Options include pensions, disability management, psychometrics and mental health
Along with the more traditional certification covering human resources, there are specialized options HR professionals might want to consider. Here’s a sampling of programs available across the country:
MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) Certification Program
Psychometrics Canada
Participants will be equipped with the tools — including slide decks and facilitator materials — to use the Myers-Briggs instrument in a variety of topic areas including: improving team performance, developing leaders, managing conflict, improving communication, handling stress and guiding career exploration.
Occupational Health & Safety
University of Toronto
This certificate program will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to develop, implement and manage strong health and safety systems. They’ll learn how to ensure their workplace meets the required health and safety requirements in a tight regulatory framework, and discover what companies can do to prevent costly accidents that impair productivity and engage more workers in proactive health and safety measures. The program covers relevant legislation and major workplace hazards, combining high-level strategy with hands-on application.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Certificate Program
Humber College, Toronto
From resolving labour grievances and employment-standard complaints to representing clients in the civil justice system and pursuing no-fault automobile insurance benefits, this program’s core curriculum spans insurance law, labour law, family law, commercial law, system design and community mediation, and uses intensive workshop training to teach the core principles of negotiation, mediation and arbitration. Participants learn to resolve disputes between individuals, businesses, insured and insurers, individuals and government agencies, and within families.
Graduate Certificate in Change Management
Royal Roads University, Victoria, B.C.
The aim of the certificate is to equip professionals with graduate-level applied, relevant and theoretical expertise in leading and supporting individuals and organizations through change. The program focuses on the application of learning in areas such as: connecting change efforts to organizational strategy; whole systems interventions; culture transformation; managing power and influence; engagement and communication strategies; building sustainable change leadership capacity; and measurement and evaluation of change management efforts.
Certificate in Pension Law
Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Toronto
The certificate was developed to provide a comprehensive overview and analysis of the major areas of pension law and practice. The program covers:
• the role of pensions in the retirement savings system
• a review of the federal and provincial regulatory framework
• pensions and the employment relationship — key areas of concern
• the funding and investment principles for pension plans
• pension plan governance and risk management
• defined benefit to defined contribution plan conversions — key legal and structural considerations
• multi-employer pension plans and other multi-employer arrangements
• the treatment of pensions in corporate transactions and restructurings
• pension litigation — landmark cases and emerging issues
• essential updates about important pension reform initiatives across Canada.
Labour-Management Relations Certificate Program
Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon and the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy
This interactive program covers collective bargaining, grievance arbitration, mediation, legislation, financial literacy and emerging workplace issues, and will:
• address major issues surrounding collective bargaining, grievance arbitration, mediation, legislation and labour board remedies
• provide bargaining simulation experience and practical tools
• cover topics from broad political and economic contexts
• allow an opportunity for union, management and neutrals to collaborate and generate solutions that add value for all parties in a safe learning environment.
Workplace Mental Health Leadership certificate program
Shepell and Queen’s University, Kingston, Ont.
Practical framework and leadership skills align with evidence-based and industry best practices, including the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. The certification showcases organizational leadership and commitment to a mentally healthy workplace, through best practices and innovative solutions. Participants explore the business case for mental health in the workplace. The development of empathetic and solution-focused leadership skills is also supported, and will facilitate an increase in: awareness of the importance of a mentally healthy workplace; accountability for a safe and healthy workplace; recognition of the factors that influence a mentally healthy workplace; and capacity to respond to potential health issues, improving the likelihood of a better outcome.
Certificate in Canadian Benefit Plans
International Federation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP)
This certificate is designed to provide a solid foundation in Canadian pensions and benefits, HR and compensation. Relevant for professionals employed by a U.S. company with affiliates in Canada or those who work with a Canadian plan.
Certified Disability Management Professional (CDMP)
International Association of Professionals in Disability Management (IAPDM)
Participants will learn to:
• develop policies and procedures in conjunction with a joint worker-management committee
• maintain records and computer-based tracking of absences, costs and outcomes
• track and analyze the costs and benefits of a disability management program
• liaise with the employer, HR department, occupational health and safety program, and wellness promotion programs
• plan and implement internal communication and education about the disability management program for all stakeholders
• maintain current information on service providers and community resources such as vocational rehabilitation counselors, substance abuse programs and other support groups
• evaluate service providers and community resources including physiotherapists, pain clinics, ergonomists and podiatrists
• track changes in legislation, collective agreements, employment contracts and benefit programs, and ensure these changes are reflected in program practices.
Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) Canada
WorldatWork
Required exams cover: total rewards management, quantitative principles in compensation management, strategic communication in total rewards, job analysis, documentation and evaluation; base pay administration and pay for performance; variable pay; market pricing; business acumen; and international financial reporting standards.
