Join NHRA: Membership FAQs


What is a practitioner vs. a service provider?
An HR practitioner is an individual who is employed by a corporation in an exempt or non-exempt Human Resources capacity such as HR Administration, Employee Relations Specialist, Recruiter, HR Manager, HR Director, HR Vice President, etc.

An HR service provider is an individual who works for an organization that provides HR products or services to those working in the field. Examples include Consultants, Payroll Providers, Benefits Brokers, Financial Planners, Retirement Planners, Awards Firms, etc.

What is the difference between a regular and a corporate member?
A regular membership is an individual membership that belongs to the member regardless of who pays the membership dues. If a regular member changes jobs, their membership follows them. With a corporate membership, the membership belongs to the company itself. The company designates a primary contact who receives all NHRA correspondence and shares with their HR/leadership team. Corporate members can register up to 3 individuals at the member rate for any NHRA event. Should the primary contact leave the organization, a new contact is selected.

How do I qualify for a student membership?
Our student memberships are designed for individuals who are attending school on a full-time basis with little to no HR experience. They are not intended for individuals employed in a full-time capacity in the HR field attending school on a full or part-time basis.

What are the benefits of membership for an HR practitioner?
Membership in NHRA covers you at both the national and the local level…in other words, there is no additional fee to align with one of our affiliates. Being part of NHRA provides members with the opportunity to connect with other HR professionals of all levels, to excel in their careers using the knowledge and resources gained with your membership and to become a more effective leader. In addition to networking opportunities, discounts on events, and the resources available on our site, we have partnered with a variety of organizations to bring FREE and discounted services to our members. For a full listing of our member benefits, visit here.


What are the benefits of membership for a service provider?

While NHRA manages memberships to maintain a mix of 70% practitioners - 30% service providers and discourages direct selling of products and services, there is still significant membership value for service providers. In addition to having full access to all member benefits, service providers have the opportunity to meet and build relationships with HR decision makers. When seeking new vendors, many professionals will approach individuals they know on a personal basis first. In addition, service providers can sponsor events, participate in exhibitor opportunities, place an ad in our members-only Consultant’s Registry and advertise at a discounted rate all of which provides visibility for their organizations.

What happens to my membership if I change jobs?
If you hold a student or regular membership, your membership follows you to your new position regardless of whether you or your employer paid for the membership.

Is NHRA affiliated with SHRM?
The National Human Resources Association and its affiliate locations are not SHRM chapters.  While the two organizations share a mission of serving the HR community, NHRA is focused on providing networking opportunities that will support professionals throughout their career life cycle and to delivering a membership benefits package that will bring bottom-line savings to our members' organizations.

How do I renew my membership?
Approximately 90 days prior to your membership expiration date, we will begin sending renewal emails and invoices. You can renew your membership by sending in a check for your renewal fee. You can also log in at any time and visit the Member Service Center to renew your membership online paying via check or credit card. Finally, you can call our National Office at 866-523-4417 to renew via phone.

What types of programs are offered throughout the year?
NHRA and its affiliates offers a wide range of programs targeting all phases of an HR career life cycle. In addition, programs offered by our Training Partners address a wide range of business skills training for not only HR professionals but for members of their organization.

I forgot my log-in information, how can I get it?
You can contact your Affiliate Membership Representative, our National Office at 1-866-523-4417 or email webmaster@humanresources.org.

Is the BLR access national or local?
Members have access to the Business & Legal Reports license for all 50 states; this subscription contains a wide range of templates, samples, news and other key HR management resources.

If I join, can I get a list of all of the other NHRA members?
No, at the request of a large number of members, we no longer make our membership list available. Instead, we offer networking opportunities at each of our program events and through our Facebook and LinkedIn sites. Additionally, as you attend meetings and form relationships with other HR professionals, you will make connections that you can utilize as needed.

Will my contact information be sold or rented to others?
No, NHRA does not rent or sell our member or mailing lists to others.

How do I become more involved?
We offer a wide range of volunteer leadership opportunities at both the national and local affiliate level. To learn more about leadership opportunities, visit here, email volunteers@humanresources.org or call us at 866-523-4417.