Human resources (HR) professionals must handle a range of complex challenges, such as hiring the right people and delivering employee training that not only furthers the organization's aims but may also fuel individual professional growth. As helpful as a bachelor's degree in HR is, the HR field changes continuously, and professionals need to be able to keep up with the latest developments. To meet their own needs for ongoing professional development, HR specialists and managers might choose to obtain certifications, such as the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) certification.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

The human resources function has evolved and expanded over the years. HR specialists once focused predominantly on benefits packages, hiring and firing. They now play a significant role in shaping the culture of their organizations and supporting the professional development of employees.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

HR certifications provide a pathway for HR professionals to grow and evolve along with their field, so that they can better meet the demands of the field.

How HR Credentials Support Career Development

Earning certifications in human resources can help specialists and managers sharpen their skills and learn some new ones in areas like HR technology, compensation, talent acquisition and global HR. New technology skills are particularly important for career development, as advancements in tech demand that HR leaders keep up with changes in the workplace.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Types of HR Credentials Professionals Commonly Pursue

There are numerous types of certifications in HR that HR professionals may pursue. Some of those are offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

The credentials available to HR specialists include the following:

• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) offered by SHRM
• SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) offered by SHRM
• Talent Acquisition Specialty Credential (TASC) offered by SHRM
• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) offered by HRCI
• Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) offered by HRCI
• Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) offered by WorldatWork
• Human Resource Information Professional (HRIP) offered by the International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM)

A SHRM certification is a certification offered by the Society for Human Resources Management. SHRM offers two certification options for HR professionals. The credential you should choose depends on where you are in your career.

Purpose of the SHRM Credential

The certifications in HR offered by SHRM are designed to ensure that you’re a knowledgeable, well-rounded HR professional who is capable of meeting the complex challenges of the field. While studying for the certification test, you can develop better conflict resolution skills and develop ideas for more impactful employee retention strategies, among other HR competencies.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

SHRM-CP vs. SHRM-SCP

The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) credential is the first level of certification from SHRM. It’s designed for individuals who intend to pursue a career in HR or those who already work in HR performing routine, daily functions. SHRM-CP covers tactical competencies for non-leadership and non-strategic roles in HR.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

In contrast, the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification is designed for HR leaders, such as senior managers and executives. This credential emphasizes strategic HR functions pertaining to policy creation, workforce planning, employee engagement and retention.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Obtaining a SHRM credential, or another type of certification in HR, isn’t a universal requirement for the profession. HR professionals aren’t required by state or federal law to be licensed or certified.2 However, each employer may establish its own requirements and preferences.

To determine if pursuing a certification is worth it for you, consider the potential benefits for your career.

Career Benefits of Certification

Even if you apply to a role that doesn’t require or express a preference for HR certification, earning one may help you stand out from other job applicants. 

A certification may help you:^{(See disclaimer 1)}

• Stay on top of the latest changes in the HR field
• Develop deep expertise in certain areas

Obtaining a certification may also help you cultivate a positive professional reputation while empowering you to improve your workplace.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Employer Perception and Value

Is SHRM certification worth it in the eyes of employers? Every employer is a little different, of course, but generally, a certification does enhance the credibility of a job applicant.^{(See disclaimer 3)} Employers can typically trust that a certified HR professional is up to date on the latest compliance requirements and employment laws, knows how to navigate HR technology and can implement best practices in the HR department.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Different certifications in HR have different requirements, so do your research and choose the one that best fits your goals.

Eligibility Criteria and Experience Levels

If you don’t have prior experience in HR, you may still be eligible for the SHRM-CP credential. Candidates for this certification exam:^{(See disclaimer 4)}

• Do not need a specific degree
• Aren’t required to already be working in HR
• Aren’t required to have HR experience

Despite the lack of eligibility requirements to take this exam, SHRM does recommend that SHRM-CP candidates have an understanding of the fundamentals of HR practices. A degree is also recommended.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Unlike the SHRM-CP credential, the SHRM-SCP does have eligibility requirements for certification candidates. 

Candidates for the SHRM-CP exam:^{(See disclaimer 4)}

• Must have a work history in HR
• Must have spent at least three years performing strategic-level HR duties on a full-time basis (at least 1,000 hours per calendar year)

If you already have a SHRM-CP and want to transition to the SHRM-SCP, these eligibility requirements are loosened. Instead, you must have held the SHRM-CP credential for at least three years and be working on transitioning to a leadership or strategic role.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

No specific degree or HR title is required to apply to take the exam.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Recertification Expectations

Once you're a SHRM-certified professional, you must recertify your credentials every three years. The timeline begins as soon as you pass the exam, and the three-year period ends in roughly three years on the last day of the month you were born. Within this timeline, you must recertify by either earning 60 professional development credits or retaking the certification exam and passing it.^{(See disclaimer 5)}

SHRM credentials are among the most widely recognized within the HR field,^{(See disclaimer 1)} although there are other reputable options to consider, such as those from HRCI.^{(See disclaimer 6)}

Comparison With HRCI Credentials

The SHRM credential offers two main options for HR professionals, which can span the entirety of a career in the field, from entry-level to executive.^{(See disclaimer 7)} Having just two options to choose from can simplify the process.

However, choice can also be important, particularly if you aim to fulfill a niche HR area. The HRCI offers eight certifications, which you can choose from based on your career level and geographic area. For example, there are options for entry-level and senior professionals, as well as a credential for HR professionals in California and those who work for international companies.^{(See disclaimer 7)}

Choosing the Right Certification for Your Goals

When you’re choosing a certification in HR to pursue, you should think about where you currently are in your career (including whether you’ve started your career yet) and where you’d like to be. Consider your current and/or intended HR specialty and check the eligibility requirements. Be sure to check the exam fees and other candidacy requirements, as well, before choosing the right certification for you.

If you aspire to make an impact on organizations from the human resources function, you can get your start at Grand Canyon University. Choose from multiple HR degrees, including the Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management degree and the Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Resources Management degree. After graduation, you may decide to further your studies in HR with the Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an Emphasis in Strategic Human Resource Management degree program. 

GCU offers an education from a Christian perspective as you prepare to navigate complex ethical challenges in HR.