It’s becoming increasingly common for HR professionals, especially those who want to rise through the ranks in their HR Career, to earn an HR certification. The two most well-known HR certifications are HRCI and SHRM.
What Is an HR certification?
HR certifications are recognized credentials that demonstrate proficiency and expertise in various aspects of human resource management. These certifications are offered by reputable organizations such as the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), among others. They cover a wide range of topics, including talent management, employment law, strategic HR leadership, and more.
Benefits of HR Certifications
Earning a professional certification offers numerous benefits for HR professionals, including validation of expertise, career advancement opportunities, and increased earning potential. Certifications also provide access to exclusive networking opportunities, professional development resources, and ongoing support from industry experts. Moreover, certifications demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence and continuous learning, enhancing credibility and marketability, both within your HR department and across the competitive HR landscape.
Choosing the Right Certification
Selecting the appropriate HR certification depends on several factors, including your career goals, years of experience, and desired specialization. For entry-level professionals or those new to HR, certifications such as the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) or the Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) from the Association for Talent Development (ATD) provide a solid foundation. For mid-career professionals seeking to advance their careers, certifications like the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) offer comprehensive knowledge and recognition in the field. Meanwhile, senior HR leaders looking to demonstrate their strategic acumen may pursue certifications such as the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) or the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).
HR Certification Eligibility and Requirements
Each HR certification has specific eligibility criteria, which may include a combination of education, work experience, and professional development. For example, the PHR certification typically requires a minimum of two years of professional HR experience with a bachelor’s degree, while the SHRM-CP may require three years of HR experience with a master’s degree. Additionally, candidates must pass a rigorous certification exam, demonstrating their understanding of HR principles, practices, and regulations.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Certified in Human Resources?
The cost of becoming a certified HR professional varies depending on the certification program, level of certification, and any additional study materials or exam fees. Generally, certification exam fees range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, with additional costs for study materials or preparatory courses. However, investing in certification can significantly enhance your career prospects and earning potential in the HR field.
HR Certifications Programs
HR certification programs encompass a diverse range of credentials tailored to meet the varying needs and career stages of HR professionals. From entry-level certifications like the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) to advanced certifications that allow for career development, such as the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), each certification offers specialized knowledge and expertise in different areas of HR management. Many of these certifications can be taken in-person or remotely, and are valid for a certain number of years before recertification is required. Here are some of the most popular and best HR certifications:
Certifications Offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI):
The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) is a leading organization in human resources, offering globally recognized certifications for HR professionals. These certifications validate expertise in various HR domains and demonstrate a commitment to professional development. HRCI stands out among other HR certification institutes due to its rigorous certification process, global recognition, and commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and expertise in the field of human resources.
1) Professional in Human Resources (PHR):
The PHR certification is designed for HR professionals with a few years of experience who want to demonstrate their mastery of HR principles and practices.
PHR Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility requirements for the PHR are that you must meet one of the following conditions for education and/or experience:
- Have at least one year of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Master’s degree or higher
- Have at least two years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Bachelor’s degree
- Have at least four years of experience in a professional-level HR position
Cost of the PHR Certification Exam
The cost of the PHR certification exam is $395 plus an application fee of $100.00.
2) Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR):
The SPHR certification is ideal for experienced HR professionals in a leadership role seeking to validate their strategic HR expertise and leadership skills.
SPHR Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the SPHR you must meet one of the following conditions for education and/or experience:
- Have at least four years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Master’s degree or higher
- Have at least five years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Bachelor’s degree
- Have at least seven years of experience in a professional-level HR position
Cost of the SPHR Certification Exam
The cost of the SPHR certification exam is $495 plus an application fee of $100.00.
3) Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR):
The aPHR certification is suitable for entry-level HR professionals or individuals transitioning into HR roles who want to establish a foundation in HR principles.
aPHR Eligibility Requirements
There are no specific eligibility requirements for the aPHR certification, making it accessible to those new to the field.
Cost of the aPHR Certification Exam
The cost of the aPHR certification exam is $300 plus an application fee of $100.00.
4) Professional in Human Resources – California (PHRca):
The PHRca certification is specifically for HR professionals working in California who want to demonstrate their expertise in California employment laws and HR practices.
PHRca Eligibility Requirements
To be allowed to take the PHRca, you must meet one of the following conditions for education and/or experience:
- Have at least one year of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Master’s degree or higher
- Have at least two years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Bachelor’s degree
- Have at least four years of experience in a professional-level HR position
Cost of the PHRca Certification Exam
The cost of the PHRca certification exam is $395 plus an application fee of $100.00.
5) Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR):
The GPHR certification is ideal for HR professionals working in global or international HR roles who want to demonstrate their expertise in managing global HR functions.
GPHR Eligibility Requirements
You must meet one of the following conditions for education and/or experience to be eligible for the GPHR:
- Have at least two years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Master’s degree or higher
- Have at least three years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a Bachelor’s degree
- Have at least four years of experience in a professional-level HR position
Cost of the GPHR Certification Exam
The cost of the GPHR certification exam is $495 plus an application fee of $100.00.
6) Associate Professional in Human Resources – International (aPHRi)
The aPHRi certification is designed for individuals outside of the United States who are either entry-level HR professionals or transitioning into HR roles.
Eligibility Requirements
No HR experience is required to take this exam.
Cost of the Certification Exam
The cost of the aPHRi certification exam is $300 plus an application fee of $100.00.
7) Professional in Human Resources – International (PHRi)
The PHRi certification is tailored for practitioners located outside of the United States, serving as a validation of their professional-level competency, knowledge, and skills.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the PHRi, you must fulfill one of the following conditions regarding education and/or experience:
- Have at least one year of experience in a professional-level HR position + a master’s degree or global equivalent
- Have at least two years of experience in a professional-level HR position + a bachelor’s degree or global equivalent
- Have at least four years of experience in a professional-level HR position
Cost of the Certification Exam
The cost of the PHRi certification exam is $395 plus an application fee of $100.00.
8) Senior Professional in Human Resources – International (SPHRi)
The SPHRi certification is tailored for HR leaders operating outside of the United States, acknowledging their proficiency in universally recognized HR principles and practices at the senior level.
Eligibility Requirements
The SPHRi requires documented knowledge of local employment laws. To be eligible for the SPHRi you must meet one of the following conditions for education and/or experience:
- Have at least four years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a master’s degree or global equivalent
- Have at least five years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a bachelor’s degree or global equivalent
- A minimum of seven years of experience in a professional-level HR position
Cost of the Certification Exam
The cost of the SPHRi certification exam is $495 plus an application fee of $100.00.
Certifications Offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM):
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is a renowned professional association dedicated to advancing the field of human resources management. It provides resources, networking opportunities, educational programs to HR professionals worldwide, and of course, SHRM certifications. What sets SHRM apart is its extensive network of members and chapters, offering unparalleled access to industry insights, best practices, and professional development opportunities tailored to the evolving needs of HR practitioners.
1) SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP):
The SHRM-CP certification is designed for HR professionals with a few years of experience who want to demonstrate their competency in both behavioral and technical HR domains.
Eligibility Requirements
While the complete set of eligibility criteria can be found here, the following are the general requirements for the SHRM-CP credential:
- Individuals must be engaged in HR tasks or seeking to enter the HR field (a foundational understanding of HR is recommended).
- Your current or most recent HR role involves operational responsibilities, such as policy implementation or serving as the primary HR contact.
- Your tasks are typically specialized rather than general in nature.
Cost of the SHRM-CP Certification Exam
The examination fee varies depending on your SHRM membership status. SHRM members pay an Early-Bird Exam Fee of $335 or a Standard Exam Fee of $410, while non-members pay an additional $100. Discounts on exam fees are available for students, corporate entities, and military personnel through SHRM. For more information, please refer to the SHRM website.
2) SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP):
The SHRM-SCP certification is intended for experienced HR professionals seeking to validate their advanced HR knowledge and strategic skills.
Eligibility Requirements
You are eligible to apply for the SHRM-SCP certification if you have any of the following:
- 3 years of experience in performing strategic-level HR or HR-related tasks
- Held the SHRM-CP credential for at least 3 years and are currently working in or transitioning to strategic-level roles
- Lead HR Operations
Applicants for the SHRM-SCP must also demonstrate that they devoted at least 1,000 hours per calendar year to strategic-level HR/HR-related work.
Note that candidates applying for the SHRM-SCP certification are not required to have a formal job title in HR or possess a degree.
Cost of the Certification Exam
The examination fee structure for the SHRM-SCP is the same as the SHRM-CP. SHRM members pay an Early-Bird Exam Fee of $335 or a Standard Exam Fee of $410, while non-members pay an additional $100. Discounts on exam fees are available for students, corporate entities, and military personnel through SHRM. For more information, please refer to the SHRM website.
3) Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD):
The CPTD certification, offered by the Association for Talent Development, is suitable for HR professionals specializing in talent development and learning solutions.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the CPTD certification, candidates must meet one of the following sets of criteria:
- At least 5 years of professional experience in talent development or related fields, along with 60 hours of professional development in talent development within the last five years
- At least 4 years of professional experience in talent development or related fields, along with holding the Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD) certification in good standing
Cost of the Certification Exam
The cost of the CPTD certification exam is $975 for members of the Association for Talent Development (ATD) and $1,350 for non-members.
Certifications Offered by WorldatWork:
WorldatWork is a leading global association for professionals focused on total rewards and human resources. It provides resources, education, and networking opportunities for professionals in the field. WorldatWork stands out for its specialized focus on total rewards, including compensation, benefits, work-life effectiveness, and recognition, offering comprehensive insights and expertise in this area of HR management.
Certified Compensation Professional (CCP):
The CCP is designed for HR professionals specializing in compensation and benefits management. To become a CCP you must pass the following 10 courses/exams, the cost of which starts at $1,350 for members, and $1,929 for non-members:
- Total Rewards Management
- Regulatory Environments for Compensation Programs
- Business Acumen for Compensation Professionals
- Quantitative Principles in Compensation Management
- Job Analysis, Documentation, and Evaluation
- Base Pay Administration and Pay for Performance
- Market Pricing: Conducting a Competitive Pay Analysis
- Variable Pay-Improving Performance with Variable Pay
- Accounting and Finance for the HR Professional
- Strategic Communication in Total Rewards Management
Certified Benefits Professional (CBP):
The CBP certification is ideal for HR professionals specializing in employee benefits administration and management. To become a CBP you must pass the following 7 courses/exams, the cost of which starts at $1,350 for members, and $1,929 for non-members:
- Retirement Plans: Design Considerations & Administration
- Health and Welfare Plans – Strategic Planning and Design
- Total Rewards Management
- Regulatory Environments for Benefits Programs
- Health and Welfare Plans: Plan Types & Administration
- Strategic Communication in Total Rewards Management
- Benefits Outsourcing: Selecting, Contracting and Managing Service Partners
Which HR certification Should I Get First?
Deciding which HR certification to pursue first depends on factors such as your career goals, level of experience, and desired specialization within the HR field. For entry-level professionals or those new to HR, the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) or the SHRM Certified Associate (SHRM-CP) offer foundational knowledge and are excellent starting points. These certifications provide a solid framework for understanding HR principles and preparing for more advanced certifications as you progress in your career.
What Is the Difference Between HRCI and SHRM?
In many ways, the two are very similar. HRCI and SHRM used to be one organization but split in 2014. SHRM had wanted to develop its certification. For both certifications, a certain amount of experience in HR is required to qualify for the exam. How much depends on your level of education. The more higher education you have, especially in an HR-related subject, the fewer years of HR work experience are required. If you have had higher education, but the degree isn’t related to HR, the minimum experience required is less than with no degree at all, but more than with an HR-related degree. The higher the certification, the more years of experience you need, regardless of your level of education. Once you qualify for the exam, there’s a lot of preparation and study involved. There’s a fee involved for both exams and passing the certification exam isn’t the end. HR professionals must renew their certifications every three years.
Which Is Better: HRCI or SHRM?
Within the HR field, there isn’t much difference between the two. They’re equally reputable within the HR industry and about equal numbers of HR professionals carry each qualification. Some HR professionals earn both. For most HR professionals, the decision between the two comes down to their personal preferences. HRCI has more certifications to choose from, including certifications designed specifically for international HR. SHRM has just the two, which can make it easier to decide which certification you need to earn. Learn more about which HR certificate is better here.
