Which HR Certification Is Right for You?

This short assessment will help identify the HR certifications you may qualify for and recommend the best fit based on your experience, career goals, and exam preferences. Be sure to verify the official eligibility requirements before applying for your chosen certification exam.

Your Information

First name *

Last name *

Email address *

Part 1: Eligibility

The first four questions help determine which certifications you may be eligible for. We only recommend certifications based on the information you provide; however, HRCI and SHRM make the final determination of exam eligibility.

1. What is your highest level of education? *

High school diploma, GED/equivalent, or associate degree Bachelor's degree Master's degree or higher

For HRCI eligibility, the degree does not need to be in HR.

2. How many completed years of professional-level HR experience do you have? * Professional-level HR work generally includes independent judgment, specialized HR knowledge, decision-making authority, analysis, and accountability for results. Entry-level clerical or assistant duties may not qualify.

3. How many completed years have you performed strategic-level HR duties? * Strategic-level duties may include developing HR strategy, leading enterprise-wide initiatives, aligning people practices with business goals, influencing senior leaders, or shaping policy.

4. Have you held the SHRM-CP credential for at least three years and are you working in, or transitioning to, a strategic-level role? *

Yes No

Part 2: Career Fit and Preference

The remaining questions help identify the certification that best fits your career goals, professional interests, and exam preferences, allowing us to provide a more personalized recommendation.

5. Which best describes your current or most recent HR responsibilities? *

I am entering HR or providing entry-level HR support I independently handle day-to-day HR operations I oversee HR programs and solve complex HR issues I develop HR strategy and influence organizational decisions

6. What are your primary career goals right now? Select up to two. *

Enter the HR field and build foundational knowledge Advance in day-to-day or operational HR roles Move into senior HR leadership or strategic roles Expand my strategic business influence Earn a respected HR credential Build specialized HR expertise

Choose one or two.

7. Which exam style sounds most appealing? *

An exam emphasizing HR laws, regulations, and technical knowledge An exam emphasizing behavioral competencies and workplace situations A balanced mix of technical knowledge and situational judgment

8. An employee reports being treated unfairly by a supervisor. What would you most likely do first? *

Refer to policy or ask a more experienced HR professional for guidance Gather facts, document the issue, and follow established procedures Assess whether broader organizational patterns contributed to the issue Evaluate enterprise risk and recommend strategic or policy changes

9. How would you rate your knowledge and application of U.S. employment laws? *

Beginner: little or no knowledge Working knowledge: understand and sometimes apply major laws Advanced: regularly apply laws to HR decisions Extensive: advise others and manage complex compliance issues

10. How often do you use HR data or business information to influence decisions? *

Rarely or never Occasionally Frequently Regularly influence organization-wide decisions

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