How HRCI Transformed Their Certification Programs into a Growth-Driving Machine

In recent years, the credentialing landscape has rapidly evolved, driven by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), remote proctoring, hybrid learning, and other innovations. To stay ahead, credentialing organizations must adapt quickly to these changes.

In the Human Resources (HR) sector, the need for successful certification programs is more pressing than ever. With industries facing widening skills gaps and talent shortages, upskilling and reskilling have become paramount, as 77% of employers report difficulty in filling roles. As the workforce evolves, the HR Certification Institute^® (HRCI^®) plays a critical role in certifying HR professionals to meet these new challenges. 

To uphold their high standards and deliver exceptional educational resources. HRCI looked for new ways to enhance their content development and grow their certification programs. With over 50 years in business, HRCI has continually sought to innovate and improve their offerings. This blog explores how HRCI leveraged BenchPrep’s Content Development Services to rapidly develop eight certification prep courses, optimizing their digital prep experience and benefiting over 500,000 learners and certificants worldwide.

The Professional Market Is Going Through an Exciting Transformation

Before we dive into HRCI’s story, let’s take a quick look at the data:

• Increase in Demand for Certification: A WorkCred survey showed that 56% of organizations are seeing increased demand for their certifications and two-thirds are planning to offer new certifications.
• Continuing Education (CE) Growth: The CE market is expected to grow by 50% over the next 5 years. 
• Certificates and Micro-credentials Growth: Research indicates that certificates and micro-credentials are expected to see double-digit growth. 

With the professional market evolving, associations and credentialing bodies are perfectly positioned to capture this opportunity in professional learning. HRCI took this opportunity, charted a path forward, and transformed their certification programs into a growth-driving machine. 

Finding the Best Path Forward: HRCI’s Strategic Decisions

HRCI set out with a clear objective: to increase engagement. With this goal in mind, they brainstormed a variety of strategies, considering new use cases, products, and distribution models. Faced with numerous opportunities to grow their programs, choosing the best path forward was a challenge.

After careful consideration, HRCI decided to develop certification preparation products for their candidates. This decision unlocked significant engagement opportunities, including:

• Removing barriers to completion
• Offering flexibility with omnichannel delivery
• Providing personalized learning experiences
• Achieving higher retention rates

This strategic focus on certification preparation products has enabled HRCI to enhance the educational experience for their candidates, driving greater engagement and success.

Want to learn about BenchPrep’s Lifelong Learning Strategy Framework that helps organizations tap into the professional education market? Check out this blog for a closer look.  

HRCI’s Transformation: Impacts and Outcomes

With a plan to develop certification preparation products for their candidates, HRCI successfully launched their first product in October 2023.

Impact on the HR Community:

• 8 unique certifications, including international offerings
• 750K+ attendees for webinars and virtual micro summits
• 50,000+ HR professionals engaged with HRCI's learning content
• Increased social media presence

Anticipated Program Outcomes:

• Improved certification pass rates
• Increased first-time pass rates
• Enhanced learner engagement
• Enriched data and insights offerings
• Centralized one-stop shop for professionals
• Consistent and modern learning and preparatory resources for all learners

These strategic initiatives have positioned HRCI as a leader in the credentialing space, providing candidates with the tools needed to succeed in an evolving HR landscape. However, these milestones were only possible by leveraging BenchPrep’s Content Development Services to efficiently develop and deliver HRCI’s educational products.

A Closer Look at BenchPrep’s Content Development Services

BenchPrep partners closely with organizations to develop customized content that meets their needs. Services include creating new educational materials, such as: 

• Instructional design: Tailored curriculum design to optimize learning outcomes.
• Content authoring/accuracy checking: Expert content creation and meticulous accuracy checks to ensure the quality and relevance of materials.
• Editorial review: Thorough review processes to guarantee clarity, coherence, and consistency in content.
• Project management: Efficient coordination and oversight to ensure timely delivery and successful execution of content development projects.
• Subject matter expert (SME) recruitment: Access to subject matter experts (SMEs) who contribute their expertise to develop relevant and authoritative educational content.

With BenchPrep’s Content Development Services, organizations can: 

• Enhance the learning experience: Craft engaging and impactful learning materials tailored to your organization’s audience, fostering satisfaction and engagement.
• Expand revenue streams: Create new learning products to diversify revenue streams and maximize an organization's earning potential.
• Streamline operations: Reduce operational complexities and expenses by outsourcing content development to BenchPrep's expert team.

BenchPrep played a pivotal role in HRCI’s success by developing 8 unique certification prep courses, including flashcards, practice questions, and practice tests. In just over a year, BenchPrep configured the digital prep experience and supported the launch of all 8 products, enabling HRCI to efficiently achieve their strategic milestones.

By leveraging BenchPrep's expertise, organizations can achieve their strategic goals more effectively and efficiently.

The Power of Partnership

HRCI's journey showcases the power of strategic innovation and dedicated partnership. By embracing change and focusing on engagement, HRCI has transformed their certification programs into powerful growth drivers. 

As the landscape of work continues to evolve, organizations must adapt and innovate to stay relevant. HRCI's experience with BenchPrep’s Content Development Services highlights the benefits of leveraging expert solutions to enhance learning experiences and drive engagement. 

If you are looking to unlock new growth opportunities and elevate your certification programs, exploring the Lifelong Learning Strategy Framework could be your next step. Join HRCI in leading the future of professional development.

Want to learn more about the Lifelong Learning Strategy Framework and how it can help you find new growth opportunities similar to HRCI? Fill out this brief form and a team member will reach out!