CIPD vs SHRM vs HRCI: Which HR Certification Suits You?

CIPD is a study-based qualification that leads to professional membership. SHRM and HRCI are exam-based certifications you can apply for directly, if you meet their criteria. So the first question is whether you want a structured course of study or a credential that tests what you already know.

How the three differ

• CIPD (UK): you study a qualification at a set level, and completing it leads to a level of CIPD membership.

• SHRM (US): the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP are exam-based credentials built around HR competencies and knowledge.

• HRCI (US): its international credentials are the aPHRi, PHRi and SPHRi, which are exam-based and designed for people working outside the United States.

CIPD levels

• Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice: leads to Foundation membership.

• Level 5 Associate Qualification: in People Management or Organisational Learning and Development. Leads to Associate membership.

• Level 7 Advanced Qualification: in Strategic People Management or Strategic Learning and Development, and can help you on the path to Chartered status.

CIPD also has an Experience Assessment for people who want membership without further study, using a written submission and a professional discussion with an assessor.

SHRM eligibility

• SHRM-CP: for people who perform general HR or HR-related duties, students, and people pursuing an HR career. No degree or earlier HR experience is required to apply, although a working knowledge of HR is recommended.

• SHRM-SCP: for people with at least three years of strategic-level HR work, or SHRM-CP holders of at least three years who work in, or are moving into, a strategic role. No degree or HR title is required.

HRCI eligibility

• aPHRi: for people starting in HR. No HR experience is required.

• PHRi: one year in a professional-level HR role with a master's degree, two years with a bachelor's, or four years with neither.

• SPHRi: four years in a professional-level HR role with a master's degree, five years with a bachelor's, or seven years with neither. You must also document knowledge of local employment law.

Which suits you?

• You are new to HR and want a structured grounding: CIPD Level 3, or the aPHRi if you prefer an exam-based route.

• You are an experienced HR practitioner and want to prove what you know: the PHRi or SHRM-CP.

• You set HR strategy: the SPHRi or SHRM-SCP, or CIPD Level 7 if you want further study.

• You want professional membership as well as a qualification: CIPD.

Before you decide, look at job adverts for the HR roles you want in Qatar and note which credentials they name. If your employer is paying, ask which it recognizes.

What Leaders Training Centre offers

Leaders Training Centre is a CIPD Approved Centre. Our course pages cover CIPD Level 3, the aPHRi and the SPHRi, along with other HR courses. We do not currently list a SHRM or PHRi course, so if you need one of those, ask us or go to the awarding body directly. An advisor can tell you what is available now and help you compare the routes.