Can someone break down for me what SHRM and HRCI are? (Human Resource Management)

[OfficerA]

A coworker of mine, pursuing a BSBA - HRM was told that he needed a certificate from HRCI in order to complete the degree.

I've heard of the SHRM and all the stuff they handle, but I just googled HRCI (which I've never heard of) and found the following:

Our HR Certifications

and

http://www.shrm.org/publications/hrnews/...ionPath=p4

I'm more worried about my friend possibly being strung around by his school (granted, HRCI sounds legit, and they seem to actually carry what the SHRM has, but at the same time the latter article is saying they've had their own split or whatnot).

So what am I missing here, and is it normal for a school to request that you complete a certificate? I'll check with him if he's supposed to get a certificate with his degree plan (which makes sense), but if he has to get it for himself, I don't believe the USAF will pay for it any longer unless it was tied to his career field (which is also possible).

[rebel100]

SHRM is what I see in healthcare, never heard of the other. Every time I see it I think of the Roman Legions, then Compare that to the HR person.....then I giggle a little and forget about it. ��

[dfrecore]

They are just different certifications. SHRM gives their SHRM Certification, HCRI gives the PHR/SPHR. They are both legit, and a lot of Bachelor's Degree HR programs will focus on one or the other and give you all of the info necessary to pass the certification after or in conjunction with getting your degree. I haven't heard that you HAVE to get the cert, but many programs have it as part of their program, meaning that the cost of the degree includes all of the prep and sometimes even the cost of the exam (about $400). Even if you had to pay for it yourself, it's pretty valuable, and I don't know why you would NOT get the cert if you've passed all the courses and have the info to pass the cert.

In CA, you can get a PHR/SPHR-CA cert, meaning that it focuses on the CA state laws as well as the federal laws.

Some employers want a degree in HR, some want a specific cert, some with take a combination, some don't specify which cert you have.

There are other certifications out there as well, I was in Compensation Management, so I was required to get a CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) but not have any other cert. There are ones for 401(k) plan administration, Stock Plan administration, and other areas.

[sanantone]

I've seen PHR and SPHR mentioned in a lot of HR job openings.