Maintaining your HR certification from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) is essential for staying up-to-date in the ever-evolving HR field. However, the cost of recertification can add up, which is why finding free ways to earn recertification credits is highly beneficial. HRCI offers various paths for certified professionals to earn the necessary credits without spending a lot of money, ensuring that HR practitioners remain knowledgeable and compliant with industry standards.
In this blog, we’ll explore eight easy and free ways to earn HRCI recertification credits that will help you maintain your certification while enhancing your skills.
Many HR organizations, including HRCI, offer free webinars that provide valuable insights on various HR topics, such as talent management, compliance, and diversity. These webinars often come with the bonus of awarding HRCI recertification credits upon completion. Additionally, professional organizations like SHRM, HR.com, and LinkedIn Learning regularly host free webinars that qualify for HRCI credits.
How to get started:
Check HRCI’s official website for upcoming free webinars.
Sign up for HR newsletters from reputable organizations to stay informed about free webinar opportunities.
Attend webinars that align with your certification’s credit requirements (General, Business, or Global credits).
Volunteering for HR-Related Activities
Volunteering for HR activities, such as serving on an HR committee, supporting local HR chapters, or helping organize HR-related events, can earn you valuable recertification credits. Volunteering allows you to contribute to the HR community while gaining practical experience and earning credits at no cost.
Examples of volunteer opportunities:
Joining the leadership team of a local HR chapter.
Volunteering for event planning committees at HR conferences.
Supporting community or nonprofit organizations with their HR functions.
Many volunteer roles provide credits for Professional Development Activities (PDA), making it a fulfilling way to give back and earn credits simultaneously.
Attending Free HR Conferences and Virtual Events
Several HR organizations offer free or low-cost conferences and virtual events that award HRCI recertification credits. These events often cover critical HR topics and provide networking opportunities with other professionals. Many conferences have gone virtual, making it easier to attend from anywhere at no cost.
Where to find free HR conferences:
Watch for events hosted by HR.com, SHRM, or HR Exchange Network.
Check local and regional HR associations for free virtual summits or training days.
Look for partnerships between HR vendors and industry associations that offer free educational sessions.
Writing HR-Related Articles or Blogs
If you enjoy writing, sharing your HR knowledge through articles or blogs is another way to earn free recertification credits. Writing and publishing content on HR topics such as leadership, compliance, or recruitment not only positions you as a thought leader but also earns credits under Professional Development.
How to earn credits:
Publish your articles on professional platforms like LinkedIn, HR.com, or HR-related magazines and journals.
Submit articles to your local HR chapter’s newsletter or blog.
Write about current trends, case studies, or innovative HR practices.
By writing HR-focused content, you not only educate others but also keep yourself engaged with new industry trends, all while earning credits.
Participating in HRCI’s e-Learning Sessions
HRCI offers its e-learning platform, where professionals can access various online courses and resources to earn recertification credits. These e-learning sessions are often free or included with your HRCI membership and provide credits that can be applied to your recertification.
How to use HRCI’s e-learning platform:
Log into your HRCI account to explore available courses.
Look for free or low-cost e-learning sessions that align with your certification’s credit needs.
Complete the courses and submit your credits through your HRCI recertification profile.
Joining Local HR Chapters or Networks
Local HR chapters and networks often provide free events, training sessions, and learning opportunities that qualify for HRCI credits. By joining a local HR network, you can regularly attend meetings, discussions, and webinars at no cost, all of which may help you accumulate recertification credits.
How to benefit from local HR chapters:
Look for local SHRM chapters or other HR associations in your area.
Attend free workshops, panels, or meetings hosted by these groups.
Engage with chapter leadership about volunteer opportunities or speaking engagements.
Local chapters provide a sense of community while offering valuable educational resources that contribute to your recertification.
Listening to HR Podcasts and Webcasts
Many HR-related podcasts and webcasts offer free recertification credits upon completion. These audio and video programs provide in-depth discussions on HR trends, challenges, and innovations while offering the flexibility to listen on the go.
Where to find HR podcasts and webcasts:
Check out podcasts like HR Happy Hour, DriveThru HR, or Workology which sometimes offer recertification credits for listeners.
Subscribe to HR.com’s webcast series or other HR platforms that provide recertification credits.
Podcasts and webcasts offer an accessible and engaging way to stay informed on HR developments while earning credits.
Mentoring or Coaching HR Professionals
Mentoring or coaching other HR professionals is not only rewarding but also an excellent way to earn recertification credits. By sharing your knowledge and experience, you can help junior HR professionals grow while fulfilling HRCI’s requirement for Instructional Credits.
How to get started with mentoring:
Offer mentorship programs within your company or local HR chapter.
Partner with HR associations that offer mentoring platforms.
Provide coaching or training sessions to HR professionals on topics you specialize in.
Mentoring provides a way to give back to the HR community while helping you enhance your leadership and instructional skills — all while earning credits.
Conclusion
Earning HRCI recertification credits doesn’t have to be costly or time-consuming. With these eight free and easy options, you can maintain your HR certification while growing professionally and contributing to the HR community. Whether through webinars, volunteering, writing, or mentoring, there are many creative ways to earn credits that fit your schedule and interests.
To streamline your HR professional development and maximize your learning opportunities, consider leveraging tools like HirewithEve.ai to track your recertification credits and discover new learning resources.