What is the difference between SHRM and HRCI certifications?

SHRM certifications (SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP) focus on behavioral competencies and real-world HR application, while HRCI certifications (like PHR, SPHR, aPHR) emphasize compliance, U.S. employment law, and technical knowledge. Many professionals choose based on their role, career goals, and personal preference.

Is it worth getting SHRM-CP or PHR certified?

Yes — certified HR professionals often earn more and advance faster. Various studies show that HR certifications like SHRM-CP and SPHR can lead to higher salaries and greater job opportunities.

How long does it take to prepare for HR certification exams?

Most candidates spend 8–12 weeks preparing, depending on their familiarity with the material and the type of exam. SHRM and HRCI both offer prep tools, and many candidates also take prep courses or use study groups.

Can I get certified without a degree or HR experience?

Yes — for some certifications. The aPHR (from HRCI) is an entry-level credential that requires no HR experience or degree. The SHRM-CP also does not require a degree or previous HR job title to apply. However, SHRM recommends that candidates have a basic working knowledge of HR practices or a degree from a SHRM-aligned academic program.

Which HR certification is best for payroll or small business professionals?

If your role focuses heavily on compliance or payroll, PHR or aPHR might be a better fit. For broader strategic or people-focused roles, SHRM-CP is a strong choice. Choose based on your daily responsibilities and long-term goals.

July 29, 2025 in HR

Should You Get an HR Certification and Which One Is Right for You?

By: Danielle Levine

HR professionals wear many hats: compliance, hiring, employee relations, payroll coordination, and more. Whether you’re just getting started or aiming to move into a leadership role, HR certifications can be a powerful way to grow your skills, boost your credibility, and increase your earning potential.

But which certification is right for you? Is it worth the time and investment? Let’s break it down.

What is an HR Certification?
Do HR Certifications Really Make a Difference?
What Do HR Certification Exams Cover?
Popular HR Certifications (and How to Choose One)
Who Should Look Into Getting an HR Certification?
How Much Do HR Certifications Cost?
Is an HR Certification Worth it for Small Businesses or HR Admins?
Tips for Choosing the Right HR Certification
How to Prepare for Your HR Certification
Final Thoughts on HR Certifications
Frequently Asked Questions on HR Certifications

What is an HR Certification?

An HR certification is a professional credential that demonstrates your knowledge of human resources practices, employment law, and workplace strategy. Unlike a degree, certifications are optional but often preferred (or even required) by employers, especially in larger organizations or HR departments.

Definition of HR certification and why it matters in human resources careers.

Do HR Certifications Really Make a Difference?

Short answer: Yes, there are many benefits of obtaining an HR certification for many professionals.

According to the SHRM website, those with a SHRM Certification earn salaries 14%-15% higher than peers who have not earned the SHRM Certification. Certifications can also improve your job prospects, especially if you’re looking to:

Stand out in a competitive job market
Transition into HR from another field
Qualify for a promotion or leadership role
Demonstrate your knowledge of labor laws, benefits, or compliance

HR certification benefits: salary increase, promotions, career growth, and credibility.

What Do HR Certification Exams Cover?

Each exam is different, but most include topics like:

U.S. labor and employment laws
Compensation and benefits
Training and development
Employee and labor relations
Workforce planning and analytics
Risk management and compliance
Strategic HR leadership

Some credentials (like the SHRM-SCP or SPHR) go deeper into organizational leadership, policy creation, and aligning HR strategy with business goals.

Key topics covered in HR exams including employment law, benefits, and strategy.

Popular HR Certifications (and How to Choose One)

Certification	Best For	Administered By	Prerequisites
aPHR®	Entry-level HR professionals or recent grads and non-HR professionals	HRCI	None
PHR®	Mid-level HR professionals with operational roles	HRCI	1–4 years of HR experience, depending on education
SPHR®	Senior HR leaders and strategic decision-makers	HRCI	4–7 years of HR experience, depending on education
SHRM-CP	HR pros who implement policies and procedures. Work in HR should be operational in nature, with specialized duties	SHRM	No degree or experience needed, but 1–2 years of HR experience recommended
SHRM-SCP	Senior HR leaders and strategists whose work in HR is strategic in nature	SHRM	No degree needed, but work history of at least three years in HR. Must have worked at least 1,000 hours per calendar year in HR-related work
PHRi™	HR pros practicing outside the U.S.	HRCI	Similar to PHR but globally focused
SPHRi™	Senior HR leaders outside the U.S.	HRCI	Similar to SPHR but globally focused

Associate Professional in Human Resources Certification

Covers Compliance & Risk Management, Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition, Compensation & Benefits and Learning & Development (from greatest portion of exam to least)
Exam takes 1 hour and 45 minutes (plus 30 minutes of administration time) and consists of 65 scored questions and 25 pretest questions

Professional in Human Resources Certification

Covers Employee & Labor Relations, Employee Engagement, Total Rewards, Business Management, Workforce Planning & Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, and HR Information Management (from greatest portion of exam to least)
Exam takes 2 hours (plus 30 minutes of administration time) and consists of 90 scored questions and 25 pretest questions

Senior Professional in Human Resources

Covers Leadership & Strategy, Talent Management, Workforce Planning & Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, and HR Information Management, Safety, & Security (from greatest portion of exam to least)
Exam takes 2 hours and 30 minutes (plus 30 minutes administration time) and consists of 115 scored questions (mostly multiple-choiece) and 25 pretest questions

SHRM Certified Professional

Covers Organization, People, Leadership, Business, Interpersonal, and Workplace (from greatest portion of exam to least)
Exam takes 4 hours, with 3 hours and 40 minutes of testing time, and consists of 134 questions (80 knowledge items, 54 situational-judgement items of which 24 are field-test items)

Senior Certified Professional

Covers Organization, People, Leadership, Business, Interpersonal, and Workplace (from greatest portion of exam to least)
Exam takes 4 hours, with 3 hours and 40 minutes of testing time, and consists of 134 questions (80 knowledge items, 54 situational-judgement items of which 24 are field-test items)

Professional in Human Resources - International

Covers Employee & Labor Relations, Employee Engagement, Total Rewards, Workforce Planning & Talent Acquisition, Business Management, HR Information Management, and Learning & Development (from greatest portion of exam to least)
Exam takes 2 hours and 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes of administration time) and consists of 90 scored questions (mostly multiple-choice) and 25 pretest questions

Senior Professional in Human Resources - International

Covers Leadership & Strategy, Talent Management, Total Rewards, Workforce Planning & Talent Acquisition, and HR Information Management, Safety & Security (from greatest portion of exam to least)
Exam takes 2 hours and 45 minutes (plus 30 minutes administration time) and consists of 115 scored questions (mostly multiple-choice) and 25 pretest questions

Exam formats and timing for SHRM, PHR, SPHR, aPHR, and global certifications.

Who Should Look Into Getting an HR Certification?

Not everyone in HR needs a certification, but many benefit from it. You might want to consider it if you’re:

An HR administrator or generalist looking to stand out in a crowded market
A payroll or operations pro trying to transition into a broader HR role
A small business HR manager handling compliance and employee relations without a dedicated team
A recruiter or talent acquisition specialist who wants to grow into HR leadership
A recent grad or career changer looking to break into the HR field

In short, certification can validate what you know or help you learn what you don’t.

Best candidates for HR certification including generalists and career changers.

How Much Do HR Certifications Cost?

Here’s a quick look at pricing for popular SHRM and HCRI exams:

Certification	Exam Fee
aPHR®	$300 + $100 application fee
PHR®	$395 + $100 application fee
SPHR®	$495 + $100 application fee
SHRM-CP	$420–$595
SHRM-SCP	$520-$695
PHRi™	$395 + $100 application fee
SPHRi™	$495 + $100 application fee

HR certification cost comparison for SHRM and HRCI exams.

Is an HR Certification Worth it for Small Businesses or HR Admins?

If you're the sole HR/payroll person at a company, a certification might:

Give you more confidence when answering legal or policy questions
Help you standardize procedures and avoid compliance risks
Offer a competitive edge if you're seeking a new role
Show your commitment to professional growth

Some smaller companies don’t require it, but they may value it more than you think.

Tips for Choosing the Right HR Certification

Look at job descriptions for the roles you want. Many list preferred certifications
Consider your experience level (entry, mid, senior)
Think about your focus (compliance, strategy, international HR, etc.)
Consider employer reimbursement. Some will cover exam costs or offer bonuses for certification

Tips for selecting the right HR certification based on role, experience, and goals.

How to Prepare for Your HR Certification

Earning your SHRM or HRCI certification takes more than experience; it takes strategic prep. Here are a few ways to get started:

Choose your certification: Start by selecting the credential that fits your role and experience level (see the chart above)
Use official prep materials: Both SHRM and HRCI offer study guides, practice exams, and learning systems tailored to each exam
Join a study group: Online forums, local SHRM chapters, or LinkedIn groups can help you stay accountable and share resources
Set a study schedule: Most candidates recommend 2–3 months of prep time. Set goals and review your weakest areas regularly
Take a prep course: Consider instructor-led classes or online courses if you want guided instruction

Visit SHRM Learning and HRCI Prep Resources to access trusted materials.

How to prepare for your HR exam with study tools, schedules, and support groups.

Final Thoughts on HR Certifications

HR certifications aren’t required, but they can help open doors, raise your earning potential, and give you an edge in a fast-changing profession.

Whether you’re in payroll, recruitment, compliance, or people strategy, there’s a credential that fits your path and goals.

Explore More HR & Payroll Tools

Want tools that support certified (or uncertified!) HR pros? Check out our all-in-one HR and Payroll platform.

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©2025 - Content on this blog is intended to provide helpful, general information. Because laws and regulations evolve, please consult an HR professional or legal expert for guidance specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on HR Certifications

What is the difference between SHRM and HRCI certifications?: SHRM certifications (SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP) focus on behavioral competencies and real-world HR application, while HRCI certifications (like PHR, SPHR, aPHR) emphasize compliance, U.S. employment law, and technical knowledge. Many professionals choose based on their role, career goals, and personal preference.
Is it worth getting SHRM-CP or PHR certified?: Yes — certified HR professionals often earn more and advance faster. Various studies show that HR certifications like SHRM-CP and SPHR can lead to higher salaries and greater job opportunities.
How long does it take to prepare for HR certification exams?: Most candidates spend 8–12 weeks preparing, depending on their familiarity with the material and the type of exam. SHRM and HRCI both offer prep tools, and many candidates also take prep courses or use study groups.
Can I get certified without a degree or HR experience?: Yes — for some certifications.

The aPHR (from HRCI) is an entry-level credential that requires no HR experience or degree.

The SHRM-CP also does not require a degree or previous HR job title to apply. However, SHRM recommends that candidates have a basic working knowledge of HR practices or a degree from a SHRM-aligned academic program.
Which HR certification is best for payroll or small business professionals?: If your role focuses heavily on compliance or payroll, PHR or aPHR might be a better fit. For broader strategic or people-focused roles, SHRM-CP is a strong choice. Choose based on your daily responsibilities and long-term goals.

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