Free HRCI Credits

Earning your HRCI certification takes hours of studying and a fair chunk of change, so the last thing you want is for it to expire.

To stay current and qualified as an HR professional, you have to get recertified every three years. This is a great way to stay up-to-date on best practices, discover new industry trends and standards,and continue your own professional development.

The tricky part can be finding affordable ways to stay certified, which is done by earning credits. You can earn recertification credits by attending conferences, jumping in on online courses, volunteering your time, watching webinars, or other similar activities. 

Since you typically need 60 recertification credits, finding ways to earn free HRCI recertification credits is a smart fiscal move. Here’s how to make the most of those free HRCI credit opportunities.

Understanding HRCI Credits

HR managers need to be aware of the constant evolution of the HR field, especially to promote a healthy employee experience. From changing workplace dynamics to evolving legal regulations, HR managers are tasked with navigating a complex array of challenges that can be better understood with HRCI recertification opportunities.

Different HRCI certifications

HRCI offers a suite of certifications tailored to cater to the varied roles and responsibilities within the HR domain. For HR managers, several certifications are particularly relevant:

• Professional in Human Resources (PHR): Designed for HR managers who strategize and plan HR functions, the PHR certification attests to one's mastery in areas like employee relations, talent acquisition, and risk management.
• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR): Aimed at seasoned HR managers and leaders, the SPHR certification validates expertise in higher-level strategic HR functions. Getting free HRCI business credits can help prepare high-level HR professionals with organizational development, large-scale HR strategies, and workforce planning.
• Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR): As businesses become increasingly global, HR managers responsible for international HR practices can benefit from the GPHR certification. It signifies proficiency in managing HR functions across borders and cultures.
• Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR): Geared towards entry-level HR professionals, this certification is a stepping stone for those beginning their HR careers, providing a foundational understanding of HR principles.

Benefits of Acquiring HRCI Credits

These credits are more than a box to check. They can can aid a career in HR by:

• Demonstrating expertise: HRCI certifications and the associated credits are a tangible way to demonstrate to employers, peers, and stakeholders that you possess a deep understanding of the field's best practices, laws, and regulations.
• Staying current: Accumulating HRCI credits ensures that you are up-to-date with the latest trends, legal changes, and innovative strategies, allowing them to make informed decisions that impact their organizations positively.
• Career advancement: Many organizations view HRCI certifications as a sign of commitment to the HR profession. HR managers with these credentials often find doors opening to more senior roles and leadership positions.
• Networking opportunities: HRCI credit events offer valuable networking opportunities, enabling HR managers to connect with peers, mentors, and industry experts.
• Personal growth: The pursuit of HRCI credits encourages HR managers to engage in continuous learning, fostering personal and professional growth

Strategies for Maximizing Free HRCI Credits as an HR Manager

The easiest place to start is with low-cost or free HRCI credits, and the HRCI website has suggested several resources.

HRCI-Approved Programs

Several pre-approved webinars can offer a lot of information without you even leaving the comfort of your work desk. You’ll gain all kinds of insights from experts in your field that you can directly apply to your circle of influence. Some of the best webinar resources to start with include:

• BambooHR HRCI Webinars
• BizLibrary
• HR Daily Advisor
• HR.com

You can also find hours of opportunities from pre-approved webinars and conferences offered by the Human Capital Institute (HCI). Many of their events are virtual!

Self-Reported Programs

A lot of in-house training qualifies for recertification credits even if it isn’t officially pre-approved by HRCI. If it focuses specifically on your professional HR knowledge and can be directly linked to the HRCI Exam Content Outline, HRCI will typically approve those credits on your application when it is reviewed. 

HRCI Resources

The HRCI itself offers a selection of free resources that can count towards your credits. This could include reading articles from the HR Magazine, participating in HRCI webinars, or engaging with content from the HRCI Learning Center.

On-the-Job Experience

Many of the tasks you will end up completing as a current HR manager can contribute to your professional development and earn you free credits. New-to-you projects can count for up to 40 credits. Document these on-the-job experiences, send in a sample of your work, and include a letter from your supervisor that highlights your contribution. 

Leadership

If you hold leadership roles within HR organizations or professional associations, these experiences can be credited as well. Serving as a mentor, leading a team, or actively participating in HR-related committees can all contribute to your credit accumulation.

Instruction

If you find yourself sharing your HR knowledge and expertise by presenting at conferences, workshops, or training sessions, these activities can earn you HRCI credits too. Your role as an instructor or speaker demonstrates your commitment to advancing the HR field and can be recognized accordingly.

HR Membership

Many HR membership associations, like SHRM, offer various resources and events that are eligible for HRCI credits. You can often get credits simply by sending on a copy of your membership card and dates, or a receipt that includes your membership dates. That alone can get you up to 12 credits!

Organizational Wellness Starts with HR Managers 

Even though getting recertified takes time, it can empowers HR managers to take the best steps for their personal growth and their company’s success. HR sets the standard for professional development and has a direct role in the employee experience. Staying certified can help you deliver.

The employee experience is also shaped by the wellness opportunities a company can provide. Wellness programs have been shown to enhance wellbeing, increase productivity, and improve job satisfaction.

Wellhub can be your one-stop wellness program. Our holistic platform includes 50,000 wellness providers, supporting any wellbeing journey. 

Talk with a Wellbeing Specialist to learn more!

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References

• Strategic HR Training and HR Conferences. Human Capital Institute. Retrieved August 8, 2023 from https://www.hci.org/