HR Certification Path

Compare · five exams, two certifying bodies

HR certifications, compared pair by pair

The five US HR certifications this site covers come from two certifying bodies and sit at three levels. The table puts all five on one sheet, with a source and a check date in every row; the pages below it take one pair at a time and say who each exam suits.

Updated Oct 26, 2026 · Not affiliated with HRCI or SHRM.

How the five exams line up

Read across a row for the same level at the other body, down a column for the next level at the same body. Each step is one of the comparisons below.

LevelHRCIKnowledge exams, year-round, center or online (select exams)SHRMKnowledge + situational judgment, two windows a year
EntryaPHRAssociate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR)—No SHRM exam at this level
ProfessionalPHRProfessional in Human Resources (PHR)SHRM-CPSHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
SeniorSPHRSenior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)SHRM-SCPSHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
Senior, globalGPHRGlobal Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)not on this site yet—No SHRM exam at this level

Pick the question you are asking

Every pair at a glance

All five, fact by fact

Checked Oct 25, 2026. Sources are numbered and listed under Sources. Prices as of Oct 2026; SHRM prices depend on membership and on whether an early-bird period is open. HRCI reports pass rates per calendar year, SHRM per testing window, so read the two side by side with care.
FeatureaPHRPHRSPHRSHRM-CPSHRM-SCPSource
LevelKnowledge (entry level)Professional (operational HR)Strategic (senior HR)Professional (operational HR)Senior (strategic HR)[1][2][3][4][5]
EligibilityNo HR experience required; the current page lists no education requirementUntil 2021 the page asked for a high school diploma or equivalent; it no longer does.1 year of professional-level HR experience with a master’s degree or higher, 2 years with a bachelor’s degree, or 4 years without a degreeThe degree does not have to be in HR, and the experience need not be current or consecutive.4 years of professional-level HR experience with a master’s degree or higher, 5 years with a bachelor’s degree, or 7 years without a degreeThe degree does not have to be in HR, and the experience need not be current or consecutive.No degree, HR title or HR experience requiredSHRM recommends a basic working knowledge of HR.At least 3 years of strategic-level HR work (1,000+ hours per calendar year), or 3 years as a SHRM-CP holder moving into a strategic role; no degree required[2][3][4][5][6][7][8]
Questions on the exam90 questions (65 scored + 25 pretest)115 questions (90 scored + 25 pretest)140 questions (115 scored + 25 pretest)134 questions (110 scored + 24 unscored field-test items)134 questions (110 scored + 24 unscored field-test items)[2][3][4][5][9][10]
Question typesKnowledge-based, mostly multiple choiceKnowledge-based, mostly multiple choice, plus multiple-response, fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop and scenario itemsKnowledge-based, mostly multiple choice, including scenario items80 knowledge items and 54 situational judgment items (SJI); by weight, 40% SJI, 10% foundational knowledge of the behavioral competencies and 50% HR knowledge80 knowledge items and 54 situational judgment items (SJI); by weight, 40% SJI, 10% foundational knowledge of the behavioral competencies and 50% HR knowledge[1][4][5][7][11]
Testing time1 hour 45 minutes of testingPlus 30 minutes of administration time (tutorial and survey).2 hours of testingPlus 30 minutes of administration time (tutorial and survey).2 hours 30 minutes of testingPlus 30 minutes of administration time (tutorial and survey).3 hours 40 minutes of testingTwo 110-minute sections in a 4-hour appointment; one optional 15-minute break, and the clock keeps running.3 hours 40 minutes of testingTwo 110-minute sections in a 4-hour appointment; one optional 15-minute break, and the clock keeps running.[2][3][4][5][9][10]
Passing scoreBoth bodies report scaled scores on different scales, so a 500 and a 200 do not compare.Scaled score of 500Set by the modified Angoff method and equated across exam forms. HRCI publishes the cut score only, not the top of the scale.Scaled score of 500Set by the modified Angoff method and equated across exam forms. HRCI publishes the cut score only, not the top of the scale.Scaled score of 500Set by the modified Angoff method and equated across exam forms. HRCI publishes the cut score only, not the top of the scale.Scaled score of 200Scores run from 120 to 200 and every passing candidate receives 200; the cut is set by the modified Angoff method.Scaled score of 200Scores run from 120 to 200 and every passing candidate receives 200; the cut is set by the modified Angoff method.[5][7]
Exam priceHRCI charges one price; the SHRM price depends on membership and on the application deadline. The bar shows the nonmember standard price.$400 ($300 exam fee + $100 application fee)$495 ($395 exam fee + $100 application fee)$595 ($495 exam fee + $100 application fee)$399 for SHRM members or $499 for nonmembers, the standard price for the December 1, 2026 – February 15, 2027 window (applications September 1 – December 24, 2026); the $50 application fee is includedThe early-bird price ($350 / $450) applied to applications from June 3 – August 31, 2026 and has closed for this window.$399 for SHRM members or $499 for nonmembers, the standard price for the December 1, 2026 – February 15, 2027 window (applications September 1 – December 24, 2026); the $50 application fee is includedThe early-bird price ($350 / $450) applied to applications from June 3 – August 31, 2026 and has closed for this window.[2][3][4][5][11][12]
Where you testPearson VUE test center, or online with OnVUE remote proctoring (for select exams and locations)Pearson VUE test center, or online with OnVUE remote proctoring (for select exams and locations)Pearson VUE test center, or online with OnVUE remote proctoring (for select exams and locations)In person at a Prometric test center only; no remote testingIn person at a Prometric test center only; no remote testing[2][3][4][5][7][11][13]
When you can testYear-round; you test within 180 days of application approval, with one 60-day extension available for a feeHRCI describes itself as the only HR certification body offering year-round online exams.Year-round; you test within 180 days of application approval, with one 60-day extension available for a feeHRCI describes itself as the only HR certification body offering year-round online exams.Year-round; you test within 180 days of application approval, with one 60-day extension available for a feeHRCI describes itself as the only HR certification body offering year-round online exams.Two windows a year; the next runs December 1, 2026 to February 15, 2027 (apply by December 24, 2026)SHRM's fee page shows "Opens Jan 4, 2027" under 2027 Test Window 1, most likely the start of its application period; the window's testing dates are not posted yet.Two windows a year; the next runs December 1, 2026 to February 15, 2027 (apply by December 24, 2026)SHRM's fee page shows "Opens Jan 4, 2027" under 2027 Test Window 1, most likely the start of its application period; the window's testing dates are not posted yet.[5][7][11][14]
RetakeWait 90 days after a failed attempt, then re-apply and pay all fees again, unless you bought Second Chance Insurance with the applicationWait 90 days after a failed attempt, then re-apply and pay all fees again, unless you bought Second Chance Insurance with the applicationWait 90 days after a failed attempt, then re-apply and pay all fees again, unless you bought Second Chance Insurance with the applicationNo retake in the same window; apply again as a new candidate in a later window and pay the full fee (no limit on attempts)No retake in the same window; apply again as a new candidate in a later window and pay the full fee (no limit on attempts)[5][7]
Pass rateHRCI publishes one pass rate per calendar year; SHRM publishes one per testing window.71% in 202571% in 2024, 71% in 2023 and 74% in 2022.72% in 202569% in 2024, 60% in 2023 and 61% in 2022.76% in 202570% in 2024, 55% in 2023 and 53% in 2022.68% in the May–July 2025 window67% in Dec 2024–Feb 2025, 71% in May–Jul 2024, 70% in Dec 2023–Feb 2024, 71% in May–Jul 2023.50% in the May–July 2025 window51% in Dec 2024–Feb 2025, 56% in May–Jul 2024, 53% in Dec 2023–Feb 2024, 54% in May–Jul 2023.[11][15][16][17][18]
Recertification credits45 credits in 3 years (1 of them ethics), or retake the exam60 HR credits in 3 years (1 of them ethics), or retake the exam60 credits in 3 years (45 HR + 15 Business, 1 of them ethics), or retake the exam60 professional development credits (PDCs) in 3 years, or retake the exam in the last 12 months of the cycle60 professional development credits (PDCs) in 3 years, or retake the exam in the last 12 months of the cycle[2][3][4][5][19][20][21]
Recertification fee$169 for one HRCI credential, plus $50 for each additional one (up to $369 for five or more)$169 for one HRCI credential, plus $50 for each additional one (up to $369 for five or more)$169 for one HRCI credential, plus $50 for each additional one (up to $369 for five or more)$165 for members, $210 for nonmembers; $240 / $285 late (during the grace period)$165 for members, $210 for nonmembers; $240 / $285 late (during the grace period)[20][21][22]
AccreditationNCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies)Every HRCI exam except the aPHRi is NCCA-accredited.NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies)Every HRCI exam except the aPHRi is NCCA-accredited.NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies)Every HRCI exam except the aPHRi is NCCA-accredited.Buros Center for Testing (accredited since 2016)Buros Center for Testing (accredited since 2016)[1][5][15]

Three things the table can't show

  • Scores don't convert. A pass is 500 (scaled) at one body and 200 (scaled) at the other, on different scales.
  • Pass rates aren't a difficulty ranking. They cover different periods and different candidates.
  • Credits don't transfer. Each body renews only its own credentials, by its own rules (HR recertification).

Every fee in one place: HR certification cost.

Next on the sheet

The GPHR, a global senior exam on the same ladder, joins with the next wave, and its comparison with the SPHR goes live then. The PHRi and SPHRi, versions for HR work outside the US, use the outlines of the US exams. PHRi: 2024 exam content outline (7 functional areas, same as the PHR). SPHRi: 2024 exam content outline (5 functional areas, same as the SPHR). In all, HRCI runs eight credentials; the aPHRi (international, entry level) and the PHRca (California law) are not covered here (exam fee list).

Sources

  1. HRCI: individual certifications hrci.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
  2. HRCI: aPHR certification page hrci.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
  3. HRCI: PHR certification page hrci.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
  4. HRCI: SPHR certification page hrci.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
  5. 2026 SHRM Certification Handbook (PDF) shrm.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
  6. HRCI: understanding professional-level experience (does not apply to aPHR) hrci.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
  7. HRCI Certification Policies and Procedures Handbook (PDF dated 2026-10-01) hrci.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
  8. SHRM: eligibility criteria shrm.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
  9. SHRM: SHRM-CP certification page shrm.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
  10. SHRM: SHRM-SCP certification page shrm.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
  11. SHRM: exam options and fees (fees, windows, format, pass rates) shrm.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
  12. HRCI: exam fees hrci.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
  13. HRCI: online testing hrci.org · checked Oct 25, 2026
  14. SHRM: certification (testing windows) shrm.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
  15. HRCI: exam pass rates hrci.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
  16. HRCI pass rates as of Dec 31, 2024 (Wayback, 2025-02-08) web.archive.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
  17. HRCI pass rates as of Dec 31, 2023 (Wayback, 2024-05-29) web.archive.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
  18. HRCI pass rates as of Dec 31, 2022 (Wayback, 2023-11-30) web.archive.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
  19. HRCI: ethics recertification requirement hrci.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
  20. HRCI Recertification Handbook (PDF dated 2026-10-01) hrci.org · checked Oct 25, 2026
  21. SHRM: recertification shrm.org · checked Oct 25, 2026
  22. HRCI: recertification fees and deadlines hrci.org · checked Oct 25, 2026

Comparing HR certifications, quick answers

Which HR certifications need no experience?

Of the five US exams on this site, two: the aPHR and the SHRM-CP. The international aPHRi, for HR work outside the US, has no experience rule either (experience rules). The aPHR is an entry exam; the SHRM-CP is a professional exam, open to beginners because its rule reads: no degree, HR title or HR experience required. Compare them.

Are HRCI and SHRM pass rates comparable?

Not directly. One body publishes a rate per calendar year, the other per testing window, and different people sit each exam. Use them as context, not as a ranking.

Which HR certification is best?

The one that matches your experience and the job you want next. The comparisons above answer that one pair at a time; the wider list is on best HR certifications.