Demand for HR-related skills is trending up. There was a 406% increase in consumption of HR content on Udemy from 2019 to 2020. And it’s not just about building essential people management skills. HR pros often seek validation through certification programs. Payscale found that 34% of HR professionals hold at least one certification.

There are a few major players in the HR certification space. The Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) offer certification programs. Both the SHRM and HRCI certifications involve investing a significant amount of time and dedication in upskilling yourself. But pays off in the long run. HR pros who have certifications see a 31% pay boost to their salaries. Here’s what every HR professional needs to know about the top HR certifications.

SHRM certifications: SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP What are the certifications? SHRM offers two certifications: SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

What does it cover? The SHRM-CP exam is for more junior HR professionals who implement policies and strategies, serve as the point of contact for staff and stakeholders, deliver HR services, and perform operational HR functions. The SHRM-SCP exam is for senior HR professionals who develop strategies, lead their company’s HR function, foster influence in the community, analyze performance metrics, and align HR strategies to organizational goals.

What are the requirements? Each of the SHRM exams requires a specific combination of educational and work experience. You can find a detailed guide to the requirements on SHRM’s eligibility criteria page.

How long is it valid? After you pass the exam, the certification is valid for three years. To keep the certification valid, you must either earn 60 professional development credits (through activities like attending webinars or volunteering) or re-take the exam before the end of that three-year period.

How much does it cost? The standard price for the exam is $375 for SHRM members and $475 for non-members. There are various discounts including ones for members of the military and early-bird sign-ups.