WorldatWork
WorldatWork is a global non-profit organization that provides education, certification, research, and advocacy in the field of compensation and total rewards.
What is worldatwork?
WorldatWork is a global non-profit that provides education and certification in compensation and total rewards. They offer HR professionals access to professional development programs, online courses, and resources for advancing careers in areas like base pay, variable pay, and total rewards planning.

Certifications like Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) and Global Remuneration Professional (GRP) are available through proctored exams, offering opportunities for growth and development.
Beyond education, worldatwork advocates for fair compensation practices and supports organizations with tools and resources to enhance employee engagement, communication skills, and project management. Their offerings help HR professionals and managers design effective strategies for employee development and total rewards, ensuring competitive, fair compensation. HBR’s compensation management research
What is the certification process like for worldatwork?
The certification process for worldatwork is structured to help HR professionals advance in their careers, especially in areas like total rewards planning and employee development. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- Eligibility: Make sure you meet the basic requirements, like relevant work experience or education, depending on the certification you’re aiming for (e.g., Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or Global Remuneration Professional (GRP)).
- Preparation: You’ll get access to educational resources and training programs provided by worldatwork. These may include online courses, study materials, or even professional development programs that focus on areas like employee benefits, base pay, and variable pay. It’s essential to use these resources to build the skills and knowledge needed to pass the exam.
- Certification exam: The next step is to take a proctored certification exam. This test covers key topics such as total rewards, employee engagement, and problem solving. The exam is designed to measure your expertise in these areas.
- Maintenance: After you pass, the journey doesn’t stop. You’ll need to maintain your certification by earning professional development credits. This can be done through various online resources, courses, or programs designed to enhance your communication skills and broaden your knowledge in areas like project management or team leadership. Certification renewal usually happens every three years.
The entire process offers plenty of opportunities for professional growth, whether through formal certificate programs or career paths focused on employee development. It ensures that HR professionals continue to grow and stay relevant in the fast-evolving field of total rewards and employee benefits.
With worldatwork, you’re not just earning a certification:you’re joining a network that trains and develops professionals for long-term success.
What are the benefits of membership with worldatwork?
Membership with worldatwork can provide a number of benefits, including:
1. Access to educational resources
You get access to webinars, online courses, and training programs focused on compensation, employee benefits, and total rewards planning. These resources help HR professionals and certified compensation professionals stay updated.
2. Research & data
worldatwork provides in-depth research, surveys, and reports on industry trends. This data supports decision-making on base pay, variable pay, and employee development strategies, essential for long-term success.
3. Networking opportunities
You can connect with other HR professionals, consultants, and vendors. Building relationships with global remuneration professionals enhances your problem-solving and communication skills.
4. Certification benefits
Members enjoy discounts on certification exams, like the Certified Compensation Professional and Global Remuneration Professional programs. Access to study materials and professional development credits helps maintain certifications through recertification credits.
5. Advocacy & representation
worldatwork advocates for fair and competitive pay practices. They represent HR professionals on public policy issues related to total rewards and compensation, ensuring a balanced approach to employee engagement.
6. Online resources & tools
Members gain access to a library of articles, tools, and templates to aid in project management, career paths, and employee development planning. These resources support career goals and train and develop team members effectively.
7. Career development
Through educational programs, certifications, and networking, worldatwork membership provides opportunities for professional growth. You’ll get the support you need to advance your career, from enhancing your communication skills to preparing for leadership roles in HR.
Worldatwork helps you align your career goals with the right resources, whether you’re aiming for a proctored certification exam, looking for online resources, or focusing on employee development strategies. SHRM’s compensation certification guidance
WorldatWork certification signals deep compensation and total rewards expertise : valuable for HR professionals seeking to advance in specialized compensation roles. Using pre-employment assessments alongside a structured hiring plan drives results. Strong talent acquisition focused on skills-based hiring improves outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
WorldatWork is a global professional association focused on total rewards : compensation, benefits, and work-life effectiveness. It provides education, research, certification, and advocacy for HR and rewards professionals. WorldatWork offers widely recognized certifications including the Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) and the Certified Benefits Professional (CBP), and publishes compensation and benefits surveys that serve as primary benchmarking resources for HR practitioners globally.
Related terms
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Minimum Wage
Minimum Wage is the lowest amount of pay that an employer can legally pay to an employee for their work, it is set by the government and is usually reviewed and adjusted periodically.
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) is a business that is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by one or more minorities, such as African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian-Pacific Americans, among others.
Mission Statement
A Mission Statement is a statement of purpose that outlines an organization’s goals, values, and objectives, and communicates its overall strategy and approach. It defines the organization’s reason for existence.
Mobile Recruiting
Mobile Recruiting is the process of using mobile devices and technologies to attract, engage, and hire job candidates, it includes using mobile-friendly career websites, social media, text messaging, and mobile job applications.
Mobile Working
Mobile Working is the practice of working outside of a traditional office, it allows employees to work from any location using laptops, smartphones, and other mobile devices, it increases flexibility and productivity.
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