Understanding HR Certifications

SPHRi. SHRM-CP. aPHR.

If you’re in HR, you know how valuable certifications like these are to:

• stay at the top of your industry;
• increase expertise in your specialization;
• make yourself attractive to employers.

But making sense of all the certifications available, that can be challenging. The acronyms alone are enough to make your head spin!

Which HR certifications are the best for your career?

Below, our experts review the primary certifications available through the HR Certification Institute (HCRI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM):

aPHR (HCRI): Anyone who is interested in pursuing a management career in HR, but lacks formal work experience or a college degree, should consider obtaining this initial certification. It proves your knowledge of fundamental HR concepts.

PHR (HCRI): This certificate demonstrates mastery of the technical and operational aspects of HR management. To earn the Professional in Human Resources certification, you must have at least one year of HR experience and a master’s degree (or) a minimum of two years’ experience in a professional HR position with a bachelor’s degree (or) a minimum of four years’ experience in a professional HR position with a high school diploma.

SPHR (HCRI): This is the senior-most human resources certification demonstrating mastery of the strategic and policy-making aspects of HR management in the U.S. To be eligible for the Senior Professional in Human Resources certification, you must have four years of experience and a master’s degree (or) five years of experience with a bachelor’s degree (or) seven years of experience and a high school diploma.

PHRi/SPHRi (HCRI): These international certifications are analogous to the PHR and SPHR certifications, and are intended for professionals who meet the eligibility requirements and reside outside of the U.S.

SHRM-CP (SHRM): HR professionals who implement policies and strategies, serve as a point of contact for staff and stakeholders, deliver HR services, and perform operational HR functions should take the Certified Professional test. To be eligible, you must meet the educational and work eligibility criteria outlined in this chart.

SHRM-SCP (SHRM): The Senior Certified Professional test is for HR professionals who develop strategies, lead the HR function, foster influence in the community, analyze performance metrics, and align HR strategies to organizational goals. To be eligible, you must meet the educational and work eligibility criteria outlined in this chart.

Support your HR success with smart staffing strategies.

Regardless of your certification or experience level, PrideStaff can help you use staffing intelligently to reduce costs, increase productivity, control employment risks and ensure flexible access to the people your organization needs.  To learn more, contact your local PrideStaff office today.