Have you heard people talk about the SHRM certification? Have you seen messages following the names of other HR professionals and noticed events or webinars described as "SHRM certified"? If you feel a bit confused, don’t worry. We're here to tell you everything you need to know about the SHRM certification in brief, starting from the big picture of what the SHRM certification is, whether you need it, how to get it, and its importance. Ready? Let's get started!
What is the SHRM Certification?
SHRM certifications are specialized credentials offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It recognizes an individual's credibility and competency in human resources (HR). This certification is typically for entry-level or mid-level professionals.
SHRM, or the Society for Human Resource Management, is a non-profit professional membership organization under section 501(c) dedicated to promoting, educating, and connecting HR professionals in the workplace. It has three main functions:
- Providing education and certification in HR.
- Acting as a networking hub for the HR industry.
- Lobbying Congress on behalf of HR and labor management interests.
SHRM has been around since 1948 and has over 300,000 members, giving it significant influence in the HR industry. If you are already working in HR or have relevant experience, you are eligible for the SHRM HR certification. Best of all, you don't have to be a SHRM member to start.
Why are SHRM Certifications Important?
SHRM certifications are important because they apply to many workplace scenarios, demonstrating the level of knowledge an individual has in HR, teaching leadership skills, and focusing on workplace advancement. These certifications can be applied universally across many job industries, levels, and positions. This is one of the most common types of certifications in HR.
Who is a SHRM Certified Professional?
A SHRM certified professional is an employee in HR or someone related to HR who has obtained SHRM certification. Even if you wish to start a career in HR, you can get the certification, provided you meet certain SHRM eligibility criteria and requirements.
What are the SHRM HR Certifications?
SHRM offers two paid educational certifications for its members: SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP. Certificate holders often add these initials to their names. Since SHRM provides re-certification credits through events, webinars, and other HR learning initiatives annually, it's hard to be in HR and not hear about it. So, what is a SHRM certified professional, and what do the different initials signify?
- CP Level: SHRM-CP is the first level of SHRM. CP stands for Certified Professional, and the certification targets the operational level of HR, including training on fundamental HR elements like policy implementation, technology and data collection, disciplinary procedures, and compliance.
- SCP Level: SHRM-SCP stands for SHRM Senior Certified Professional, the more advanced SHRM certification for senior and executive HR roles. It focuses more on strategic HR elements like engagement and retention, workforce planning, and organizational policy setting.
How Important is SHRM Certification for HR?
If you're wondering whether you need SHRM certifications to work in HR, the answer is no. The HR industry isn't regulated by a licensing body like accounting, law, or medicine, and you don't need SHRM HR certification or any other HR certification to practice HR. However, both a degree and certification are viewed positively by employers. One of the main attractions of obtaining HR certification is that it can improve your job prospects, with 34% of HR professionals holding at least one certification.
Benefits of SHRM HR Certification
You might wonder, "Is SHRM certification worth it?" Like all personal development opportunities, it ultimately comes down to whether you think it's worthwhile. However, the benefits of SHRM certification can be a great way to boost your career and build confidence in HR. If you are currently job hunting, SHRM HR certification can enhance your employability and even increase your earning potential compared to those without certification.
Obtaining SHRM certification allows you to implement extensive knowledge to help accelerate your workplace to become the best it can be. By building a positive company culture and guidance, your credentials significantly enhance your esteem and reputation.
How Long Does It Take to Get SHRM Certification?
Getting SHRM certification requires time and effort; it's not just an expensive rubber stamp. The organization has a good reputation in HR, and SHRM certifications show that you've gained fundamental HR competency. This recognition by employers can make a difference in moving to the next interview round, negotiating a higher salary, or achieving that long-awaited promotion.
Difference Between SHRM and HRCI Certification
The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) is another well-known HR education institution offering courses and certifications for HR professionals. The main difference between SHRM and HRCI certifications is that while SHRM HR certification offers two certifications, HRCI has eight different certifications targeting a slightly wider audience, including new HR professionals, international HR, and California HR professionals.
The eight certifications HRCI offers include:
- aPHRI: The Associate Professional in Human Resources is HRCI's first level of certification and targets students and those just starting their HR careers. The aPHRI certification provides similar entry-level training with a focus on international (non-U.S.) HR practices.
- PHR, PHRI, PHRca: Professional in Human Resources is HRCI's next level of certification. Candidates must have some HR professional experience or a combination of experience and a relevant undergraduate or graduate degree.
- SPHRI: Senior Professional in Human Resources is a high-level HRCI certification focusing on strategic and organizational development. These certifications require significant prior HR experience, targeting HR managers and professionals seeking advancement in an administrative role or already in one. SPHRI is the international version of SPHR, relying more on delivering HR services and data analysis as a result.
- GPHR: The Global Professional in Human Resources certification targets executive HR managers in multinational organizations, covering the complex challenges HR managers face when managing HR teams and employees in multiple countries.
If you're just starting in HR and feel you need certification to gain a foothold in the hiring pool, HRCI's entry-level associate certification without any prerequisites makes it a good option.
Role of DocSuite HR System
DocSuite HR system facilitates the organization and management of SHRM certification in your organization by providing a means to store and manage employee information related to certification, required training, and necessary updates. It can be used to track expiration dates, organize necessary training for certification and updates, thereby contributing to organizing and simplifying HR management processes related to SHRM.
Key features include:
- Information Storage: Provides a means to store employee information related to SHRM certification, including training, exams, and updates.
- Training Organization: Facilitates the organization of training required for SHRM certification, including ongoing training required to maintain certification validity.
- Progress Tracking: Offers the ability to track employee progress in completing certification and passing necessary exams.
- Administrative Process Facilitation: Helps facilitate administrative processes related to SHRM certifications, reducing manual effort and improving efficiency.
Obtaining SHRM HR certification can open many doors and boost your confidence in the HR world. You can build on your knowledge, improve your current workplace, and prove that you are a reliable employee who goes the extra mile to expand your personal understanding or HR credentials.