HR certification formally validates professional knowledge and accelerates career growth. Professionals often struggle to determine the most accessible starting point among the various options. The two primary organizations offering these credentials are the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Identifying the “easiest” certification requires balancing time commitment, cost, and specific eligibility requirements.
Understanding HR Certification Bodies
The HR certification landscape is dominated by two major organizations: the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). HRCI is the long-standing credentialing body, offering the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification since 1976. HRCI exams traditionally focus on the technical and operational aspects of HR, including legal compliance, policy, and foundational knowledge.
SHRM, the world’s largest HR professional association, launched its own credentials in 2014, leading to a split with HRCI. This separation created a philosophical difference in the exams. SHRM’s Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) focus heavily on behavioral competencies and the application of HR knowledge in real-world scenarios. HRCI validates foundational knowledge, while SHRM emphasizes the practical application of competencies.
Defining “Easiest” in HR Certification
The determination of the “easiest” HR certification depends on specific professional circumstances, but it can be objectively measured by a few variables. The most significant barrier to entry is the eligibility requirement, which dictates whether a candidate must possess prior professional HR experience to sit for the exam. Certifications with minimal or zero experience requirements are inherently more accessible.
The exam style is also a factor; an exam based purely on foundational knowledge is often less demanding than one requiring complex situational judgment or application. Accessibility is also influenced by the overall cost, including application fees, exam fees, and study materials. Finally, shorter, less complex exams require a lower time investment. For a new professional, the primary driver for “easiest” is the lowest possible eligibility barrier.
Comparing Entry-Level Certifications
When seeking the easiest certification, the focus shifts to credentials designed for professionals with minimal or no prior HR experience. The Human Resources Certification Institute’s Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) is the primary offering in this entry-level category. The aPHR was created as a knowledge-based credential to serve as a gateway for those beginning their HR career or transitioning into an HR role.
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) does not offer a direct, truly entry-level equivalent to the aPHR. While the SHRM-CP is intended for early- to mid-career professionals, it recommends a working knowledge of the functional areas of HR. The aPHR is the clear frontrunner for the easiest certification because it removes the prerequisite of professional work experience. This low barrier makes it the most accessible first credential for an aspiring HR professional.
HRCI’s Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR)
The Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) is widely considered the most accessible HR certification due to its lack of an experience requirement. Candidates are eligible to sit for the exam with only a high school diploma or its global equivalent. No prior HR work experience or specific college degree is necessary. This open eligibility makes it an ideal credential for recent graduates or those looking to pivot into the HR field.
The aPHR exam focuses on foundational HR knowledge, covering areas like Compliance and Risk Management, Employee Relations, and Talent Acquisition. The exam is shorter than professional-level credentials, consisting of 65 scored questions and 25 pretest questions over one hour and 45 minutes. The total cost typically involves a non-refundable application fee of about \$100 and an exam fee of approximately \$300. The reduced scope and knowledge-based format result in a lower study commitment, often ranging from 8 to 12 weeks of focused preparation.
HRCI’s Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
The mid-career certifications, such as the HRCI’s Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), represent a higher hurdle for attainment compared to the aPHR. These credentials are not designed for entry-level candidates, as both require stringent professional experience to demonstrate applied knowledge. For example, the PHR typically requires four years of professional HR experience without a degree, two years with a bachelor’s degree, or one year with a master’s degree.
The SHRM-CP, while having slightly more flexible eligibility, recommends candidates be engaged in HR tasks and possess a foundational understanding of the functional areas. Both exams are more difficult than the aPHR. The PHR focuses on policy and law, and the SHRM-CP emphasizes strategic application and behavioral competencies through situational judgment questions. The exams are also longer, lasting up to four hours for the SHRM-CP, which necessitates a more extensive study commitment.
Final Considerations: Career Impact vs. Ease of Attainment
While the aPHR offers the easiest entry point into the certified HR community, aspiring professionals should view it as a stepping stone rather than a final career destination. Many mid-level and senior HR roles prefer or require the PHR or SHRM-CP, which are recognized industry standards for professionals with applied experience. Obtaining the aPHR validates foundational knowledge, making a candidate more attractive for entry-level HR positions.
The strategic choice is to utilize the aPHR to gain initial credibility and secure a first role, thereby accumulating the professional experience necessary for a higher-level certification. All certifications require recertification every three years, either by retaking the exam or earning professional development credits. This ongoing requirement means that even the easiest credential demands a continued commitment to professional learning to maintain its validity.