Recruiter Certification: Boosting Your Career in Talent Acquisition

A recruiter works to fill open positions in companies and is involved in the majority of the hiring process. Typically, as a recruiter, you perform your duties as part of the human resources department at an organization. Furthering your recruiting career by earning a recruiter certification related to human resources can increase salary and contribute to career advancement. Learn more about the various recruiter certifications available and how they can help your career. 

What is recruiter certification?

Acquiring a recruiter certification displays your knowledge of human resources (HR) practices and principles. By earning one of these credentials, you can demonstrate to potential employers your grasp of talent acquisition strategies, employment laws, and the most current HR technology. Several recruiter certifications are available, and each one has different requirements and tends to focus on various subjects in this field.

Types of recruiter certification

General recruiting certifications focus on basic HR practices and principles, while specialized certifications focus on topics like diversity, social media, and information and technology. Take a closer look at some of the associations that offer these credentials as well as the certifications: 

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

The Society for Human Resource Management offers two HR certifications: 

• Certified Professional (SHRM-CP): This certification is for those who perform general HR duties or HR-related duties at their job. It could also be beneficial for those interested in a career in human resource management. This is an entry-level certification with no prerequisites required. However, a basic working knowledge of HR practices and principles is encouraged. 

• Cost: $595 exam fee (SHRM non-member).

• Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP): This is a more advanced certification for those who have at least three years of work experience in strategic HR duties. This includes proof you’ve worked at least 1,000 hours in strategic HR in a calendar year. You can also qualify for the certification if you have held a SHRM-CP certification for three years and are working in or transferring to a strategic HR position. 

• Cost: $695 exam fee (SHRM non-member).

HR Certification Institute (HRCI)

The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) offers various HR certifications, including international options. They’re separated into three categories: knowledge certifications, professional certifications, and strategic certifications. 

• Knowledge certification: Within the knowledge certification category is the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR). This is an entry-level certification with no prior HR experience required. It’s intended for those first starting their HR journey or non-HR managers.

• Cost: $300 exam fee; $100 application fee.

• Professional certification: The HRCI also offers certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). This certification showcases your knowledge of HR management as well as US laws and regulations. In order to be eligible for this certification, you must meet one of three requirements: Have one year of professional HR experience and a master’s degree or higher, two years of professional HR experience and a bachelor’s degree, or four years of professional HR experience. 

• Cost: $395 exam fee; $100 application fee.

• Strategic certification: Under this category is the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification. This certification is for HR professionals who are responsible for planning HR policies. To be eligible for this certification, you must meet one of the following requirements: Have a minimum of four years of professional HR experience and a master’s degree or higher, have a minimum of five years of professional HR experience and a bachelor’s degree, or have seven years of professional HR experience. 

• Cost: $495 exam fee; $100 application fee.

The Association of International Recruiters (AIRS) 

If you’re looking for a more specialized certification, the Association of International Recruiters (AIRS) offers certifications like:

• Certified Diversity Recruiter (CDR): Teaches different sourcing strategies to advance diverse hiring efforts. No prerequisites listed.

• Cost: $995 for the course and exam.

• Certified Social and New Media Recruiter (CSMR): Focuses on utilizing social, professional, and new media resources to recruit. No prerequisites listed.

• Cost: $995 for the course and exam.

• Certified Technical Recruiter (CTR): Focused on the field of technical recruiting, which is recruiting IT and tech professionals. No prerequisites listed.

• Cost: $995 for the course and exam.

• Certified AI and Sourcing Recruiter (CASR): This certification focuses on learning about the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) and how to properly utilize it in recruiting. No prerequisites listed.

• Cost: $995 for the course. No exam, but upon completion, you receive credits towards SHRM and HRCI certifications.

• Certified Interviewer for Hiring and Recruitment (CIHR): Focuses on the interviewing process and different skills that can help your recruiting efforts. No prerequisites listed.

• Cost: $995 for the course. No exam. 

Who can consider recruiter certification?

If you want to showcase your knowledge and dedication to various HR practices as a recruiter while continuing to advance your HR career, recruiter certifications might be a good option. Having a recruiter certification can increase your chances of getting a job or expand opportunities at your current organization, especially if your employer requires certifications for certain positions. Those who pursue recruiter certifications are more likely to earn a promotion in the future. 

How to obtain recruiter certification

The certification you choose to pursue will have its own qualifications and registration process. Make sure to review the qualifications for the certification you choose. Once you’re sure you’ve met them, you can register for the exam online and begin the necessary preparations. 

Preparing for a recruiter certification exam

The certification you choose will likely have exam preparation resources available to you, usually for purchase. For example, the SHRM offers a complementary study guide called the “body of applied skills and knowledge” (BASK) along with a more comprehensive learning system available for purchase. 

Core topics covered in recruiter certification exams

Although different certifications will test you on different material, you can prepare with some general topics that will be present. Core topics you will likely find on all certifications include:

• HR-specific knowledge: This may include industry-specific topics like talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, ethics, and relationship management.

• Behavioral competencies: This focuses on workplace skills such as effective communication, critical thinking skills, and goal setting.

Career opportunities with recruiter certification 

Recruiter certification can apply to many different job opportunities. Popular job titles and their average annual salaries include: 

• Talent acquisition specialist: $83,077 [1]

• Recruiter: $70,034 [2] 

• Recruiting assistant: $50,478 [3] 

• Recruiting manager: $88,682 [4]

• Executive recruiter: $92,725 [5] 

• Staff manager: $75,785 [6]

Industries in need of certified recruiters

Many industries need recruiters, and becoming a certified recruiter will only contribute to your success. Within the recruitment profession are recruiters who specialize in certain areas, such as corporate recruiters, diversity recruiters, agency recruiters, and technical recruiters. If you decide to become a technical recruiter, for example, you might consider earning a certification to learn more about information technology, science, or engineering. You can choose an industry you’re passionate about and consider getting specific certifications within that industry. 

Explore recruiter certification and build your skills on Coursera

Recruiter certifications can be a big asset for human resources professionals. These credentials can help you to showcase your knowledge and skills in various important topics. If you’re new to the field, consider the HRCI Human Resource Associate Professional Certificate, where you can learn about employee relations, performance management, and recruitment. If you want to deepen your knowledge of compensation analysis, benefits administration, and health laws, you can explore the ADP Entry-Level Compensation and Benefits Analyst Professional Certificate on Coursera.