How to Get Certified in Human Resource Management

"Human resource management certification" usually refers to one of three things: a professional certification from HRCI or SHRM, a specialized designation in a function such as payroll or leave administration, or a certificate program from a training provider. They are earned differently, recognized differently and often held in combination. Knowing which is which is the first step to choosing well.

Professional Certifications: HRCI and SHRM

Two organizations issue the most widely recognized general HR certifications in the United States.

HRCI

HRCI (HR Certification Institute) offers a family of credentials that includes:

• aPHR (Associate Professional in Human Resources), designed for people new to HR.
• PHR (Professional in Human Resources), aimed at operational practitioners, with an emphasis on U.S. employment law and HR operations.
• SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources), aimed at senior practitioners responsible for strategy and policy.

HRCI also offers global and other specialized credentials.

SHRM

SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) offers:

• SHRM-CP (SHRM Certified Professional), for practitioners in operational roles.
• SHRM-SCP (SHRM Senior Certified Professional), for senior and strategic practitioners.

SHRM's credentials are built on its competency model, which combines HR knowledge with behavioral competencies such as communication and business acumen.

What they have in common

Both bodies set eligibility rules, deliver a proctored exam that is independent of any particular course, and require recertification on a multi-year cycle through credits or retesting. We deliberately leave out eligibility requirements, fees and exam lengths here: the issuers revise them, and the only reliable source is each issuer's current handbook. Check HRCI or SHRM directly before you plan.

HRCI or SHRM, in General Terms

U.S. employers recognize both, and job postings frequently accept either one. The practical differences are in emphasis: HRCI's PHR and SPHR lean toward technical and legal knowledge, while SHRM's credentials weave behavioral competencies through the body of knowledge. Choose by what your target employers name and how you prefer to learn. For which level fits which career stage, see the best HR certification for career advancement.

Specialized Designations

Beyond the general certifications are designations focused on one function. These document depth in areas where errors carry penalty exposure, and they are often more relevant to a specialist's daily work than a general exam.

HRCertification.com issues its own designations, earned by completing a defined set of training programs in the function:

• Certified Payroll Administrator, covering core payroll compliance.
• Certified Payroll Manager, for those who run the payroll function.
• Certified Leave Administrator, for people managing overlapping federal, state and company leave.
• Certified Benefits Administrator, for benefits administration.
• Certified TPA, for third-party administrators.

These are provider-issued credentials, not HRCI or SHRM certifications, and should be listed with the issuer's name.

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are structured training that ends in a certificate from the provider. They range from broad programs covering the whole HR function to focused programs in one area. Examples at HRCertification.com include the HR Generalist Certificate Program, the Certificate Program in FMLA, ADA and PWFA Compliance, the Internal Investigations Certificate Program and the Strategic HR Leadership Certificate Program. The difference between these and a professional certification is covered in HR certificate vs. certification.

Where HRCertification.com Programs Fit

Our programs are not a substitute for an HRCI or SHRM certification, and they do not claim to be. They support those credentials in three ways:

1. For people who are new to HR or not yet eligible for a professional certification, a generalist program builds working knowledge now.
2. Broad certification exams survey topics such as FMLA, COBRA and payroll; our compliance programs teach the administrative steps, deadlines and notices in detail.
3. Programs approved for HRCI credit hours or SHRM PDCs help existing certificants maintain their credentials. Credit counts are listed on each program page; see our continuing education credits page.

A Practical Way to Combine Them

Many HR careers use all three types over time. A typical pattern is foundation training early on, a professional certification once eligible, specialized designations or certificates in the areas you own, and leadership training when you move into management. For a comparison of the certificate program types, see our HR certificate programs comparison.

Common Misunderstandings

• "Certified" in a course title means an HRCI or SHRM certification. It does not. Many training providers use "certification" for course-based credentials. Read what the credential actually is and who issues it.
• Recertification credit means the program certifies you. A program approved for HRCI or SHRM credit helps you maintain a certification you already hold; it does not award one.
• HR requires a state license. Unlike some professions, general HR practice has no government license. Credentials are voluntary, which is why employers rely on the issuer's reputation.
• One credential covers everything. A general certification surveys a wide field. Most practitioners still need deeper training in the specific areas they own.

Keeping a Credential Current

Professional certifications lapse if they are not renewed. Track your credits as you earn them rather than at the end of the cycle, keep certificates of completion in one place, and confirm that a program is approved for credit before you count on it. Provider-issued designations may have their own renewal or update expectations; check the program page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there one official "HR management certification"?

No. There is no single government-issued HR license. The term covers professional certifications from HRCI and SHRM as well as designations and certificates from training providers.

Do I need a degree to get certified in HR?

It depends on the credential. Some professional certifications set eligibility by a combination of education and experience, and many certificate programs have no degree requirement. See HR certification without a degree and confirm current rules with the issuer.

Which is more respected, HRCI or SHRM?

Both are widely respected. The better choice is the one your target employers ask for and the one whose approach fits how you work.

Is a provider-issued designation the same as an HRCI or SHRM certification?

No. It documents that you completed that provider's training in a specific function. It is valuable for specialist roles, but it should be described accurately, with the issuer's name.

How do I keep an HR certification?

HRCI and SHRM certifications are maintained by earning recertification credits or retesting within each cycle. The issuers publish the current requirements.

Related Reading and Training

• How to choose an HR certification program