The year 2020 was a very challenging one for businesses across sectors. And the effects were felt in several departments, among which HR had many forces to contend with. These included:
- Dynamic demographics
- New business models
- Geographically dispersed workforces
- Social expectations
- Skills of the future
- Disruption of tasks
How can an HR professional stay on top of the key trends?
Given the multiplicity of trends and the different approaches required, HR professionals are well-advised to opt for certifications for HR. A certification from a reputed institution is proof that the person is up to pace with the latest skills and know-how in the field of HR. The knowledge and learning therein equip the person with the capabilities to handle the trends and other dynamics of the industry. Also, by opting for certification for HR professionals, the candidate demonstrates the willingness to invest in continuous learning, given how most reputed certifications require renewal or recertification after specified periods to be considered current.
What are the top HR certifications in demand?
As with the world of business, the world of HR certifications too is always growing and evolving, in an attempt to keep pace with business requirements. Here are the types of certifications available:
- Change management: The demands of business imply competition among companies, all of which need to stay agile and move fast to cater to the demands of customers and markets. Staying ahead of the curve and taking an innovative approach are key parts of this culture of change.
For certifications for HR professionals in the area of change management, a good choice is PROSCI, a reputed entity in the field. its benchmark research is based on the ADKAR methodology, where ADKAR is an acronym for Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement – the five outcomes that are a must for successfully achieving change. This methodology is a pointer to the role an individual plays within the bigger picture of change and guides them on how to proceed toward the desired change.
- Learning and development (L&D): Especially with the pandemic raging around the world, upskilling and reskilling employees has rapidly climbed up the list of priorities for organizations and thereby for HR professionals. To meet these requirements, L&D professionals in HR will play significant roles in supporting the workforce through the changes in their work roles. Aside from this, L&D teams are strategic partners for organizational leadership with regard to engaging, retaining, and managing the talent of workforces.
In the area of L&D, a top choice in certifications for HR is the Association for Talent Development (ATD), which offers the Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) certification. Targeted at talent development professionals with at least five years of work experience, it focuses on improving personal, professional, and organizational capabilities.
- Talent management: With the passage of time, the role of HR professionals has moved beyond just hiring to fill available positions. They must consider how well the person fits with the current role, any future roles, and the culture of the organization. To this end, a good alternative to regular HR certifications is talent management certifications, for which an excellent choice is the Talent Management Institute (TMI). TMI offers three certifications: Talent Management Professional (TMP), Senior Talent Management Professional (STMP), and Global Talent Management Leader (GTML). Based on the extensive and solid fundamentals of the TMI Body of Knowledge (TMI-BoK), TMI certifications cater to individuals at different stages of their HR and talent management careers.
- Traditional certifications: For core HR professionals, certifications for HR are a great way to stand apart from other competing talented professionals. A reputed choice is the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), offering certifications for those who want to stand out and build their careers. The popular certifications from SHRM include the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).
