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18 Best HR Analytics Certifications and Courses [2025 Edition]

By 13 Mins Read

As the demand for data-driven HR information grows, investing in the best HR analytics certification can help you advance your career. In fact, 94% of business leaders say people analytics elevates HR, and organizations often use it to support retention (82%), recruitment (71%), engagement (59%), compensation and benefits (58%), and performance management (58%).

This article explains the benefits of an HR analytics certification and lists 18 top certifications you can consider to help you further your HR career.

Contents
Why get an HR analytics certification?
18 best HR analytics certifications to consider
How to choose the right HR analytics certification for you


Why get an HR analytics certification?

Getting HR analytics certified provides multiple advantages, including: 

Expertise in a highly valued skill set

An HR analytics certification can teach you how to translate data into actionable insights. Employers value this skill because it can optimize the workforce and align it with company goals. Being certified in HR analytics proves you can analyze HR data for sound recruitment, retention, performance management, and workforce planning decisions.

A competitive edge in the job market

Some HR data analytics programs allow you to work in specialized positions and help you become eligible for promotions and higher pay. Being certified also shows employers your commitment to enhancing your knowledge. Once you complete the course, you can fill roles such as people analytics consultant, data analyst, and workforce planning specialist.

Practical, hands-on knowledge

HR data analysis certification courses often allow learners to work on actual case studies, which require you to apply your knowledge to real-life scenarios. You’ll also learn how to use industry-standard HR analytics tools, giving you the technical skills to perform the duties relevant to the HR positions you may want to apply to.

The ability to take a data-driven approach to HR

An HR data analytics certification will teach you to identify KPIs impacting recruitment, engagement, and turnover. You’ll also learn to use different frameworks to collect and analyze data, enabling you to create reports that will influence stakeholders and justify your proposed HR strategies.

HR analytics certification programs often include relevant information on the latest trends and best practices in HR analytics. Staying abreast of the latest technological advancements, AI, and data science in HR enables you to be prepared and remain competitive in addressing changing organizational needs.

Learn to apply analytics to benefit your workforce and organization

Develop the skills you need to use analytics to improve different HR functions. Learn how collect, analyze, and visualize data, think critically, and use analytics tools proficiently.

AIHR’s People Analytics Certificate Program, will teach you to use people analytics to identify workplace trends and measure policy effectiveness, and improve critical talent and business outcomes.

18 best HR analytics certifications to consider

1. People Analytics Certificate Program (AIHR)

  • Format and duration: Online and self-paced; 42 hours over 12 weeks.
  • The program covers: Data analytics, HR dashboards in Microsoft PowerBI, HR statistics in Microsoft Excel, and using data to create more effective people policies.
  • Cost: $1,125
  • Find out more: People Analytics Certificate Program

2. HR Metrics & Dashboarding Certificate Program (AIHR)

  • Format and duration: Online and self-paced; 35 hours over 12 weeks.
  • The program covers: Defining and implementing strategic HR metrics, data integrity and visualization, and how to extract, clean, and analyze HR data.
  • Cost: $1,125
  • Find out more: HR Metrics & Dashboarding Certificate Program

3. People Analytics Specialty Credential (SHRM)

  • Format and duration: Online and in person; you have one year after your purchase date to complete the program.
  • The program covers: Foundational data literacy, the metrics behind people analytics, the analytics maturity model, and how to combine different data types.
  • Cost: $1,855 (member) or $2,130 (non-member) 
  • Find out more: SHRM’s People Analytics Specialty Credential

4. Data and Analytics for People Professionals Course (CIPD)

  • Format and duration: Online and self-paced; eight hours over two weeks (one four-hour online lesson per week).
  • The program covers: Gathering and using credible data, the analytics mindset, and how to use data and people analytics to align projects with broader business activities.
  • Cost: $1,210
  • Find out more: Data and Analytics for People Professionals Course

5. Certificate in Data Analytics (HRCI)

  • Format and duration: Online classes; available for 180 days from the purchase date.
  • The program covers: Real-world data analysis, data analysis to improve organizational performance, statistical process control, and statistics as a managerial tool.
  • Cost: $399
  • Find out more: Certificate in Data Analytics

6. Analytics That Support The Workforce Certification (HRCI)

  • Format and duration: Online classes; available for 180 days from the purchase date.
  • The program covers: How analytics support employee wellness and performance, using analytics to make real-time staffing decisions, and exploring data ethics with AI.
  • Cost: $149
  • Find out more: Analytics That Support The Workforce Certification

HR’s top burning question

How do HR analytics certifications help in transitioning from traditional HR roles to more data-driven positions?

AIHR’s Psychometrics Assessments Expert, Annelise Pretorius, says: “Data and HR analytics are an absolute key to transitioning more traditional or rather, transactional and less strategic HR roles to more data-driven strategic positions. HR has always worked on data. In fact, traditional HR roles generated a lot of data but used only a fraction of it to gather insights or make decisions. A classic example is attendance data.

Every HR position is data-driven; they are divided into two buckets: data-gathering, analyzing, and reporting positions and data-driven decision-making positions. With the HR analytics certifications available now, many HR professionals are realizing the importance of using data to its optimum capacity to help people and businesses thrive.

I’ve had many HR analytics-certified professionals on my team who, after certification, saw a significant shift in their outlook toward work. They began thinking of ways to automate work, build systems or processes to capture and segregate data, and provide agile reports.”

SEE MORE

7. Recruitment Analytics Certification (HRCI)

  • Format and duration: Online classes; available for 180 days from the purchase date.
  • The program covers: Common recruiting KPIs, data-driven recruitment, predictive analytics life cycle, and using analytics to predict performance and attrition.
  • Cost: $149
  • Find out more: Recruitment Analytics Certification

8. Use of Analytics Certification (HRCI)

  • Format and duration: Online classes; available for 180 days from the purchase date.
  • The program covers: HR, people, human capital, workforce, descriptive, diagnostics, predictive, and prescriptive analytics, and data collection in ATS, CRM, and HRIS.
  • Cost: $149
  • Find out more: Use of Analytics Certification

9. HR Analytics Certificate (Rutgers University)

  • Format and duration: Online and self-paced with a personal learning coach, five to seven hours a week over approximately three months.
  • The program covers: The business of HR analytics, stakeholder management, governance, developing a culture for HR analytics, and the future of HR analytics.
  • Cost: $2,300
  • Find out more: HR Analytics Certificate

10. HR Analytics Certificate (Cornell University)

  • Format and duration: Online; three to five hours a week over approximately two months.
  • The program covers: HR analytics essentials, strategic talent analytics, applied predictive analytics in HR, and how to conduct a credible ROI analysis.
  • Cost: $3,900
  • Find out more: HR Analytics Certificate

11. HR Management and Analytics (Wharton)

  • Format and duration: Online; four to six hours a week over two months.
  • The program covers: People analytics and performance evaluation, using analytics to improve hiring decisions and maximizing employee performance with talent analytics.
  • Cost: $2,800
  • Find out more: HR Management and Analytics

12. People Analytics (University of Cambridge)

  • Format and duration: Online; four to six hours a week over two months.
  • The program covers: Strategic positioning, achieving operational excellence with data, root cause analysis and project tactics, psychometrics, and organizational data science.
  • Cost: $2,170
  • Find out more: People Analytics

HR’s top burning question

Which HR designations or functions would benefit most from an HR analytics certification and why?

AIHR Subject Matter Expert, Laksh Sharma, says: “HR functions or sub-teams that are 100% dedicated to HR analytics (and the designations within those functions) will undoubtedly benefit the most from HR analytics certifications. At the functional level, payroll, compensation and benefits, HR project office, and HR operations will greatly benefit.

Still, HR analytics knowledge and certification are immensely beneficial for all HR roles, including managerial positions. Functions such as L&D, HRBP, and talent acquisition also work with data and analytics, and professionals in these functions can benefit greatly from HR analytics certification.”

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13. People Analytics for HR (HCI)

  • Format and duration: Online and in person; two days.
  • The program covers: Connecting people analytics to organizational outcomes, assembling metrics and expertise to test hypotheses, and consulting with stakeholders.
  • Cost: $1,995
  • Find out more: People Analytics for HR

14. Certificate in HR Analytics (EY)

  • Format and duration: Online; 18 hours over six months.
  • The program covers: Data visualization and DAX, Python Essentials packages, data-cleaning, attrition management using descriptive statistics, and data import.
  • Cost: $250
  • Find out more: Certificate in HR Analytics

15. Human Resources Analytics (UCI)

  • Format and duration: Online and self-paced; five hours.
  • The program covers: HR metrics and life cycle, staffing, training and compensation, employee relations, and how to build your case and create action.
  • Cost: $59 a month or $399 a year with Coursera Plus
  • Find out more: Human Resources Analytics

16. People Analytics (Josh Bersin Academy)

  • Format and duration: Online and self-paced; four to six hours over five weeks.
  • The program covers: Analytics revolution, meaningful data, insightful analysis, persuasive communication, and creative questions.
  • Cost: $49 a month, or $495 a year for access to all Josh Bersin Academy courses
  • Find out more: People Analytics

17. Certificate in People Analytics (NYU)

  • Format and duration: Online; duration varies.
  • The program covers: Data visualization for HCM, introduction to data science methods in R and Python, database management with SQL, and HCM introduction to statistics.
  • Cost: $12
  • Find out more: Certificate in People Analytics

18. HR & People Data and Analytics Fundamentals (Udemy)

  • Format and duration: Online; three hours.
  • The program covers: HR and people data basics, HR data tools, calculating HR and people metrics, Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel basics, and HR data and people partnerships.
  • Cost: $12
  • Find out more: HR & People Data and Analytics Fundamentals

HR’s top burning question

Are there industry-specific HR analytics certifications tailored to sectors like healthcare, technology, or finance?

AIHR Subject Matter Expert, Laksh Sharma, says: “There are industry-specific HR analytics certifications, primarily offered by colleges and universities. However, some globally recognized leading HR analytics certifications offered by educational institutions and HR associations are industry-agnostic and quite comprehensive. In fact, these are the ones recommended by experts and HR leaders.

Industry-agnostic HR analytics certifications are more favorable not only for the HR professional in the short and long term but also for the organization, as they allow for a more holistic view of HR analytics in the dynamic workplace.”

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How to choose the right HR analytics certification for you

Here’s what to take into account when selecting the HR analytics certification that best suits your needs:

Consider your career goals

Are you looking for foundational knowledge or advanced expertise? Or do you need advanced training to prepare for a leadership role?

If you’re an HR Generalist, you can take beginner-level HR analytics certification courses that cover basic concepts, tools, and techniques to move you to a People Analytics Specialist role. However, advanced programs are ideal if you are a mid-to senior-level HR professional wanting to specialize in predictive analytics, using AI, or strategic workforce planning. 

Evaluate the program content

Does the certificate program align with your current role or desired specialization in HR analytics? Review the curriculum to make sure it meets your needs. Check if it teaches specific topics:

  • Data collection, HR metrics, or KPIs 
  • Tools and techniques such as Tableau, Power BI, Excel, or Python 
  • Real-world case studies that show practical applications
  • Predictive modeling, AI integration, and business impact analysis (for advanced courses).

Look for programs that provide a balanced approach to concepts and hands-on learning. 

Decide on the most suitable delivery format

Choose between a self-paced, online, or in-person HR analytics course based on your schedule and learning preferences:

  • Self-paced learning gives you the flexibility to learn on your own terms. This is ideal for busy professionals
  • Live online classes offer real-time interaction that fosters engagement and accountability while still being flexible with the location
  • In-person learning suits those who prefer classroom settings, face-to-face mentorship, and networking.

When selecting an HR analytics course, ask yourself what you want to gain from it, how it fits with your career and role requirements, what the best mode of learning is to make sure you achieve the intended benefit, what support you need to make the learning effective, and how much time you can commit to it. Embarking on a new certification, especially in an area you might lack experience in, requires a significant commitment in terms of time and focus.

Dr Dieter Veldsman, Chief Scientist (HR & OD), AIHR

Assess the costs

Consider your financial investment and the potential ROI when evaluating which programs to take. This includes costs for tuition fees, materials, tools, and certification exams. You should also evaluate the course’s value—will it help you land a higher-paying job or improve business outcomes?

Finally, compare the total costs against industry salary trends for HR professionals with analytics skills to further determine its worth in the context of your career goals and your organization’s business needs. 

Check if it has industry recognition

Ensure the certification is recognized and respected in the HR industry. A credible certification can enhance your reputation and broaden your career opportunities. Research the provider’s credentials—are they associated with reputable universities, HR organizations, or tech platforms? 

Look for certifications endorsed by industry bodies like SHRM, HRCI, or CIPD, and check for alumni testimonials and employer recognition to validate the program’s value in the job market.

Look into support and resources

Check if the program offers additional resources like mentorship, case studies, or networking opportunities:

  • Mentorship: Does the program offer access to industry experts who can guide you and answer your questions? 
  • Hands-on tools: Does the program include case studies, HR tools, and software platforms to help you apply the concepts you’ll learn in real-world scenarios?
  • Networking opportunities: Will you have access to a professional community or alumni network to help you build relationships and discover job opportunities?
  • Post-certification support: Does the program offer career coaching, job placement assistance, or continued access to resources and content even after you complete it?

Programs with a strong support system can help you maximize the value of your certification and sustain long-term growth.


To sum up

Getting HR analytics certification can significantly boost your career prospects, as you’ll have the right skills to make data-driven decisions. These certifications cover essential competencies like data collection, analysis, and visualization, ensuring you’re ready to address real-world HR challenges. 

When choosing an HR analytics program, consider your professional needs, goals, and budget. Investing in certification can broaden your expertise and position you as a valuable asset to your HR department and overall organization.

Gem Siocon is a digital marketer and content writer, specializing in recruitment, recruitment marketing, and L&D.
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