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.

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.

5 exams in this field

Certification pathway

Foundation

aPHR

Associate / core

PHR SHRM-CP

Advanced / expert

SHRM-SCP SPHR

A rough progression by level, not a strict order - start where your experience fits.

All Human Resources exams

HRCI (HR Certification Institute)

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

HRCI (HR Certification Institute)

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 (Society for Human Resource Management)

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 (Society for Human Resource Management)

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

HRCI (HR Certification Institute)

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

Compare these certifications

Related career paths

How to become an HR professional: aPHR, PHR, SHRM-CP and beyond

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.