HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute)
HR Certification Institute®(HRCI®), headquartered in the U.S., is the premier credentialing organization for the human resources profession. For 40 years, HRCI has set the standard for HR mastery and excellence around the globe.
An independent nonprofit organization, HRCI is dedicated to advancing the HR profession by developing and administering best-in-class accredited certifications, including:
(aPHR™) (PHR®) (PHRca®) (SPHR®) (GPHR®) (PHRi™) (SPHRi™) (aPHRi™)
All of HRCI’s credentials are recognized as the most rigorous, meaningful, and grounded professional certifications demonstrating competency, real-world practical skills and knowledge in the field. Together with HRCI-certified professionals in 100 countries around the globe, HRCI ensures, strengthens and advances the strategic value and impact of HR. Learn more at www.hrci.org
HRCI's Certification programs are the Only Accredited Certification Programs by (The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) Read More
Read about HRCI's NCCA Accreditation


Which Certification is Right for You?
HRCI Certifications
Earning a credential from HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®) speaks volumes ― about you as an HR professional, about the organization you serve and about the employees who put their trust in you. An HRCI certification distinguishes you as a master in the HR field, with proven levels of skills and knowledge, and the competence necessary to mitigate risks and drive business results.
Whether you are an HR expert or just starting out, HRCI has a suite of proven credentials that are just right for your level of experience.
Why Choose HRCI?
Serving the Global HR Community
HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®), celebrating 40 years of being the most trusted HR certification organization in the world, provides credentials for a range of HR experience levels. Whether you are an HR expert or just starting out in the field, HRCI offers a suite of seven proven HR credentials that reflect different levels of career advancement and geographic areas of expertise in the HR field.
More than 500,000 HR professionals have earned certifications from HRCI, including certification holders in more than 100 countries.
Right for the HR Profession, Right for Business
Both HR professionals and the businesses benefit from HRCI certifications. A recent HumRRO study found that HRCI-certified professionals are hired more often, promoted more often and report greater career satisfaction. A 2016 study finds that companies with more than five HRCI-certified professionals had 25 percent faster revenue growth, better than 50 percent stronger stock price increases, and notably higher employer reputation rankings on Glassdoor.
Read more about how HRCI certification is right for companies.
Personal Benefits of Professional HR Certification
How is HR certification important to you and your career? There are many reasons why HR certification matters, but this question may be answered accurately by those who currently have an HR certification. According to the Value of Certification study by HRCI, when HR professionals were asked about the perceived benefits from achieving certification, the top-10 advantages were:
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Strengthens my résumé
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Provides me personal satisfaction
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Differentiates me from non-certified HR professional
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Increases my chances of getting a better job outside my organization
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Helps me be more successful in my role as an HR professional
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Gains me respect from my organization (e.g. colleagues, superiors)
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Helps prove my worth/value to my employer
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Increases my earning potential
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Allows me to have a greater impact on my organizations business success
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Improves my career advancement opportunities within my organization.
HRCI Certification: Career and Business Advantage
Through the combination of formal education, adherence to high ethical standards, demonstrated knowledge and achievement through exam and a renewed commitment to continuing professional development, HR professionals certified by the HR Certification Institute enhance their professional credibility and the organizations they serve.
An independent 2015 report from the Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO) provides proof that certified professionals have many advantages over non-certified peers:
Career Benefits: For the serious HR practitioner, HRCI certification is a must-have career advantage. HRCI certification holders report better employment prospects, higher annual salaries, faster income growth and higher levels of career satisfaction. Today, HR professionals from over 100 countries proudly maintain the HR Certification Institute's credentials as a mark of world-class HR aptitude and innovation.
Business Benefits: With HRCI letters next to your name, organizations are confident that you have the expertise to perform at the highest level - that you have what it takes to provide strategic HR and human capital management direction - that you can create advantages out of constantly shifting technologies, laws, worker needs and workplace environments. In fact, 98 percent of Fortune 500 companies have HRCI-certified professionals among their leadership ranks.
For more information, read the report: An Evaluation of the Value of HR Certification for Individuals and Organizations.
Watch Videos
Value of HRCI Certification
Cheryl Shewach, SPHR
HR Certification Setting Standards