Identifying the value of HR certification: Clarification and more complex models required

Congratulations are due to the authors on their attempt to write a balanced article that shows the value of certification. They have attempted to be thorough in their approach and inclusive in their literature review. It is clear that the authors care about the HR profession and that their desire is to make the profession better by raising important, yet difficult, questions. However, some clarification is needed. In their manuscript the authors have driven home a valid point but committed errors in arriving at the clear need for further research, especially criterion validation, around HR certification. This commentary will first address some of the factual errors and errors of logic stated in the manuscript and will then offer some suggestions as to how to bridge the science–practice gap they identify.

► A response to Lengnick-Hall and Aguiness (2012) is offered. ► History of PHR/SPHR certification. ► Licensure compared to certification. ► Advancing the HR profession.