Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR)
The HRCI aPHR exam: the five weighted functional areas, US$400 cost, no-experience eligibility, format and whether the entry-level HR credential is worth it.
beginner
Human Resources
Human Resources certifications
HR certifications for people professionals - SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP, and the HRCI PHR and SPHR - compared side by side so you can pick the right one.
Human resources has two main certifying bodies in the US - SHRM and HRCI - and the most common question is simply which one to take. They overlap heavily but differ in eligibility, structure and emphasis, so the right choice depends on your experience and which credential your employers recognise.
This hub brings the main HR certifications together with side-by-side comparisons, so you can see how they differ on cost, eligibility and focus. Every page is source-checked and links to the official provider.
5exams compared
413free practice questions
25guides & resources
3side-by-side comparisons
Most searched: aPHR cheat sheet
Progression
Certification pathway
A rough progression by level, not a strict order - start where your experience fits.
The catalogue
All Human Resources exams
Every exam we track in this field - each card links straight to its free practice questions, guides and fee breakdown.
Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
The HRCI PHR exam explained: the seven weighted functional areas, cost, eligibility, format and whether the HR certification is worth it. Source-checked.
intermediate
SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
SHRM-CP exam guide: the 134-question format, cost, eligibility, difficulty and whether the SHRM Certified Professional credential is worth it. Source-checked.
intermediate
SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
SHRM-SCP exam guide: the 134-question format, US$595-695 cost, strategic-experience eligibility, renewal and whether the senior SHRM credential is worth it.
advanced
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
The HRCI SPHR exam explained: the five weighted functional areas, cost, senior HR-experience eligibility, format and whether it is worth it. Source-checked.
advanced
Head-to-head
Compare these certifications
Side-by-side verdicts for the pairs candidates actually weigh.
- aPHR vs PHR: which HRCI certification should you choose?
- SPHR vs SHRM-SCP: which senior HR certification should you choose?
- SHRM-CP vs PHR: which HR certification should you choose?
Where they lead
Related career paths
Step-by-step routes from a first certification to the roles it unlocks.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
- SHRM-CP or PHR - which HR certification should I get?
- Both are well recognised. SHRM-CP has no formal experience requirement and emphasises behavioural competencies plus HR knowledge; the HRCI PHR requires HR experience and is more technical/operational. Check which your target employers ask for, and pick by your experience level.
- Do I need a degree for HR certification?
- Not necessarily. SHRM-CP has no degree requirement. HRCI's PHR offers routes with or without a degree, but requires HR experience. Always confirm the current eligibility rules with the provider.