Have you ever wondered what an associate professional in human resources is? We get that question a lot from people looking at our human resources certification programs. Here is what you need to know: the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) isn’t a specific job title, per se. Rather, it is an entry level certification for human resource professionals.
aPHR certification is intended primarily for those just getting started on their career journey. But certification training is not limited to just this group alone. We have trained quite a few people already established in their careers, people looking to transfer into human resources from another field.
Both types of individuals can benefit tremendously from associate professional and human resources certification. Here at ProTrain, we are thrilled to offer several different educational programs our students can choose from.
More About Certification
Being aPHR certified tells employers you have a certain body of knowledge along with targeted skills. The certification itself comes from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), awarded upon passing a certification exam. Certified professionals have a credential that demonstrates a foundational knowledge of HR principles and practices.
You don’t need any prior HR experience to sit for the aPHR exam. That makes our exam preparatory course ideal for students, recent graduates, and even those transitioning to HR from other careers.
What You Need to Know to Pass the Exam
ProTrain’s Associate Professional in Human Resources® (aPHR®) Exam Prep course teaches everything you need to know to pass the exam. When it comes time to sit for the exam, you can go into it with the full confidence that comes from knowing you are prepared.
The exam covers a variety of topics, including:
- Compensation and benefits.
- Compliance and risk management.
- Employee relations.
- Learning and development.
- Talent acquisition.
These are all fundamentals in HR. You can learn all of them firsthand if you are able to land a job where hands-on experience is seen as a valuable training tool. But you can also take some time to invest in a certification course that equips you with all the knowledge ahead of time. We think online training and certification is a better choice in most cases.
Note that the aPHR certification is valid for 36 months. To maintain the certification, it is necessary to either earn 45 HR recertification credits or sit for the exam again. By the way, three years on the job should lead to you thoroughly understanding all the principles and skills covered in the exam.
Why You Should Consider Certification Training
Being aPHR certified is not absolutely necessary to get an entry level HR job. But certification certainly does help when it comes to getting hired. Here are just some other reasons we believe you should consider certification if you are starting a new HR career or are transitioning to HR from another career:
- Enhanced Employability – Certification demonstrates that you possess a foundational knowledge of HR principles. Possessing this knowledge enhances your employability. You have an edge over other candidates.
- Career Advancement – Having to be recertified every three years forces you to stay abreast of what is happening in HR. This is your ticket to career advancement.
- Industry Credibility – Finally, certification provides industry credibility that can only boost your reputation as an HR professional.
We are looking forward to speaking with you about aPHR certification. Take a look at our course form here, then either call (844) 292-8641 to speak with a career counselor or send a message to enroll@protrain.edu. The sooner we can get you started, the sooner you will be certified.
