends and maintain your technical expertise.

Benefits of further HRIS training 

Whether you’re just starting out, building experience in the field, or pursuing a degree in HR, enrolling in HRIS training programs and earning certifications can offer several key benefits.

Improve knowledge and skill level

HRIS training helps professionals expand their expertise and close skill gaps. Certification programs equip professionals with advanced knowledge of various systems and practical strategies for automating tasks, managing people data, and tracking performance metrics more effectively. 

For example, learning to use an HRIS for automating performance review cycles or generating detailed reports simplifies previously time-consuming tasks and ensures your processes are more accurate and efficient.

Enhance HR team performance

With better system knowledge, the entire HR team benefits from increased efficiency, improved workflows, and fewer errors in handling sensitive people data. This leads to a more agile HR department that can focus on strategic priorities, like enhancing employee experience or driving organizational growth.

Encourage career advancement

A 2021 study by SHRM reveals that micro-credentials and industry or professional certifications are very compelling when hiring, especially for senior roles. Organizations want to hire the best people for senior roles and have set standards for who qualifies for certain positions. For example, many companies require HRIS directors to have good technical skills to perform tasks using HR programs. They also look out for certifications from professional HR bodies.
Certifications open you up to new responsibilities and promotions. If you want to grow into managerial and C-suite roles, getting HRIS training and earning certifications improves your chances. It shows that you have the skills and accomplishments an organization needs to achieve its goals.

Increase your value to the job market 

Certified HR professionals stand out in a competitive job market. Recognized credentials prove your ability to manage HR systems, optimize processes, and analyze workforce data. The Association for Finance Professionals (AFP) reports that 90 percent of HR recruiters view certified professionals as more credible, higher-performing, and more valuable to the workplace.

The best HRIS certifications and training programs 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of HiBob. Readers are always encouraged to conduct their own research before making any decisions. All courses and pricing listed were available as of the article’s writing. 

Choosing widely recognized HR certification programs that deliver strong career value ensures long-term professional growth. Here are some of the top HRIS certifications and training programs that can strengthen your skills and advance your career. 

Associate Professional in Human Resources – International (aPHRi) by the HR Certification Institute

The aPHRi certification from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) is a global credential for early-career HR professionals in various countries and regions. This certification evaluates knowledge in key HR areas, including HR operations, recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, human resource development, employee retention, employee relations, and workplace health and safety.

HRCI grants the aPHRi certification for three years. To maintain this credential, professionals either retake the exam or earn 45 HR recertification credits within that period.

Program details: 

• This is a knowledge-based credential, so candidates don’t need previous HR experience to be eligible
• The exam is computer-based and consists of 65 scored questions and 25 pretest questions, which candidates have to complete within 105 minutes (plus 30 minutes of administration time)
• Candidates can decide to take it at home using OnVUE or at a physical Pearson VUE testing center

Cost: 

• Exam fee: $300
• Application fee: $100

(Pricing as of article publication date)

Certified HR Manager (CHRM) by HR University

The CHRM course by HR University is for aspiring HR managers or professionals who want to reskill and gain new knowledge from thought leaders in the HR industry. The course teaches the fundamentals of HR, including how to build a successful organizational culture, manage people, handle disciplinary action, and implement HR strategies.

The course also covers how HR professionals can ace interviews, providing access to exclusive interview recordings with current top HR leaders, popular interview questions and how to answer them, and case studies. 

Program details: 

• An online, self-paced course you can take in 10 weeks if you study for four hours each week 
• Includes 90 lessons, quizzes, case studies and analytical activities 
• Learners have free lifetime access to the course, including new lessons 

Cost: $199

(Pricing as of article publication date)

Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) by HRPA

The CHRP designation by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) validates HR professional’s knowledge of best practices, their workplace readiness, and their commitment to continuous learning. The designation consists of a coursework requirement, a knowledge exam, an employment law exam, and a job-ready program. 

The law exam assesses HR people’s knowledge of employment and workplace law, while the job-ready program is a course that focuses on assisting learners with their transition into the workplace through training centered on ethics and professionalism.  

Program details: 

• To be eligible, professionals need to:
  • Maintain a good standing and continuous relationship with the HRPA and abide by its professional guidance 
  • Meet the ongoing recertification requirements
• Candidates have to complete the coursework requirement with a grade of 65% and above and an overall average grade of 70% and above
• The knowledge exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions, and the employment law exam consists of 110 questions 

Cost: The CHRP designation has multiple fee components. See the fee schedule here.

Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) by the Association for Talent Development

The CPTD certification by the Association for Talent Development (ATD) is for talent development professionals with at least five years of related work experience. The certification measures knowledge of talent development capabilities, including communication, technology application, change management, and more. ATD provides a free self-assessment test based on the examination content to help candidates identify their knowledge gaps and prepare accordingly. They also provide a handbook to guide candidates through the certification process.

Program details: 

• Candidates need at least five years of experience in talent development to be eligible
• The exam is computer-based with a mix of case management and multiple choice questions that candidates have to compete in three hours
• Candidates can take the exam at a testing center worldwide or at home via remote proctoring

Cost: 

• Members: $999
• Nonmembers: $1,500

(Pricing as of article publication date)

Human Resources Information Professional Certification by IRHIM (HRIP)

The HRIP certification by the International Association of Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM) is a human resource exam that assesses the competencies and knowledge of professionals in HRIS and Human Resource Information Management (HRIM). 

The exam covers all aspects of HRIS and HRIM, including best practices and the latest trends. HR professionals can prepare for the exam using the domains of knowledge in IRHIM’s exam blueprint. 

Program details: 

• The certification doesn’t have specific requirements, but the ideal candidate has three to five years of experience in workforce information management, HR tech, or other related experience
• The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions, which candidates have to complete within 120 minutes
• Candidates have 12 months after paying for the certification to sit for the exam and can choose a convenient delivery method and date/time
• Candidates have the choice to take the examination in person at a Scantron test center or via live online proctoring (LOP)

Cost: 

• Exam only: $445 
• Exam + membership: $645 
• Exam + membership + prep course: $1100

(Pricing as of article publication date)

Professional in Human Resources (PHR) by the HR Certification Institute

The PHR certification from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) targets HR professionals with hands-on experience in executing HR programs focused on logistics and tactical operations. This certification assesses operational and technical expertise in HR management, including compliance with United States (US) laws and regulations.

Exam topics cover business management, workforce planning and talent acquisition, learning and development, total rewards, employee and labor relations, employee engagement, and HR information management. HRCI awards the PHR certification for three years. To maintain it, professionals either retake the exam or complete 60 HR recertification credits within that timeframe.

Program details: 

• To be eligible for the certification, candidates need:
  • A master’s degree or higher and at least one year of experience in a professional HR position, or;
  • A bachelor’s degree and at least two years of experience in a professional HR position, or; 
  • At least four years of experience as an HR professional
• The exam is computer-based and consists of 65 scored questions and 25 pretest questions, which candidates have to complete within 105 minutes (plus 30 minutes of administration time)
• Candidates can decide to take the exam at home using OnVUE or at a physical Pearson VUE testing center

Cost: 

• Exam fee: $395
• Application fee: $100

(Pricing as of article publication date)

Professional in Human Resources-International by the HCRI

The PHRi certification by the HRCI is ideal for HR practitioners outside of the US and examines mastery of operational and technical HR principles in a single international setting. The certification has a validity period of three years, and practitioners can retake the exam or earn 60 HR recertification credits over three years to remain certified. 

The exam covers business management, total rewards, learning and development, employee engagement, workforce planning and talent acquisition, HR information management, and employee and labor relations. 

Program details: 

• To be eligible for the certification, practitioners need:
  • A master’s degree or global equivalent and at least one year of experience in a professional-level HR position, or;
  • A bachelor’s degree or global equivalent and at least two years of experience in a professional HR position, or; 
  • At least four years of experience in a professional HR position
• The exam is computer-based and consists of 90 scored questions and 25 pretest questions, which candidates have to complete within 135 minutes (plus 30 minutes of administration time)
• Candidates can decide to take it at home using OnVUE or at a physical Pearson VUE testing center

Cost: 

• Exam fee: $395
• Application fee: $100

(Pricing as of article publication date)

Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

The SPHR certification by HRCI is ideal for HR professionals with a background in strategy and policy making who are typically responsible for planning rather than implementing HR policies. The examination covers leadership and strategy, workforce planning and talent acquisition, HR information management, safety and security, total rewards, and talent management. 

The SPHR certification remains valid for three years. To maintain this credential, professionals either retake the exam or complete 15 business and 45 HR recertification credits within that period.

Program details: 

• To be eligible for the certification, candidates need:
  • A master’s degree or higher and at least four years of experience in a professional-level HR position, or;
  • A bachelor’s degree and at least five years of experience in a professional HR position, or; 
  • At least seven years of experience as an HR professional
• The exam is computer-based and consists of 115 scored questions and 25 pretest questions, which candidates have to complete within 150 minutes (plus 30 minutes of administration time)
• Candidates can decide to take it at home using OnVUE or at a physical Pearson VUE testing center

Cost: 

• Exam fee: $495
• Application fee: $100

(Pricing as of article publication date)

Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

The SHRM-SCP certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) targets experienced HR professionals responsible for developing HR policies, leading HR operations, aligning HR strategies with organizational goals, and managing enterprise-wide HR functions.

The exam assesses HR professionals’ knowledge and understanding of factual information through standalone knowledge-based items and decision-making skills through scenario-based situational judgment items. It covers HR knowledge domains with topic areas on organization, people, leadership, interpersonal, business, and workplace knowledge. 

Program details: 

• To be eligible for the certification, HR professionals need:
  • At least three years of experience performing HR-related or strategic-level HR duties, or;
  • At least three years holding the SHRM-CP certification and to be currently working in or transitioning to a strategic role
  • Experience leading HR operations 
  • Current or recent strategic HR work 
• The exam is computer-based and consists of 134 questions, which candidates have to complete in four hours
• Candidates can take the exam at home or at an authorized testing center

Cost: 

• Member: $595
• Nonmember: $695

(Pricing as of article publication date)

Talent Management Practitioner by the Talent Management Institute

The TMP credential by the Talent Management Institute (TMI) is for young HR professionals and recent graduates with an HR major or related discipline from universities or accredited business and HR schools. 

The examination covers key trends and practices in 21st-century talent management, key issues, challenges, and opportunities through four talent management knowledge dimensions. The TMI offers a handbook, practice tests and exam preparation guidelines for candidates to build their knowledge before attempting the examination. 

Program details: 

• To earn the TMP credential, candidates need:
  • Six or more years of experience in an HR function and a bachelor’s degree in HRM, business, management, or related field, or;
  • Two or more years of experience in an HR function and a bachelor’s degree in other disciplines or;
  • One year of experience in an HR function and a master’s degree or master’s level diploma in other disciplines, or;
  • No work experience and a bachelor’s or master level professional qualification in HRM, management, business, or other disciplines from any TMI-recognized institution, or;
  • A master’s degree or master’s level diploma in HRM, management, business, or related disciplines, and currently working in an HR function 
  • A bachelor’s degree, active credential by certification bodies the TMI recognizes, and currently working in an HR function
• The exam is a computer-based test timed for 120 minutes

Cost: One-time fee: $675

(Pricing as of article publication date)

How to choose the right HRIS certification

Find the right HRIS certification by considering your current skill level, career goals, and the specific HRIS platforms you’re familiar with. Here’s how to do that in detail:

Measure your current skill level

Entry-level professionals may benefit from foundational courses covering essential HRIS concepts such as payroll, time management, and compensation management. Experienced professionals with three or more years in the field can pursue advanced certifications focused on strategic implementation and complex HRIS functions like data analytics and system integrations.

Certification bodies also set experience requirements. For example, the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) from the Association for Talent Development (ATD) requires at least five years of experience in talent development.

Determine your career goals

Career progression depends on selecting certifications that align with long-term goals. A clear understanding of your current role and future ambitions helps in choosing programs that support professional growth. General certifications build broad HRIS expertise and boost credibility across various roles. For specialized positions—such as HR analyst or HR systems manager—targeted certifications provide focused skills and knowledge essential for those roles.

If you’re unsure what certification aligns with your career goals, speak to your supervisor at work, a mentor, or an industry professional for insight. 

Research different HRIS systems and platforms

There are many HRIS systems and platforms, such as HiBob, Rippling, and BambooHR. Research different platforms, choose one you want to be proficient at, and then look for a course that focuses on how to use that specific software. 

Getting certified in the particular HRIS platform your organization uses will improve your job performance and even open you up to promotions if your company is hiring internally. You can also earn a certification in the HRIS system a potential employer is using to increase your chance of working with the company.

Further your career with HRIS certification and training

Investing in HRIS certifications isn’t just about advancing your HR career path—it’s about staying future-ready in a rapidly changing HR landscape. These certifications equip you with the expertise to adapt to evolving technology and make data-driven decisions that benefit your organization and its people. Armed with this knowledge, you can bring greater efficiency to your work, have a higher chance of being selected for promotions, and position yourself as a leader in the HR field.

HRIS certification and training FAQs

Which HRIS certification is best?

The best HRIS certification for you depends on your career path and current expertise. Clarify your goals and examine your skill level to determine the additional knowledge you need. Let’s say your current role is in day-to-day HR functions, but your goal is to specialize in HR operations. The professional in human resource (PHR) by the HRCI may be a good fit since it  focuses on the operational aspects of HR. 

You can also assess your skill in relation to your role, determine if there are any gaps to fill, and then choose a certification in line with that. For example, if you’re an HR manager and want to improve your leadership skills, the SHRM-SCP certification by SHRM, which focuses on leadership and other important management skills, is good for you. 

What are the requirements for HRIS certification?

Requirements determine whether or not you qualify for an HRIS certification. The requirements for HRIS certification vary depending on the organization, but common requirements include:

• A minimum number of total years of experience 
• A minimum number of years working in an HR-related function
• Educational qualifications such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree 
• Previous certification to qualify for a recertification or a higher credential 

How much does an HRIS certification cost?

The cost of an HRIS certification depends on multiple factors, such as the organization issuing the certification, whether you’re a member of the accrediting body, your experience level, and if you choose a training program/course alongside the examination. HRIS certifications generally cost within the range of $200 and $600, with potential additional costs for nonmembership and study materials.