International Certifications Nigerian HR professionals can take

HR (Human Resource) professionals are specialists involved in screening, hiring, and managing employees of an organization. Apart from screening and hiring, they also decide on the benefits and remunerations of each employee, helping them stick to the work culture, ensuring compliance with rules and regulations, and also, assisting all workers to get comfortable with their roles. 

While it seems like an HR person has a lot of work to do, they possess skills such as communication skills, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills that allow them to function appropriately in their roles. To upskill, HR professionals can take certifications that would help them to enhance their craft and do better as "people managers." We have some of them listed below, run through them to see how you can become an excellent HR.  

CIPD Certification

CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) is a UK organization that is recognized in over 120 countries. It offers different courses that can equip HRs with the skills they need to thrive competently in the global world. Getting started with each course, you are allowed to find your level regardless of your role or specialism. There is a guide feature that helps you to discover what level you belong to so that you can start off with your course. CIPD provides a free webinar for students to have an insight into what it means to take an accredited course; also, it takes 12 months for a course to finish. When you subscribe to get a CIPD certification, the price is £120.00. 

CCP Certification

The CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) certification is awarded by the WorldatWork organization. The purpose of the certification is to ensure that HRs have the proper skills to manage employees. CCP certification earns you verified recognition, provides you with useful content, you can learn at your pace, and also find yourself in a beneficial network/community. Any entry-level or mid-level HR looking to break into the multi-national HR world can take the course. Some of the CCP courses and required exams include: 

• Total Rewards Management -

Members: USD 1,350

Non-members: USD 1,929

• Business Acumen for Compensation Professionals

Members: USD 1,350

Non-Members: USD 1,929

• Quantitative Principles in Compensation Management

Members: USD 1,350

Non-Members: USD 1,929

• Job Analysis, Documentation, and Evaluation

Members: USD 1,350

Non-Members: USD 1,929

HRIP Certification

HRIP (Human resource information professional exam) is an HR certification offered by IHRIM (International Association for Human Resources Management) to enable HRs to assess the technology part of the field. The certification provides HRs with an opportunity to build their credibility, expand their knowledge, and demonstrate their expertise. The HRIP certification exam comes in form of multi-choice questions that must be answered in 120 minutes. The certification covers topics such as:

•  Technology strategy and solutions

•  HR technology and business processes, 

• System selection, implementation, and upgrade

• HR systems operation. 

For new members, the exam and 12-month membership fee cost $645; existing members only get to pay for the exam which is $445. 

GPHRI Certification

Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHRI) is another certification that is awarded under the HRCI (Human Resource Standard Institute), an organization that has been in existence for a long time. GPHRI certification aims to help HRs incorporate strategies of global development in their HR policies so that organizations can receive global growth. To be eligible to take the certification, an individual must:

• Have at least two years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Master’s degree or higher.

• Have at least three years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Bachelor’s degree OR Have at least four years of experience in a professional-level HR position.

Also, it is important to note the following:

• GPHRI Exam Fee - $495 + Application Fee of $100

• Exam Time - 2 hours and 15 minutes + 30 minutes administration time

• Exam Length - 100 questions (mostly multiple-choice) + 25 pretest questions. 

International Personnel Management Association Certified Professional (IPMACP)

Professionals that are willing to maintain good skills while learning new ones should check out the IPMA-CP certification. The certification is available for two levels of HR professionals - 

• The entry-level and mid-level HRs -IPMA-CP (International Personnel Management Association Certified Professional

• The senior level HRs - IPM-SCP- (International Personnel Management Association Certified Professional) 

Note that:

• The application fee for IPMA-SCP  is $100 for members and non-members, and the initial exam fee for members is $250 while non-members pay $300. 

Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

SPHR is another course offered by the HRCI, the certification establishes your credibility as an HR. The topics covered include leadership and strategy, employee relations and engagement, talent planning and acquisition, and learning & development. The exam fee cost $495, and the application fee, is $100. Eligibility includes: 

• At least, two years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Master’s degree or higher.

• At least, three years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Bachelor’s degree OR Have at least four years of experience in a professional-level position.

Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM)

The SHRM certification helps HRs to gauge their ability to apply human resource principles to real-life situations. The certification opens you to an opportunity for broad competency, lifelong learning, and global validation. Eligibility for this certification requires that you:  

•  Perform HR or HR-related duties or seek a career in Human Resources (basic working knowledge in HR is recommended).

• Your current or most recent work in HR is functional and this includes - implementing policy and serving as HR day-to-day point person.

Exam fee:

• Early-Bird Exam Fee - 

Member - $335 

Non-member - $435

• Standard Exam Fee

Member - $410

Non-member - $510

The list of international certifications Nigerian HR professionals can take is inexhaustible, however, the ones enumerated above are a great deal and you can find them helpful.