The Standard for
Recruiting Professionals
The American Board of Certified Recruiters is establishing the first exam-based professional credential for the recruiting profession. The CR designation signals verified competency, ethical conduct, and commitment to excellence.
Our Mission
Elevating Recruiting Into a Credentialed Profession
Millions of professionals work in recruiting, yet the field has long lacked the formal credentialing infrastructure found in law, accounting, finance, and human resources. ABCR was founded to change that.
Through a rigorous, exam-based certification grounded in a formal Job Task Analysis, ABCR is creating an objective measure of professional competency—one that candidates, employers, and the public can rely on.
The Designation
What Does CR Mean?
CR—Certified Recruiter—is an exam-based professional designation awarded by the American Board of Certified Recruiters to individuals who demonstrate mastery of the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards required for professional recruiting practice.
The CR designation is grounded in a formal Job Task Analysis (JTA) that defines the competency domains of the recruiting profession. It is not a training program or a certificate of completion. It is earned by passing a comprehensive examination.
Recruiter
Certified Recruiter
Advanced designation
Recruiter
Associate
Certified Recruiter Associate
Entry-level pathway
Why It Matters
A Standard That Serves Everyone
For Recruiters
- Distinguish yourself with an objective, exam-based credential
- Demonstrate mastery across all critical recruiting domains
- Join a community committed to professional standards
- Advance your career with recognized professional standing
For Employers
- Identify recruiters who have demonstrated verified competency
- Set a clear professional standard for your talent acquisition team
- Reduce risk through ethical, compliance-aware hiring practices
- Build confidence in your organization's recruiting function
For the Profession
- Elevate recruiting to a recognized, credentialed profession
- Establish shared standards for knowledge and ethical conduct
- Create accountability through a formal code of ethics
- Build public trust in the recruiting profession
Limited Enrollment
Be Among the First
Certified Recruiters
The Founding Class represents the inaugural cohort of credentialed recruiting professionals. Register your interest to receive updates on exam dates, eligibility requirements, and application details.