The CIPD awards British study-based qualifications at three levels, while SHRM and PHR are American certifications earned by passing an exam. Entry requirements differ as of October 2026: the SHRM-CP requires no degree or experience, while the PHR requires professional HR experience and covers US laws.
Step by step
- 1
CIPD
A British professional body for HR and people development. Its qualifications are taught by external study centers and awarded by the CIPD: Level 3 for beginners, Level 5 for building on your skills, and Level 7 for strategic and leadership roles.
- 2
CIPD membership
Foundation membership follows Level 3 and Associate membership follows Levels 5 and 7, after which you can progress to Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow depending on experience.
- 3
SHRM-CP
From SHRM, for people doing day-to-day HR work. You do not need a degree or previous HR experience to apply.
- 4
SHRM-SCP
For strategic roles. It requires at least three years of strategic-level HR work, or holding the SHRM-CP for three years. Both SHRM certifications are renewed every three years.
- 5
PHR
Awarded by HRCI, it covers technical and operational HR knowledge including US laws, and requires professional HR experience: one year with a master's degree or higher, two years with a bachelor's degree, or four years without a degree.
- 6
Which to choose
Read the job ads you are targeting in Egypt or the Gulf and what they ask for, and choose the one whose requirements you meet now. For people working outside the United States, HRCI also offers the PHRi.
Choosing a certification because it is the best known, without looking at its requirements and your market, can leave you studying the laws of a country you do not work in, or applying for one whose experience requirement you do not yet meet.
- best HR certification
- CIPD or SHRM which is better