How to Earn Credits for Renewing SHRM, HRCI, CIPD, and Other HR Certifications Through Reskilling Courses

Reskilling Courses for HR Professionals

According to AIHR: For HR specialists aiming to maintain their credentials, reskilling courses have become essential for acquiring the credits needed to renew certifications like SHRM, HRCI, CIPD, and others. Most leading HR certifications require completing a three-year cycle during which candidates must accumulate around 60 credits. AIHR offers certificate programs that not only provide these credits but also enhance practical HR skills, and their credentials are widely recognized by major professional bodies.

Credit Requirements for Certification Renewal

Certification holders such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, and HRCI PHR must collect 60 credits over a three-year period to recertify. Specialized certifications like HRCI SPHR, GPHR, and PHRca require 15 credits in specific fields alongside 45 general credits. HRCI also mandates completion of one ethics-related activity counted within the total 60 credits. The ATD association sets a requirement of 40 credits in three years for the APTD certificate and 60 credits for the CPTD. In Canada, the HRPA demands 66.67 CPD hours every three years for CHRP, CHRL, and CHRE certifications. Other organizations, including IHRIM, Singapore’s IHRP, and South Africa’s SABPP, have their own continuing professional development (CPD) or recognized credit hour (RCH) systems.

• Typically, one hour of learning equals one credit.
• AIHR’s range of certificate programs is acknowledged by SHRM, HRCI, HRPA, CPHR, ATD, and CIPD.
• The AIHR HR Business Partner 2.0 course awards 33.5 PDCs for SHRM and HRCI, 42 credits for HRPA/CPHR, and 33 CPD credits for CIPD.
• Additional AIHR courses, such as People Analytics and Artificial Intelligence for HR, also offer substantial credit earnings for HR professionals.

The price for a single AIHR certificate is $1125, which includes 12 months of access, while full AIHR Academy access costs $1850 annually.

Credits can also be earned beyond courses-by participating in live events, webinars, conferences, as well as through on-the-job learning and managing HR projects. For instance, SHRM grants 1 PDC for attending each live event or webinar, and HRCI awards 1 credit per hour for qualified interactive e-learning.

“Selecting a reskilling program should carefully consider credit recognition, practical benefits, cost, and the learning format that best suits the individual.”

In summary, reskilling courses offer numerous opportunities for HR professionals to grow their expertise and secure the credits necessary to keep their certifications current. Continuous learning is critical in the fast-evolving HR field, helping practitioners stay competitive and effective. Understanding the specific recertification requirements enables HR professionals to strategically plan their development and choose the right educational paths.

As HR professionals navigate the complexities of certification renewal, understanding the role of certification without prior experience can be pivotal. This approach not only opens doors to career advancement but also provides essential insights into leveraging new opportunities in the HR field, complementing the skills gained through reskilling courses.