HR Business Partner

Hi Everyone! I’m torn between which HR certification to pursue (SHRM-SCP or SPHR). Which one would you recommend and why?

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  1. R/GA 1

    I’ve been debating the same thing and found this article to be very helpful. Skip to, “Which certification is better?” https://upstarthr.com/shrm-scp-vs-sphr-which-senior-hr-certification-makes-more-sense

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    SVP, HR 1

    Great article. I think we all grapple with the certification question and I agree that it depends. I do think the PHR/SPHR is good for compliance issues while the SHRM-SCP is good for HR leadership and gives you access many resources in the industry. To further complicate matters, I think the WorldAtWork certificates provide technical knowledge in specialized areas such as compensation and benefits. I have all three. But, recertification can be challenging!

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  2. HR Generalist II 1

    I just obtained my SPHR certification in June after researching and debating the same thing. I ultimately decided to pursue the SPHR because it's more established (it's been around 40+ years, vs. the SHRM-SCP which has only been around for 5 years) and had a slightly lower pass rate (the latest quote I received was 50% for SPHR vs. 55% for SHRM-SCP, though these rates may have changed since January). Due to those factors and some others, it seemed slightly more prestigious. However, I don't really think you can go wrong with either one. From what I could tell, it seemed unlikely that having the "wrong" certification would prevent you from getting a job, clients, etc. Hope this helps!

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  3. Lansinoh Laboratories 1

    HRCI for sure. SHRM only recently joined the certification business and gave me a SHRM CP for nothing, just because I was already PHR certified. I didn't earn it, it was given to me.

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