HRCI vs. SHRM: Which certification should you pursue?
This article was updated on January 8, 2024.
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed byKathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP,Dean, College of Business and IT
What is an HRCI certification?
The HRCI issues certifications for human resource professionals in all areas, including:
- Recruiting and staffing
- Employee benefits
- Employee training and development
- Compensation and performance management
- Talent acquisition and retention
- Employee relations
- Organizational development
- Change management
To receive an HRCI certification, candidates must take a course froman HRCI-approved education provider.. Initial candidate requirements vary by certification level.
What are the types of HRCI certifications?
The HRCI offers several certifications, each with educational and experience requirements. Here are the different ones:
- aPHR®:Associate Professional in Human Resources
- PHR®: Professional in Human Resources
- SPHR®: Senior Professional in Human Resources
- GPHR®: Global Professional in Human Resources
People transitioning into HRor looking to move intomanagement rolesshould consider pursuing HRCI certification because it will show they’ve mastered all aspects of HR management.
The aPHR is a certification offered by the HRCI. It does not require relevant work experience, but you need the knowledge to pass the exam. Designed to fast-track your career growth, the aPHR helps HR professionals justbeginning their careersandnon-HR professionals.
A PHR certification demonstratestechnical and operational knowledgeof HR management, including U.S. laws and regulations. It also showcases experience in implementing tactical/logistical orientation programs.
An SPHR is forleadersresponsible for planning HR policy, managing HR department goals and executing business strategies and technology while understanding the overall organizational HR needs.
What is an SHRM certification?
The SHRM is a professional association that offers certifications to people who have completed certain courses and passed particular tests. The two most popular SHRM certifications are theSHRM-CP®and theSHRM-SCP®.
What are the types of SHRM certifications?
The first type, SHRM-CP, stands forCertified Professional. To receive this certification, youmust passan exam that :
- Labor laws
- Employment law
- Employee relations
- Benefits administration
- Compensation
- Recruitment and selection policies
One important note about the SHRM-CP: You do not need experience as a human resource professional.
The SHRM’s second type of certification is SHRM-SCP, which stands forSenior Certified Professional. This certification requires applicants to have three years of strategic-level experience in human resources.
SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
, which means it focuses ongeneral HR topicsand does not require HR experience. Perhaps you are in aleadership position with a business degreeand wish to pursue a holistic approach to organizational management through HR certification.
To become SHRM-CP certified, candidates must pass. This exam consists of 134 questions, with nine behavioral competencies and 14 functional areas. It covers employee relations, organizational behavior, employee development and compensation management. Candidatesmust score at least 200on this exam.
Candidates for the SHRM-CP certification do not need an HR title, degree or HR experience to apply. The SHRM-CP exam assesses the competency of HR workat the operational level. Duties for this level include implementing HR policies, supporting day-to-day HR functions or serving as an HR point of contact for staff and stakeholders.
SHRM Senior Certified Professional
SHRM-SCP is for general HR/HR-related duties or those pursuing a career in human resource management.
Many consider an advanced credentialfor individuals (including SHRM-CPs) with at least three years of experience in strategic-level HR or HR-related duties. Candidates do not need an HR title or a degree to apply.
The SHRM-SCP exam assesses the competency of professionals developing HR policies, overseeing the execution of integrated HR operations, directing HR enterprises and leading the alignment of HR strategies to organizational goals. Applicants must demonstrate aminimum of 1,000 hoursper calendar year devoted to strategic-level HR or HR-related work.
Deciding between the HRCI and SHRM certifications
When looking at the HRCI vs. SHRM, keep some things in mind. First,consider your budgetandhow much timeyou can devote to studying for the exam. If you’re working full time and have a family, this may impact which certification is best for you.
A survey showed that study time for SHRM certification was reported to be between 41 and 120 hours on average for first-time test-takers, according to the. While sources vary, one study said that studying for HRCI certification. Of course, these estimates depend on your unique needs and learning habits.
Second, think about thecareer pathyou want to take. For example, pursuing a human resource management (HRM) certificate program might make sense if you want to be an HR manager. For SHRM and HRCI, lower-level certifications do not require HR experience.
Although the SHRM has operated longer, organizations also value an HRCI certification. This is because the HRCI implements different requirements for its certifications. These can indicate acertain level of skill and disciplinewithin the field. Opting for an HRCI SPHR, for example, requires more strategic experience compared to the SHRM’s senior-level certification.
Human resource programs at ۴ý
HR certifications and undergraduate degrees in human resources can play a crucial role in the careers of HR professionals by helping them gain necessary skills and experience. The ۴ý offers the following:
- Human Resource Management Certificate (Undergraduate)— This program teaches skills such as recruiting and developing talent, addressing legal issues, managing employee and labor relations, and building compensation and benefits packages.
- Bachelor of Science in Business with a Human Resource Management Certificate— This program teaches human resource management, talent management, regulatory compliance and operations skills.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at ۴ý where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology,Kathryn Uhles has served ۴ý in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining ۴ý, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in ۴ý.
This article has been vetted by ۴ý's editorial advisory committee.
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