Best Human Resources Certifications: SHRM vs HRCI and More
Human resources professionals often compare SHRM- and HRCI-related credentials. This page ranks HR certifications using demand, accessibility, and advancement value.
How we ranked these certifications
We ranked these certifications for career changers using accessibility, market demand, salary upside, and lower barriers.
Quick picks
Best Overall
Best Beginner Pick
Best Remote Fit
Rankings
#1 · Professional in Human Resources (PHR – HRCI)
Business - HR
Score: 0.37
Price: $395 exam
Time: 3–6 mo
Salary: $65k–$100k
Difficulty: 4
Demand: 5
Remote: 9
#2 · SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
Business - HR
Score: 0.37
Price: $335–$475
Time: 3–6 mo
Salary: $70k–$110k
Difficulty: 4
Demand: 5
Remote: 9
#3 · PHR / SPHR (HRCI)
Human Resources
Score: 0.34
Price: $395–$495 exam fee
Time: 40–120 hrs prep
Salary: $65k–$115k
Difficulty: 4
Demand: 4
Remote: 7
#4 · SHRM-CP / SHRM-SCP
Human Resources
Score: 0.34
Price: $410–$555
Time: 40–120 hrs study
Salary: $70k–$120k
Difficulty: 4
Demand: 4
Remote: 7
#5 · Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR – HRCI)
Business - HR
Score: 0.30
Price: $495 exam
Time: 3–6 mo
Salary: $85k–$130k
Difficulty: 5
Demand: 5
Remote: 9
#6 · SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
Business - HR
Score: 0.30
Price: $410–$510
Time: 3–6 mo
Salary: $90k–$140k
Difficulty: 5
Demand: 5
Remote: 9
Quick comparison table
| Certification | Category | Price | Time | Difficulty | Demand | Remote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional in Human Resources (PHR – HRCI) | Business - HR | $395 exam | 3–6 mo | 4 | 5 | 9 |
| SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) | Business - HR | $335–$475 | 3–6 mo | 4 | 5 | 9 |
| PHR / SPHR (HRCI) | Human Resources | $395–$495 exam fee | 40–120 hrs prep | 4 | 4 | 7 |
| SHRM-CP / SHRM-SCP | Human Resources | $410–$555 | 40–120 hrs study | 4 | 4 | 7 |
| Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR – HRCI) | Business - HR | $495 exam | 3–6 mo | 5 | 5 | 9 |
| SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) | Business - HR | $410–$510 | 3–6 mo | 5 | 5 | 9 |