There are so many HR certifications with so many acronyms — aPHR, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP. So, which one is right for you? It really comes down to your experience and career objectives.
HR Certification Prep Course for HRCI & SHRM
This class prepares you for the following tests:
PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP
aPHR Prep Course
This class prepares you for HRCI’s aPHR test.
The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) was established in 1976 as an independent non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to developing and maintaining the comprehensive and evolving Body of Knowledge (BoK) for the HR profession; developing and administering certification exams; establishing recertification criteria; and administering the recertification of HR professionals holding HRCI certifications.
More than 500,000 HR professionals worldwide have earned HRCI’s fully NCCA-accredited certifications, which include the aPHR, aPHRi, PHR, PHRi, PHRca, GPHR, SPHR, and SPHRi.
HRCI’s Associate Professional in Human Resources™ (aPHR™) is the perfect certification to provide you with the knowledge and confidence to fast-track your career growth or launch into the HR profession. Learn More »
Foundational talent and HR Know-How in the U.S.
High school diploma or equivalent. No HR experience required.
The PHR certification is for HR professionals with experience planning and implementing HR programs and policies. The PHR is the must-have credential for HR professionals in operational roles! Learn More »
Technical and operational aspects of HR practices, laws and regulations in the U.S.
One of the following:
Master’s degree + 1 year HR experience
Bachelor’s degree + 2 years HR experience
4 years HR experience (if no formal degree)
The SPHR demonstrates your mastery of HR management. Organizations seek out SPHR professionals for their proven accountability for HR department goals, breadth and depth of knowledge in all HR disciplines, and understanding business issues beyond the HR function. The SPHR is the highest, most respected certification in the HR profession! Learn More »
Strategic and policymaking aspects of HR management in the U.S.
one of the following:
Master’s degree + 4 years HR experience
Bachelor’s degree + 5 years HR experience
7 years HR experience (if no formal degree)
In 2014, SHRM (the Society for Human Resource Management) rolled out its two behavioral competency-based certifications to test HR professionals on behavioral competencies required to effectively apply knowledge in the modern workplace in support of organizational goals.
The SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge (SHRM BoCK™) is the foundation for these certifications. The SHRM BoCK organizes eight behavioral competencies into three clusters: Leadership (Leadership & Navigation, Ethical Practice), Interpersonal (Relationship Management, Communication, Global & Cultural Effectiveness), and Business (Business Acumen, Consultation, Critical Evaluation). In addition, there are 15 HR knowledge areas that are critical to the success of any HR professional.
The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) is geared towards early and mid-career professionals. Learn More »
Business leaders expect that HR professionals will demonstrate, in addition to a thorough knowledge of HR concepts and requirements, the behavioral competencies required to effectively apply knowledge in the modern workplace in support of organizational goals.
The SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) is geared towards senior-level practitioners. Learn More »
