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).