The Value of HR Certification: PHR or SHRM-CP?
You’ve heard people talk about it, seen the letters following the names in your HR network, saw the nametag ribbons at the recent State SHRM Conference and may have noticed events or webinars touted as “SHRM and HRCI accredited,” but aside from that, you might be feeling a little bit out of the loop. This article will give you all the information you need to know about the SHRM and HRCI certification in a nutshell, from the big picture of what it is, and which certification fits you the best.
What’s the Difference Between SHRM and HRCI Certification?
The Society for Human Resources Management, or SHRM, is a 501(c) nonprofit professional membership organization devoted to promoting, educating, and connecting human resources professionals with each other. SHRM has 300,000+ HR and business executive members in 165 countries and impacts the lives of more than 115 million workers and families globally.
The Human Resources Certification Institute, or HRCI, is another well-known HR education organization offering instructional courses and certification to HR professionals. The main difference between SHRM and HRCI certification is that while SHRM offers two certificates, HRCI has eight different certifications that target a slightly broader audience, including brand-new HR professionals, international HR, and California-based human resources pros.
While you will note many similarities between the PHR and SHRM-CP certification tests, this is where things get interesting. The exam topics focus on different areas of human resources.
SHRM-CP
Covers six (6) foundational and behavioral aspects of human resources knowledge, using situational and knowledge questions, including:
- Leadership
- Business
- Interpersonal
- People
- Organization
- Workplace
PHR
Tests knowledge of HR related responsibilities in five (5) functional areas, using everyday scenarios and heavy on labor unions, in these areas:
- Business Management
- Talent Planning and Recruitment
- Learning and Development
- Total Rewards
- Employee and Labor Relations
In the world of HR certifications, HRCI is Pepsi to SHRM’s Coca-Cola; in fact, they’re even more closely tied, since HRCI used to administer certifications through SHRM until SHRM developed its own certification program. The consensus among HR professionals is that the PHR exams are based more on traditional HR topics, broader in scope and a good introduction to this field of work. The SHRM-CP has quickly earned respect and is geared towards the future of HR careers based on the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (SHRM BASK™).
So which certification is right for you? They both require a significant amount of time and money to earn therefore it’s critical that you understand which certification is best for your career goals. But both institutions are widely respected, and when it comes to choosing one or the other, it’s more a question of how their certification offerings match your career path than which one is preferred by employers.
HR professionals may choose to pursue both to gain a more well-rounded view of HR. Visit hrci.org and shrm.org/certification for additional information on the differences between the certifications. Earning a credential from either organization speaks volumes - about you as an HR professional, about the organization you serve and about the employees who put their trust in you.
Happy studying.
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