Here is a step-by-step guide to getting your Human Resources certification, but first, there are tons that you must know about the Human Resources Certification for all Human Resources professionals.  

Is Becoming Certified The Only Way To Start a Human Resources Career?

Most professionals think that the only way to start their Human Resources Career is to become certified.  Honestly, that is not the case.  As you get more experience working in Human Resources, then learning and retaining the knowledge to pass the Human Resources Certification becomes so much easier.  

Other professionals think that it is important to get a Human Resource degree to show their expertise in their career.  Honestly, there are still a lot of colleges who do not offer degrees specifically for Human Resources professionals.  To compare the HR degree versus the HR certification, then click here to watch this video.

If being certified is important to an employer and they see that you have experience, but not the certification, then they will offer resources to you to become certified.  Most times, they may say that you have to commit to not leaving that organization for a period of time.  So, it works for both sides.  

The benefit for you is that you become certified using resources that the company provides.  Click here to see ways to get your certification fees covered for you, then the cost becomes free to you.  

Some resources that the company provides can be reimbursement for study materials and exam fees, paying for those things ahead of time or paying you to go to classes to study for the Human Resources certification.  It’s not limited to those three things.  A lot of companies are being dynamic with their strategies.  

The absolute first step into getting your Human Resources certification is to decide which certification you want.  For Human Resources professionals, the two to choose from are Human Resources Standards Institute, which is most commonly known as HRCI, and Society for Human Resources Management, which is most commonly known as SHRM. 

HRCI or SHRM Certification

It can become confusing if you should take the HRCI exam or the SHRM exam.  This video gives a complete comparison of HRCI versus the SHRM exams.

SHRM-CP or PHR

The SHRM-CP exam and HRCI’s PHR exams are for human resources professionals who are starting their career.  It is best to take either exam after you have started your human resources career. 

SHRM-SCP vs. SPHR and GPHR

The SHRM-SCP exam and HRCI’s SPHR and GPHR exams are for human resources professionals who are tenured in their human resources career.  The SHRM-SCP exam is for “Senior” Certified Professional, just like the SPHR  exam is for Senior Professional in Human Resources.  The GPHR exam is for Global Professional in Human Resources.  

The GPHR exam is for those professionals who are working in or are aiming to work in a global human resources department.  This exam requires you to know cultural differences, Human Resources departments that operate for various nations and global requirements for international professionals.

All SHRM exams

SHRM has only two exams, those exams are:

•  SHRM-CP
• SHRM-SCP

It definitely makes your choice easier. SHRM has one exam for human resources professionals who have recently started their career and another for those who are seasoned in their career.  

The testing strategies that SHRM has done to differentiate the two exams is that the SHRM-SCP exam has more scenario questions.  Many may assume that this makes it more difficult because it forces you to know the material on a different level.  

Others may assume, like I did, that if you’re going to spend so much time studying, then you may as well “go high”.  In addition to that, the SHRM-SCP exam is longer and has more questions than the SHRM-CP exam.  

All HRCI exams

HRCI has a list of exam levels that you may qualify for.  Below is a list of all HRCI exam levels:

Knowledge Certifications

• Associate Professional in Human Resources (APHR)
• Associate Professional in Human Resources International (APHRi)

Professional Certifications

• Professional Human Resources (PHR)
• Professional Human Resources – International (PHRi)
• Professional Human Resources – California (PHR Ca)

Strategic Certifications

• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
• Senior Professional in Human Resources International (SPHRi)
• Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)

Now that we have an idea of the differences and similarities in the SHRM exam and the HRCI exams, meet me in the comments to tell me what’s next on your mind.