PHR – Professional in Human Resources
PHR – Professional in Human Resources vs 3 alternatives compared
Exam fee, level, duration, validity and salary side by side. Blank cells mean we do not have verified data yet.
| PHR – Professional in Human Resources | SHRM-CP – SHRM Certified Professional | SHRM-SCP – SHRM Senior Certified Professional | SPHR – Senior Professional in Human Resources | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vendor | HRCI | SHRM | SHRM | HRCI |
| Level | Intermediate | Intermediate | Advanced | Advanced |
| Exam fee | $395–$495 | $300–$400 | $300–$400 | $495–$595 |
| Duration | — | — | — | — |
| Passing score | — | — | — | — |
| Valid for | — | — | — | — |
| Typical salary | $60K–$90K | $65K–$95K | $90K–$140K | $90K–$130K |
| Prerequisites | — | — | — | — |
Which should you choose?
Should I take PHR – Professional in Human Resources or SHRM-CP – SHRM Certified Professional first?
Both are rated Intermediate. Pick the one whose exam domains match the job you want, and check which one employers in your area ask for.
Should I take PHR – Professional in Human Resources or SHRM-SCP – SHRM Senior Certified Professional first?
PHR – Professional in Human Resources is the lower-level certification (Intermediate vs Advanced), so it is usually the better first step.
Should I take PHR – Professional in Human Resources or SPHR – Senior Professional in Human Resources first?
PHR – Professional in Human Resources is the lower-level certification (Intermediate vs Advanced), so it is usually the better first step.