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Navigating the realm of HR certifications can be a pivotal step for professionals aiming to advance their careers.
We’ve written a guide that focuses on top certifications from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), HR Certification Institute (HRCI), and Public Sector HR Association (formerly the International Public Management Association for Human Resources).
This guide is tailored to assist HR professionals at every level, especially those at the beginning of their HR careers, and delves into the following:
- Who the certification is for
- The certification’s benefits
- Maintenance requirements
- Eligibility criteria
Whether you’re seeking to solidify your foundational knowledge or aiming for strategic leadership roles, understanding these certifications will empower you to make informed decisions on the best path forward in your HR career.
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SHRM Certifications
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers two, highly recognized certifications that cover key HR areas and are suitable for early career and senior HR professionals.
SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
The SHRM-CP is designed for HR professionals who are engaged in operational roles, implementing policies, and serving as the HR point of contact for staff and stakeholders. This exam assesses the competency level of HR at the operational level.
Eligibility criteria includes:
- Individuals who perform general HR/HR-related duties or currently enrolled students or individuals pursing an HR career
- Basic working knowledge of HR practices and principles or degree from an Academically Aligned program is recommended
SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
The SHRM-SCP exam assesses the competency of people who engage in HR work at a strategic level. These duties include developing HR policies and/or procedures, overseeing execution of integrated HR operations, directing an HR enterprise, or leading alignment of HR strategies.
Eligibility criteria includes:
- Individuals with a work history of a minimum of three years of performing strategic-level HR/HR-related duties
- Individuals who have held the SHRM-CP credential for at least three years or transitioning to a strategic-level role
- At least 1,000 per calendar year devoted to strategic-level HR/HR-related work (salaried or hourly)
For detailed information on proficiency standards for both exams, you can refer to the SHRM BASK. Both credentials are recertified every three years from the date you earned your certifications.
Learn more about SHRM Certifications
HRCI Certifications
The HR Certification Institute has certifications that focus on operation and strategy HR management, both of which are recognized internationally.
Associate Professional in Human Resource (aPHR)
The aPHR certification is perfect for those wanting to fast-track their career growth. This is the first-ever certification for two types of individuals: HR professionals at the start of their career and non-HR professionals. The aPHR is valid for three years, and forty-five recertification credits must be earned across three years or retake the exam.
No HR experience is required, as this is a knowledge-based certification.
Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
The PHR certification shows your technical and operational knowledge of HR management and emphasizes your operational responsibilities for an organization’s HR department. This certification is valid for three years and to maintain this credential, you must earn sixty HR recertification credits over a three-year span or retake the exam.
Eligibility criteria includes:
- One year of experience in a professional-level HR positions and a master’s degree or higher
- Two years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a bachelor’s degree
- Four years of experience in a professional-level HR position
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
The SPHR certification is for leaders responsible for planning, not implementing, HR policy in the US. These leaders are typically accountable for HR department goals, planning and executing business strategies and technologies, and understanding their company’s HR needs. The SPHR certification is valid for three years, and to maintain the certification, you must earn forty-five HR and fifteen business recertification credits over the three years or retake the exam.
Eligibility criteria includes:
- At least four years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a master’s degree or higher
- At least five years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a bachelor’s degree
- At least seven years of experience in a professional-level HR position
Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)
The GPHR certification shows your knowledge of multinational HR responsibilities such as globalization development strategies of HR policies and initiatives that support international growth. This certification is valid for three years and to maintain the credential, you must earn forty-five HR and fifteen global recertification credits over three years or retake the exam.
Eligibility criteria includes:
- At least two years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a master’s degree or higher
- At least three years of experience in a professional-level HR position and a bachelor’s degree
- At least four years of experience in a professional-level HR position
If you are practicing HR primarily outside of the US, HCRI also has international aPHR, PHR, and SPHR certifications.
Learn more about HCRI certifications
Public Sector HR Certification
The Public Sector HR Association (PSHRA) has two available certifications that still hold the organization’s former name, the International Public Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR). PSHRA traces its history back to 1906 and adopted its current brand in January 2023. The two certifications—IPMA-CP and IPMA-SCP—have been kept as they are, but there will be updates to the certifications as it pertains to the new brand.
IPMA-CP
The IPMA Certified Professional is for entry-level and mid-level public sector HR professionals, and has no prerequisites.
IPMA-SCP
The IMPA Senior Certified Professional is for senior-level public sector HR professionals.
Both certifications are valid for three years, and you must receive at least fifty recertification points and pay a recertification fee before the certification expires.
Learn more about the PSHRA certifications
This article was written with the assistance of AI.
