SHRM-CP vs PHR
The published facts of both certifications side by side. Which one fits depends on your role, experience and goals; the Plan Advisor and Role readiness weigh them against your own profile.
| SHRM-CP SHRM Certified Professional |
PHR HRCI Professional in Human Resources | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | SHRM | HRCI |
| Level | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Domain | HR Generalist & Strategic HR | HR Generalist & Strategic HR |
| Exam fee | $499 | $495 |
| Experience required | None stated | 1 years |
| Prerequisite certifications | None | None |
| Exam | Competency-based: knowledge + situational judgment items, computer-based (see SHRM handbook for current item count/time) | 90 scored + 25 pretest questions, 2 h (Pearson VUE or OnVUE); covers US law |
| Passing score | Not published | Not published |
| Renewal | Every 3 years · 60 PDC per cycle | Every 3 years · 60 recertification credits per cycle |
| Annual fee | None | None |
| Career tracks that use it | 3 | 2 |
Fees and requirements change: each certification's page links to the issuer's own terms. CertAscent lists them side by side; no issuer pays to be listed or compared.