The HR Certification Institute has been credentialing HR professionals since 1976. HRCI offers a range of credentials by career stage, with the PHR and SPHR as the flagship designations for practitioners and senior leaders respectively.

SHRM launched its own credentials in 2015, grounded in the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK). The exam tests both HR knowledge and behavioral competencies.

Lattice published a breakdown of the differences.

HRCI now requires one ethics credit per 3-year recertification cycle.

Both SHRM and HRCI allow credits to roll into your next recertification cycle. SHRM carries over up to 20 PDCs; HRCI carries over up to 15 RCHs (as general HR credits). Log everything, even credits you won't technically need this cycle.

Both SHRM and HRCI offer remote proctoring. You don't have to find a testing center.

SHRM's Certification Prep System is available online-only for self-paced study. Members pay $820; non-members pay $1,130. Access is valid for 18 months.

BNHRA professional development events are pre-approved for SHRM PDCs and HRCI RCHs. Credit eligibility is listed on each event registration. For a full history of credits you've earned through BNHRA, see your member portal or visit the Recertification page.