Keep up with
everything learning
-- Read time:
If you're looking to become a recruiter or advance your recruiting career, gaining some recruitment-specific certifications could be just the boost you're looking for. We've looked through the most reputable recruiter training sites and compiled a list of the top talent acquisition certifications. Some focus on broad knowledge while others are specific to a specific area of TA expertise.
The following list contains both free certifications and ones with a price tag. We've compiled a list of 28 talent acquisition certifications in a broad range of categories, so you should be able to find a few that you think will make good additions to your resume.
The recruiter is a fundamental member of just about every TA team. Some recruiter certifications are designed to get newbies started, while others are designed to advance the knowledge of current recruiters. These are the best recruiter certifications available on the web.
Cost: $995
You'll see AIRS come up on this list a lot because they are a well-established and respected source of talent acquisition training.
The AIRS Professional Recruiter Certification (PRC) Learning Path is a comprehensive recruitment training program designed for Recruiting and HR professionals to enhance their talent acquisition strategies. Through the MyAIRS portal, participants enjoy flexible scheduling with access to weekly instructor-led sessions, one-on-one coaching, and 24/7 OnDemand training. The program includes 12 months of unlimited training and coaching, recertification exams every two years, and support from a dedicated customer care team, all developed and delivered by AIRS expert trainers.
Cost: $799
The Recruiter Certification Program (RCP) from the Recruitment Education Institute offers a comprehensive training experience for both novice and experienced recruiters, focusing on improving recruiting techniques, client management, and full cycle management through seven primary modules. Based on proven sales techniques, the interactive program also includes additional modules on advanced sourcing and performance metrics. RCP includes online interactive courses, live courses upon request, and a recruiter certification upon completion.
Cost: $1195
This certification course is a bit more expensive, but in the end, you'll walk away with two certifications instead of one.
The AIRS SearchLab (CIR and ACIR) Learning Path equips participants with expertise in search engines, Boolean logic, and advanced sourcing techniques like PowerSearch and Xray, as well as AI resources and creating programmable search engines. Through the MyAIRS portal, participants enjoy flexible scheduling with access to weekly instructor-led sessions, OnDemand self-guided training, and one-on-one coaching. The program offers 12 months of unlimited training, recertification exams every two years, and support from AIRS expert trainers and a dedicated customer care team.
Cost: $395
While this is cheaper than most AIRS courses, there is a caveat: this certification is only available to those who have completed four or more other AIRS certification courses.
The AIRS Elite Certified Recruitment Expert (ECRE) certification is designed to demonstrate a recruiter's expertise in advanced recruiting techniques, including general principles, social networking, diversity and inclusion, and advanced internet sourcing. The ECRE is designed for experienced talent acquisition professionals who have earned at least four previous AIRS certifications, showcasing their mastery in the field.
Sourcing is a great talent acquisition skill that usually complements recruiting. The sourcer on a TA team may be separate from the recruiter, or one person may be wearing both hats. Whether you've sourced talent before or you're new to this approach to recruiting, these certifications can help you grow your expertise.
Cost: $399
The Certified People Sourcing Professional (CPSP-A) credential is awarded to individuals who demonstrate proficiency in six core sourcing skills by passing a rigorous exam. The exam, offered twice a year, consists of 50 multiple-choice questions covering exploratory research, Google search, X-Ray searches, LinkedIn, social sourcing, and cross-referencing. The exam window spans nine days, and participants must complete the test in one sitting, with up to six hours provided. The exam evaluates sourcing tasks through randomized questions, ensuring no two tests are alike.
Certified professionals can showcase their CPSP-A credential or logo on their resumes and profiles, reflecting their commitment to professional development.
Cost: $995
This certification isn't specific to sourcing—it's marketed towards recruiters as well. However, the skill lends itself a bit more to sourcing than recruiting.
The AIRS Certified Social and New Media Recruiter (CSMR) Learning Path equips recruiters and talent acquisition professionals with the skills to source and recruit candidates through social, professional, and new media platforms while also gathering competitive intelligence. The program offers flexibility through the MyAIRS portal, allowing participants to schedule weekly instructor-led sessions, access 24/7 OnDemand self-guided training, and receive one-on-one coaching.
Talent acquisition leaders play a vital role in companies with large recruiting teams. While a TA leader could likely benefit from many of the certifications on this list, it could also benefit their career to have a certification specific to their leadership role.
Cost: Free
The hireEZ Talent Acquisition Leadership Certification is a comprehensive training program designed to equip current and aspiring talent acquisition leaders with the skills, strategies, and metrics needed for recruitment leadership success. Through this program, you'll learn how to guide and empower your team to hire top talent, optimize candidate conversion at each stage of the hiring funnel, and measure team performance to meet business goals effectively.
No other recruiting specialization has as many certifications available as the tech recruitment specialization. The reason for this is likely twofold: 1) the amount of technical knowledge required to succeed in this field, and 2) how in-demand the role is right now. If you're interested in becoming a technical recruiter, this article (which lists many of the same certifications) can help you out.
Cost: Free
The DevSkiller Tech Recruitment Certification Course helps recruiters improve their IT hiring skills by covering essential topics such as sourcing, screening, and hiring developers. The free course includes 19 chapters, 209 pages, and an exam. Participants learn about optimizing the recruitment process, using platforms like LinkedIn, Stack Overflow, and GitHub, and improving metrics such as time-to-hire and cost-per-hire. The certification is ideal for recruiters, sourcers, and HR professionals looking to enhance their tech recruitment expertise.
Cost: $995
The AIRS Certified Technical Recruiter (CTR) Learning Path equips recruiters with the skills to effectively source and recruit technical talent. It covers topics such as data integration, software development life cycles, IT governance, and trending tech areas like web and mobile development, Big Data, blockchain, and information assurance. The program also includes advanced sourcing techniques like Boolean logic, resume searches, and finding tech communities online. Participants gain a strategic understanding of technical hiring to meet organizational needs.
Cost: $595
The Tech Recruiter Certification 2.0 by Recruiting Innovation is designed to enhance technical recruiting skills and confidence. The comprehensive bundle includes various courses covering topics like effective job descriptions, technical interviews, product management, UX design, front-end and back-end engineering, and DevOps. Participants complete a thesis assignment to earn the Certified Tech Recruiter distinction. The course aims to empower recruiters to engage effectively with top talent and support their hiring teams.
Cost: $497
The Complete Tech Recruiter Certificate Course, led by expert Michal Juhas, is designed for aspiring tech recruiters, requiring no prior experience. The course offers comprehensive training in IT essentials, candidate sourcing, and engagement strategies through practical projects and video lessons. Participants will learn how to analyze job requirements, utilize advanced sourcing techniques, and conduct effective screenings. Graduates receive a certificate to showcase their expertise. The program aims to equip students with hands-on experience and the confidence to pursue a career in tech recruitment.
Cost: $425 (member)/$850 (nonmember)
The ASA Technical Services Certified (TSC℠) certification program is specifically designed for staffing and recruiting professionals in technical, information technology, and scientific fields. This program encompasses all the content found in the Certified Staffing Professional program while also covering additional topics such as per diem regulations, worker classification, and H-1B visa processes.
This is technically two certifications in one as those who pass this course will also be granted their CSP certification (which is discussed later in this article).
Cost: varies
LinkedIn Learning offers a tech recruiter course, at the end of which you'll receive a certificate of completion. In this learning path, instructor Ayub Shaikh simplifies IT concepts into manageable, easy-to-remember categories to aid comprehension. The idea is that, to attract the best candidates, recruiters and hiring managers need a solid understanding of technology and its requirements. This course seeks to deliver such knowledge.
LinkedIn Learning doesn't offer pricing per course, but rather a month-to-month subscription to their entire catalog of courses. Also, their pricing model isn't static, so if you're interested in this course, you'll have to do some investigation to see how much it will cost you (but it likely won't cost you much.)
There are a few different paths to follow if you're interested in working in talent acquisition: you can either work directly for the company you're recruiting for, or you can work as an external resource. Each of these courses is specific to either corporate recruiting or staffing, so choose the path that's right for you.
Cost: $450 (member)/$900 (nonmember)
The ASA Certified Staffing Professional (CSP®) program offers comprehensive training on federal employment and labor laws, establishing a crucial credential for staffing professionals. This certification demonstrates expertise in navigating the legal landscape when working with employees and clients. Individuals across various roles in the staffing industry, including owners, executives, and customer service professionals, can greatly benefit from the knowledge and credibility gained through the CSP® credential.
Cost: varies
LinkedIn Learning offers a Corporate Recruiter course path. This course is designed to prepare you for success as a corporate recruiter by teaching you the essential responsibilities involved in talent management. You will learn how to effectively source talent, screen resumes, conduct interviews, and create positive onboarding experiences for new hires. After completing the course, you'll receive a certificate of completion.
Whether you're looking into agency recruiting or to work corporate, the people in charge kind of want to know that you're not going to engage in practices that will get them sued. People tend to think that knowledge of legalities fall entirely on the HR department, but it's crucial for the recruitment team to understand them as well.
All of the following certifications were developed with staffing agencies in mind, but that doesn't mean they won't prove to be valuable to corporate recruiters as well.
Cost: $600
The Certified Personnel Consultant (CPC) credential, offered by the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS), requires candidates to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of employment laws relevant to direct-hire and temporary staffing. This certification process confirms candidates' knowledge of U.S. employment laws, including discrimination regulations and the responsibilities of recruiters during the hiring process. Study materials and the certification exam focus on critical legal aspects affecting staffing professionals.
This certification was previously available only to members of third-party staffing agencies, but this restriction has been lifted.
Cost: $600
This certification differs from the one above because this one focuses on laws and regulations revolving around temporary staffing.
The NAPS Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist (CTS) credential requires candidates to demonstrate a thorough understanding of employment laws affecting temporary staffing professionals. This certification is one of the most comprehensive in the recruiting and staffing industry, focusing on U.S. employment laws, including discrimination regulations and the responsibilities of temporary staffing professionals. Study materials and the certification exam cover essential protocols for candidate identification, selection, and placement.
Cost: $250 (member)/$500 (nonmember)
The ASA Certified Search Consultant (CSC®) program is tailored for professionals in search and placement roles, focusing on federal employment law relevant to recruiters. It also covers state licensing and registration laws impacting direct hire firms. This certification benefits a wide range of professionals, including recruiters, search consultants, talent acquisition managers, and executive recruiters, by enhancing their legal knowledge and professional expertise.
AI is becoming more and more of a constant in the recruitment industry. Those who refuse to embrace it will likely find themselves out of a job here soon. If you want to make sure that you're utilizing it effectively, it can't hurt to pursue an AI in recruitment certification.
Cost: $995
The AIRS Certified AI and Sourcing Recruiter (CASR) Learning Path teaches talent acquisition professionals how to use AI to enhance recruitment efforts. The program covers AI tools and platforms for sourcing, keyword optimization, and analyzing job descriptions. It also explores AI-driven strategies for identifying candidates across platforms like social media and professional networks. Additionally, participants learn about GPTs (Generative Pre-trained Transformers) and how to create custom versions for more efficient candidate sourcing.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has become increasingly important in the recruiting industry. Here are some certifications you can pursue to prove your expertise in DEI recruitment.
Cost: $995
The AIRS Certified Diversity Recruiter (CDR) Learning Path equips talent professionals with strategies to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in recruitment. It covers building strategies to find diverse talent, collaborating with hiring managers to improve diversity efforts, and using online resources for inclusive hiring. The program also includes optimizing job descriptions for inclusivity and AIRS search techniques to locate diverse candidates on platforms like social media.
Cost: $995
The Certified Military Veteran Recruiter (CMVR) Learning Path helps HR professionals enhance veteran recruiting efforts by focusing on sourcing, engaging, and retaining veteran talent. It covers creating a supportive work environment, understanding military culture, sourcing through social media, writing job descriptions that translate military experience, and using effective negotiation strategies. Participants also learn best practices for recruiting veterans and positioning them with hiring managers.
Cost: varies
LinkedIn Learning offers a course entitled Recruit Diverse Talent and Promote Equitable Hiring. This course is designed to help recruiters uncover effective strategies and best practices for creating more inclusive, equitable, and authentic recruiting, interviewing, and hiring processes.
There are a few certifications available that can help you enhance your talent acquisition strategy. Here are some that are worth checking out.
Cost: $1,125
The AIHR Strategic Talent Acquisition Certificate Program equips professionals with the skills to tackle the challenges of attracting the right talent in today's competitive market. The program focuses on developing and implementing talent acquisition strategies that align with business priorities and HR processes. Participants will learn to build and communicate an effective Employer Value Proposition (EVP), optimize the employee lifecycle, create memorable candidate experiences, and master sprint recruiting to enhance vacancy prioritization and improve both hiring manager accountability and candidate engagement.
Cost: Free
The hireEZ Candidate Engagement Certification program focuses on developing key skills for successful outbound candidate engagement. It teaches participants how to craft effective messaging, optimize email campaigns, and use data to enhance talent attraction efforts. Key skills include data-driven decision making, conversion optimization, and best practices for recruitment email campaigns and outbound engagement, helping recruiters connect with more candidates.
Cost: Free*
*While this certification is technically free, the prerequisite is that you already possess either the CPC or CTS certification from NAPS, both of which are $600
The NAPS Certified Employee Retention Specialist (CERS) is a credential designed for experienced professionals in talent acquisition and human capital management. The certification reflects advanced mastery in managing the full employment cycle. CERS-certified individuals, who hold prior certifications, are proficient in the legal aspects of direct-hire and temporary staffing and are equipped to collaborate strategically with corporate leaders, HR professionals, and hiring managers to optimize and align their workforce.
There are a few more talent acquisition certifications to mention. The following certifications cover two or more of the above categories, and therefore don't fall neatly into just one category.
Cost: Free
The hireEZ Fundamentals of Recruiting Certification provides essential training for new recruiters and sourcers, as well as those seeking a refresher on talent acquisition basics. This program covers the foundational skills necessary for a successful career in recruitment, including an overview of the core roles and responsibilities within the recruitment process. Participants will learn best practices for managing candidate relationships and gain insights into key skills that can be applied in real-world scenarios, setting the stage for effective sourcing and recruitment.
Cost: $1,830 (member)/$2,105 (nonmember)
The SHRM Talent Acquisition Specialty Credential is designed for professionals looking to enhance their expertise in talent acquisition, recognizing the critical role these specialists play in today's competitive business landscape. The program is targeted at individuals seeking a credential that demonstrates their knowledge and proficiency in various aspects of talent acquisition. After successfully completing the courses and passing an online assessment, individuals can proudly display their Specialty Credential on resumes and social media, showcasing their commitment to excellence in talent acquisition.
Cost: $1,125
The AIHR Sourcing & Recruitment Certificate Program equips participants with the essential skills needed to successfully identify and hire candidates in a highly competitive job market. The program covers the entire recruitment process, teaching participants how to effectively source and engage passive candidates, conduct thorough screenings to reduce mishires, and develop a compelling employer brand. Additionally, participants will learn to leverage data analytics to optimize the recruitment cycle, ensuring a more effective end-to-end process. Overall, the program provides a comprehensive toolkit for mastering the intricacies of recruitment.
While they don't come with certifications, hireEZ offers several other courses designed to enhance your TA knowledge. They are all created by TA experts with several years of experience in recruiting. Every course is completely free, so there's no reason not to check them out and see if there's a course that you feel could boost your career. Visit our Academy page to learn more.
If you're in the TA field and your company is looking to update their talent acquisition software, take a look at what hireEZ has to offer. If you're intrigued, book a demo to learn more.
By filling out this form you agree to hireEZ's Privacy Policy and consent to receive communications from hireEZ.
