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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 ResourcesSHRM-CP – SHRM Certified ProfessionalSHRM-SCP – SHRM Senior Certified ProfessionalSPHR – Senior Professional in Human Resources
VendorHRCISHRMSHRMHRCI
LevelIntermediateIntermediateAdvancedAdvanced
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.