HR certifications can improve your credibility, expand your skill set, and advance your career. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) offer two of the most recognized types of HR certifications.
We’ll talk about the differences between them to help you decide which is the best fit for you.
What Are SHRM and HRCI Certifications?
SHRM is one of the largest HR organizations in the world. Its certifications validate the knowledge and competencies of HR professionals and focus on technical knowledge and behavioral competencies.
HRCI certifications are highly regarded for their focus on the technical and tactical side of HR, such as HR laws, regulations, and day-to-day HR management practices.
Types of HR Certifications Offered
SHRM Certifications
- SHRM-CP (Certified Professional): For early to mid-career professionals implementing HR policies and strategies.
- SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional): For senior HR professionals responsible for leading HR functions and strategies.
HRCI Certifications
- PHR (Professional in Human Resources): For professionals implementing HR policies and strategies.
- SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources): For senior-level professionals who develop and lead HR policies.
- GPHR (Global Professional in Human Resources): Focuses on global HR management and strategies for multinational organizations.
- aPHR (Associate Professional in Human Resources): An entry-level certification ideal for those new to the HR field.
Differences in Exam Focus
All of these exams for HRCI and SHRM are application based rather than knowledge based. They cover essentially the same body of knowledge, however understanding is not sufficient for the professional or senior level exams of both types of certifications. Test takers must be able to apply the concepts, laws, etc to HR situations. The only exception to this is the aPHR which is more of a foundational knowledge-based exam.
The main difference between the two types of exams is SHRM tends to have longer question stems and scenarios. This requires more reading, which is why more time is allowed for SHRM exams. SHRM has a heavier emphasis on global topics while HRCI focuses more on legislation.
Eligibility Criteria for Certification
For the SHRM-CP, candidates typically need a combination of education and HR experience. For the SHRM-SCP, candidates need more extensive experience in HR, usually in senior-level roles. SHRM also offers pathways based on educational background, which makes it easier for candidates with a degree in HR or a related field to qualify.
HRCI certifications have varied eligibility requirements based on the level of certification. For example, candidates must have a certain amount of professional HR experience to be eligible for the PHR, depending on their education level. HRCI certifications like the SPHR require more experience and education than entry-level certifications like the aPHR.
Certification Process
SHRM’s certification process involves an application where candidates demonstrate their eligibility through education and professional experience. After the application is approved, candidates can schedule their exam. SHRM exams consist of multiple-choice and situational judgment questions.
HRCI’s certification process also begins with an application, where candidates submit their qualifications for review. After approval, they can schedule their exam, which typically consists of multiple-choice questions.
Recertification and Continuing Education
SHRM requires certified professionals to earn 60 recertification credits every 3 years. These credits can be earned through various HR-related activities, such as attending HR seminars, completing courses, or contributing to HR publications.
Similarly, HRCI requires professionals to earn recertification credits every three years. However, the number of credits varies depending on the certification held. For example, the aPHR certification requires 45 total credits, while the PHR certification requires 60 recertification credits. The SPHR certification requires 60 credits, but 15 of the 60 credits have to be Business credits, and the GPHR certification requires 60 credits, but 15 of the 60 credits have to be Global credits. All HRCI certifications require 1 ethics credit. HRCI credits can also be earned through continuing education, webinars, and HR-related activities.
How to Choose Between SHRM and HRCI
Consider your career stage, professional goals, and specific skills you want to develop.
If you’re early in your HR career, the SHRM-CP or HRCI’s aPHR might be the right choice. The SHRM-SCP or HRCI’s SPHR may be more appropriate if you’re in a senior HR role.
SHRM is ideal for those looking to develop leadership, strategy, and decision-making skills, while HRCI is suited for those focused on mastering the technical side of HR. Both certifications are valuable in their own right, and many HR professionals pursue both throughout their careers to broaden their expertise.
Here are some best tips for deciding on the right certification:
- HRCI and SHRM exams are considered comparable, however–depending on your role, company, region–one or the other may be more often requested or preferred. So do your research and look at postings in your area for roles in which you’re interested and see what they are looking for.
- In terms of what level of certification you might need, think about:
- Where you are in HR now. What are you technically eligible for based on the requirements?
- Where do you want to go in HR? CHRO, HR Business Partners, VP or other executive type roles–ultimately the Senior level certs are where you want to end up.
- For more specific areas of HR, generalists, etc–the Professional level would be a good choice.
How HREN Can Help
SHRM and HRCI are both excellent types of HR certification, and HREN offers comprehensive courses to help professionals prepare for SHRM and HRCI certifications. At HREN, you can expect a one-stop shop offering affordable test prep packages for both the HRCI and SHRM certifications, so you can prep for whichever exam is best for you.
