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

[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.