PHR vs. SHRM Certification: Key Differences

Human resources (HR) professionals often pursue HR certifications to add credentials to their resume or for professional development. Two main bodies certify HR professionals: the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

These two human resources certifications have different requirements that might make them more applicable to some professionals.

What Is PHR?

The Professional of Human Resources (PHR) certification is offered by the HRCI. People pursuing HR management could benefit from the PHR certification since this certification goes into great depth on various HR-related competencies and often requires multiple years of experience before testing for certification.

HRCI also offers the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification. The SPHR exam is better suited for strategic human resources, such as setting policies while the PHR is more applicable to people working in talent acquisition or labor relations.

What Is SHRM?

The other main certification body is the Society for Human Resource Management. SHRM certification comes in two sub-types: SHRM-CP (certified professional) and SHRM-SCP (senior certified professional). These two different certification exams are intended for people just beginning their HR careers and ones with more experience in an HR role respectively.

What's the Difference Between PHR and SHRM Certification?

There are several key differences between acquiring the two certifications. The SHRM-CP certification and both the SHRM-SCP and HRCI certifications are targeted at professionals in different stages of their HR careers, but that is only the start of what might make one better for your career.

Eligibility Requirements

Both certification bodies have different requirements, with additional requirements for the SHRM-SCP as opposed to the SHRM-CP.

The PHR exam has requirements that must be met with either a degree and work experience or just experience.

• For HR professionals with a master's degree or higher, they must have worked a full year in an HR role.
• For those with a bachelor's degree, there is a requirement of two years of experience.
• If you don't have a degree in an HR-related field of study, you must have four years of work experience to apply to take the PHR exam.

The SHRM-CP exam has the lowest eligibility requirements, only requiring that you are working in an HR position currently or attending school with HR career goals after graduation. Non-HR professionals can still take the exam if they choose to, but it is recommended to have HR experience before taking the exam.

Unlike the CP, the SHRM-SCP exams have strict requirements. To take the SCP exam, a student must have over 1,000 hours of yearly HR experience at a senior level, meaning they work with policy and other institution-wide systems.

PHR vs. SHRM Costs

Both certification bodies have an exam fee that must be paid before taking the test.

The PHR exam has a $100 application fee and a $395 exam fee if your application is approved. If your application is approved, your application fee is non-refundable, even if you want to withdraw from testing.

SHRM has a variety of exam fees related to membership status within the organization and when/how you take the exam. The standard fee for members is $410 while non-members have to pay $510 for the CP or SCP exam.

Exam Format

The PHR test is scheduled for two hours and consists of 90 test questions and 25 pre-test questions.

The SHRM-CP and the SCP exam are scheduled for four hours with 134 total questions. The questions are broken down into 80 knowledge-based questions and 54 open-ended judgment questions to evaluate an applicant's thought processes.

Exam Composition

Although both exam providers use slightly different terminology, both exams cover roughly the same material.

Regardless of the certification exam, a test taker will experience questions about:

• business management
• employee engagement and retention
• leadership
• ongoing student learning
• HR information management
• total rewards

Each test offers sample questions and information about study materials to help test takers prepare.

What Is the Pass Rate for PHR vs. SHRM?

The pass rates differ between the two exam providers and differing levels. According to data ending in December of 2023, the PHR exam has a 60% pass rate, while the SPHR has a pass rate of 68%.

The SHRM-CP and the SCP certification exams have pass rates of 70% and 53% respectively.

Which Exam Is More Difficult?

There are a few ways to compare the difficulty of the exams, but to do it properly you need to look at the level of certification. The SHRM-CP exam has the lowest application requirements and the highest pass rate, but it is also often taken by people with less experience. Because the other certifications are designed for people with more experience in HR departments, they might also be considered easier because of the knowledge that a person taking the test has acquired.

Deciding Between PHR and SHRM: Should You Take the PHR or SHRM?

If you're considering HR certification, both the PHR and SHRM certifications will be respected by employers. However, a few factors will make one better than the other for individual situations, including cost and when you can schedule to take the exam.

The main factor, though, is experience as an HR professional. If you are new to your HR career, or still completing school, the best certification to take will be the SHRM-CP. This certification is designed to be taken by people who don't have experience but are looking to add credentials to their growing resume.

For more senior HR professionals, it will be better to take the PHR, SPHR, or SHRM-SCP. These exams will be more reflective of your experience and more advanced schooling. If you work more with strategy and workforce planning, then you should consider the PHR or SPHR.

If your work more closely relates to leadership or relationship management, then the topics covered by the SHRM-SCP will be more applicable.