Want to know if the SHRM-CP or the aPHR certification is the right HR credential for your career? SHRM-CP and aPHR certification are two credentials that are intended for HR professionals who are or have recently started their careers.
When considering a career in human resources (HR), certifications can bolster your credibility and demonstrate your expertise in the field. Two notable credentials that HR professionals often weigh are the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) certifications. While the SHRM-CP is tailored for HR professionals who have experience in policy implementation and strategy, the aPHR serves as an entry-level certification ideal for those just beginning their HR career.
Understanding the distinctions between SHRM-CP and aPHR certifications can help you make an informed decision about which is more aligned with your career stage and professional goals. Each has specific eligibility requirements, and the certification process involves understanding the core competencies and subject areas that the exams cover. Gaining either certification could potentially increase your recognition in the HR field and provide benefits such as better job prospects, increased salary, and professional development opportunities.
Most times we can make decisions much easier when we are completely informed. That’s no different when you’re deciding on whether you should sit for the SHRM-CP certification exam or HRCI’s aPHR certification exam. This blog post explains the difference between the SHRM-CP certification and the aPHR certification. You will be able to decide which HR credential is right for your HR career.
Overview of SHRM-CP and aPHR Certifications
The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) qualification is designed for HR professionals who are engaged in implementing policies and strategies, serving as a point of contact for employees, staff, internal and external stakeholders, and delivering HR services. If your role involves hands-on work in a dedicated HR department, functioning as an HR professional, or serving in a role with HR aspects, the SHRM-CP is relevant to you.
On the other hand, the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) is an entry-level certification for those who are just beginning their HR career. This means if you have little to no experience in HR, or if you’re a professional transitioning into the HR career field, the aPHR could be your starting point. 
Personally, I’m a strong advocate for starting your career through networking instead of ANY certification or degree. I explained it more in this 11-minute video titled, Which is Better: HR Certification or Degree? and in this 9-minute video titled, Storytime: Should You Get an HR Degree OR Certification? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Obtaining either certification involves meeting specific educational and professional criteria before you can sit for the exam. You will encounter different contents on each exam as the SHRM-CP caters to a more operational approach whereas the aPHR covers basic HR principles and practices.
Below is a quick comparison:
| Certification | Ideal for | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| SHRM-CP | Experienced HR professionals | Strategy implementation |
| aPHR | Entry-level professionals or career changers | Foundational HR knowledge |
Remember, these credentials are maintained by two distinct bodies. SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) maintains the SHRM-CP, whereas HRCI (HR Certification Institute) offers the aPHR. Both certifications require ongoing education or retesting to maintain your status as a current holder.
SHRM-CP and aPHR Certification Requirements & Eligibility
When considering human resources certifications, understanding the prerequisites is essential. Each certification has distinct eligibility requirements that align with your level of HR experience and education.
SHRM-CP Eligibility
To qualify for the Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification, you need to ensure that your academic and professional background fit the criteria. For individuals with a bachelor’s degree, there should be a minimum of 1 year in an HR role. However, if you possess less than a bachelor’s degree, such as an associate degree or a diploma, then 3 years of experience in HR is necessary.
SHRM members who are already SHRM-CP credential holders must demonstrate ongoing HR-related work to maintain their certification status. I have explained some great resources for recertification in this video titled Ways to get HR Recertification Credits // Do not lose your HR certification! More detailed eligibility criteria can be found through the SHRM eligibility criteria overview. There are unique ways to get recertification credits.
aPHR Eligibility
On the other hand, the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) certification is designed as an entry-level certificate. No HR experience is required, making it accessible for individuals who are just starting their journey into human resources. Educational requirements are also less stringent. A detailed comparison and explanation of the certifications are available in the aPHR and SHRM certification guide.
Exam Questions and Content
When considering the SHRM-CP and aPHR certifications, it’s crucial to understand the distinct focus areas of each exam. Below are outlines of what you can expect on each examination.
SHRM-CP Exam Outline
The SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management – Certified Professional) exam tests your expertise in people management, organization, and workplace. Unlike the aPHR, this exam requires experience in the field. It is divided into behavioral competencies and key HR disciplines:
- Behavioral Competencies
- Leadership & Navigation
- Ethical Practice
- Business Acumen
- Relationship Management
- Consultation
- Critical Evaluation
- Global & Cultural Effectiveness
- Communication
- HR Disciplines
- People: Talent Acquisition & Retention, Employee Engagement, Learning & Development
- Organization: Structure of the HR Function, Workforce Management, Employee & Labor Relations, Technology Management
- Workplace: HR in the Global Context, Diversity & Inclusion, Risk Management, Corporate Social Responsibility, Employment Law & Regulations (U.S. only)
aPHR Exam Outline
The aPHR (Associate Professional in Human Resources) exam is designed as an entry-level certification for professionals who are beginning their HR career. No HR experience is needed, making it accessible for recent graduates or those switching careers. The exam includes:
- HR Operation
- HR Operations
- Recruitment and Selection
- Compensation and Benefits
- Human Resource Development and Retention
- Employee Relations
- Health, Safety, and Security
For additional specifics on the aPHR exam content, you can explore the PDF Your Guide to aPHR/PHR/SPHR and SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP Certification.
SHRM-CP and aPHR Certification Processes
Evaluating the certification processes for SHRM-CP and aPHR certifications involves understanding the specific steps and requirements for each. As you consider advancing your HR career, knowing the pathways to these certifications will guide your preparation efforts.
SHRM-CP Certification Process
To attain your SHRM-CP certification, you must follow a series of steps, ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria based on your HR-related work experience and your level of education. The process involves:
- Determining Eligibility: Ensure that you have the requisite combination of HR experience and education.
- Exam Application: Apply for the SHRM-CP exam during the application window and pay the corresponding fees.
- Preparation and Study: Click here for a list of low-cost study materials you can use.
- Schedule and Take Exam: Choose a testing center and date within the testing window and pass the exam.
- Recertification: Every three years, you must recertify by acquiring 60 units of professional development credits or retaking the exam.
aPHR Certification Process
For the aPHR certification, the process is designed for professionals who are new to HR and do not have extensive work experience in the field. The steps include:
- Education Requirements: As this is an entry-level certificate, no previous HR experience is needed, though it is recommended.
- Apply for the Exam: Submit your application and fee within the designated window.
- Study and Prepare: Click here for a list of low-cost study materials you can use.
- Exam Scheduling and Completion: Book a time slot at a Pearson VUE testing center and pass the aPHR exam.
By familiarizing yourself with these certification processes, you can efficiently plan your journey toward either SHRM-CP or aPHR certification.
Benefits and Recognition of SHRM-CP and aPHR Certifications
When choosing between the SHRM-CP and aPHR certifications, understanding the advantages and the level of recognition of each can greatly inform your decision-making process.
SHRM-CP Benefits
- Global Recognition: The SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management-Certified Professional) credential is highly regarded worldwide. It signifies that you possess the operational skills and knowledge necessary to manage HR challenges in a global setting.
- Career Growth: Earning a SHRM-CP can lead to better job prospects and may enhance your chances for promotion within your HR department.
aPHR Benefits
- Entry-Level Gateway: The aPHR (Associate Professional in Human Resources) is designed as an entry-level certification. If you’re at the beginning of your HR career, obtaining an aPHR could be a helpful move.
- Foundational Knowledge: An aPHR proves your grasp of foundational HR practices and principles, which can be beneficial when competing for early-career HR roles.
- Career Growth: Earning an aPHR can lead to better job prospects and may enhance your chances for promotion within your HR department.
Maintaining the Certification
Once you’ve achieved either the SHRM-CP or aPHR certification, maintaining your credentials involves fulfilling specific continuing education requirements to ensure that your HR expertise remains current and relevant.
SHRM-CP Recertification
To maintain your SHRM-CP certification, you must earn 60 professional development credits (PDCs) every three years or retake the SHRM-CP exam. Earning PDCs can be done through various activities including: 
- Continuing Education: Completing relevant HR-related education programs or activities.
- Instructor-Led Training: Conducting training sessions that contribute to the growth of HR knowledge.
- Volunteer Service: Engaging in HR-related volunteer work that advances your professional development.
View more detailed SHRM-CP recertification guidelines on SHRM Certification or click here or the picture to see a video of all of the resources that I use to get recertification credits.
aPHR Recertification
For the aPHR certification, the requirement is to accumulate 45 HR-related recertification credits over a three-year period. Similar to SHRM-CP, these credits can be earned through:
- Educational Experiences: Workshops, seminars, webinars, or conferences that further your HR education.
- Professional Activity: Participation in HR-related projects that contribute to practical skills and knowledge.
Further information about maintaining the aPHR certification can be found via HRCI Recertification or click here or the picture to see a video of all of the resources that I use to get recertification credits.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing between SHRM-CP and aPHR depends on your HR experience and career aspirations.
- Both certifications require meeting eligibility criteria and passing a comprehensive exam.
- Earning these credentials can enhance your HR career through increased recognition and opportunities, but is not a guaranteed way.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, you’ll find specific information addressing common questions and concerns about SHRM-CP and aPHR certifications, including prerequisites, exam difficulty, and the impact on your professional trajectory.
What are the eligibility requirements for the SHRM-CP exam?
To sit for the SHRM-CP exam, you need to have a combination of education and work experience in HR. This can range from being currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s program with no HR experience to holding a graduate degree with at least one year of experience in an HR role.
How does the aPHR certification impact salary expectations?
Obtaining the aPHR certification is a stepping stone for those entering the HR field and can lead to higher entry-level salary offers. It demonstrates a foundational understanding of human resource management to potential employers.
Is there a significant difficulty gap between the aPHR and SHRM-CP exams?
The aPHR is considered a foundational certification, while the SHRM-CP has a broader and more complex body of knowledge. Therefore, the SHRM-CP is generally considered more challenging and requires a deeper understanding of HR policies and practices.
What differentiates the SHRM-CP from other HR certifications like PHR or SPHR?
The SHRM-CP certification focuses on practical, real-world HR knowledge and strategies, whereas certifications like PHR or SPHR from HRCI tend to concentrate on technical aspects of HR management.
What are the long-term career benefits of obtaining an aPHR certification?
Earning an aPHR certification can open doors to start your HR career by enhancing your resume, demonstrating a commitment to the field, and potentially expediting advancement opportunities. Unfortunately, there are little to no long-term career benefits, only short-term benefits during the beginning of your HR career.
What prerequisites are needed to pursue the PHR or SPHR certifications?
To pursue the PHR or SPHR certifications, applicants need varying levels of HR experience and educational background. The PHR requires at least one year of experience in a professional-level HR position plus a Master’s degree, or two years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree, or four years with less than a Bachelor’s degree. The SPHR demands more experience, typically at a strategic level.
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