Building Connection and the Business Value of HR Certification

In this episode of Tried and Tested, host Isabelle Gonthier is joined live from the I.C.E. Conference by Amy Schabacker Dufrane, Ed.D., SPHR, CAE, CEO of HRCI® — HR Certification Institute, to explore how HR certification builds connection, credibility, and measurable value for today’s workforce. As the leader of the world’s premier certifying and learning organization for the HR profession, Amy shares insights shaped by decades of experience across public, private, regulatory, and education sectors. The conversation focuses on the evolving role of certification as a strategic lever for workforce development, organizational performance, and global talent mobility. Amy discusses how HRCI has expanded beyond credentials to support continuous learning, professional community, and internationally aligned standards—while helping organizations upskill and reskill talent in the face of rapid change, including the growing influence of AI and shifting workplace expectations. Amy also reflects on the importance of engagement, thought leadership, and lifelong learning in elevating the HR profession, drawing on her work as a co-author, speaker, and creator of influential HR learning initiatives. Whether you’re a certification leader, HR professional, or credentialing organization seeking to demonstrate ROI, strengthen engagement, or support professionals at a global scale, this episode offers valuable perspective on how certification can drive both individual growth and organizational impact. What You'll Learn:How certification delivers measurable business valueHow organizations evaluate certification ROIWhy certification strengthens trust and career developmentHow it supports global talent mobility and long‑term capability building