SHRM-CP vs PHR: which HR certification can a student get?
Both are respected HR certifications from different organizations. The SHRM-CP needs no HR experience, so students can take it; the PHR needs one to four years of professional HR work, so students who want an HRCI credential start with the aPHR.
| Compared | SHRM-CP | PHR |
|---|---|---|
| Who offers it | SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management | HRCI, the HR Certification Institute |
| Experience needed | None; the exam assumes working knowledge of HR | 1 year with a master’s degree, 2 years with a bachelor’s degree, or 4 years without a degree |
| The exam | 134 questions, including situational judgment questions, in up to 3 hours 40 minutes | 115 questions (90 scored) in 2 hours |
| Fee | $350 to $499, by membership and registration date; students in an HR degree program pay $150 to $299 | $395 exam fee plus a $100 application fee |
| For students | Possible before you work in HR | After you have HR experience; HRCI’s aPHR is the version for people with none |
Which should you take?
Choose the SHRM-CP if you want a full HR certification now and have studied HR or worked around it. If you are in an HR degree program, the student price is much lower.
Choose the PHR later once you have HR experience. Until then, HRCI’s aPHR is designed for people new to HR.
Where to start
- SHRM-CP — SHRM. Paid Exam $350–$499 depending on SHRM membership and registration date; students in an HR degree program pay $150–$299. Glossary entry
- PHR — Professional in Human Resources — HRCI. Paid $395 exam fee plus a $100 application fee. Glossary entry
Fees, exam formats and eligibility rules change. Everything here was checked against each provider's own pages on October 23, 2026; confirm on the provider's site before you register or pay.
Questions students ask
Do I need HR experience for the SHRM-CP?
No. SHRM does not require HR experience or a degree for the SHRM-CP, though the exam assumes you understand how HR works.
What is the aPHR?
HRCI’s Associate Professional in Human Resources, built for people with no HR experience yet, including students.
