If you’re thinking of completing an HR certification, cost is likely a key factor in your decision-making process. With a wide variety of HR certifications available, it can be difficult to find an option that’s not just budget-friendly but also worth the investment, especially since HR certification costs can vary greatly.
This article explores why HR certification matters, how much an HR certification can cost, how to choose the right program for you, and how to potentially reduce your costs with funding options.
Contents
Why is an HR certification important?
What are the HR certification costs you can expect?
What does an AIHR Certificate Program cost?
How do you choose the right HR certification?
A simple HR certification decision checklist
How do you reduce or avoid HR certification costs altogether?
Key takeaways
- Gaining an HR certification enhances skills, knowledge and credibility, demonstrates commitment to professional growth, and boosts career opportunities and earning power.
- HR certification cost varies widely depending on the provider, certification type, membership status, and learning format.
- The right HR certification depends on your career stage, goals, and preferred learning style.
- Funding options include employer support, grants, military benefits, membership discounts, and financial aid from platforms like edX and Harvard Online.
Why should you get an HR certification?
Completing an HR certificate program can benefit both current professionals and those trying to break into the HR field in many ways, such as improving credibility with employers. For instance, many HR jobs (especially senior roles) require specific certifications, and employers tend to see certified professionals as more credible, which boosts employability.
HR certificate completion also demonstrates commitment to development by showing you’re serious about your professional growth and continuous improvement, which are crucial when preparing for future leadership roles. Certification can also boost your salary prospects and advance your career by making you more suitable for high-level positions like HRBP.
The right program helps you develop the knowledge, skills, and practical experience that enable you to contribute more to your organization and increase your confidence at work. Some programs even help you build your professional network through memberships and access to industry experts, industry events, and online HR communities.
What are the HR certification costs you can expect?
How much does an HR certification cost? Program fees vary widely from one provider to another, with factors like membership, learning materials, exam format, and length of study all playing a role. Let’s explore some of the most popular HR certifications and their associated costs.
SHRM certification cost
Costs at a glance
- SHRM-CP: $495 (members) / $595 (non-members
- SHRM-SCP: $595 (members) / $695 (non-members)
- U.S.: $299 (one year) / $538 (two years) / $762 (three years)
- Global: $118 (one year)
- Includes $100 off fees for each exam
$1,020 (members) / $1,330 non-members)
Exam fees for the SHRM-CP start from $495 for members and $595 for non-members, while fees for the SHRM-SCP start from $595 (for members) and $695 (for non-members). SHRM offers SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams during two windows each year.
Membership is optional, starting at $118 per year for those outside the U.S. and $299 per year for anyone based within the U.S. The membership price also includes $100 in savings on every SHRM certification, as well as a discount on recertification fees.
SHRM also offers a Learning System, which costs $1,330 for non-members and $1,020 for members. Considered “the most trusted resource” for SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exam preparation, it contains expert-developed content and interactive study tools.
HR tip
All-in access vs. per-certificate pricing: Many HR certification providers charge per exam or program. With AIHR, a single payment gives you 12 months of unlimited access to 16+ certificate programs — plus new releases.
- No surprise exam fees
- No hidden recertification costs
- Flexible payment plans
Recertification
Once certified, your certification cycle will end three years later, on the last day of your birth month. From this point, you will have two months to get recertified before your certification is revoked. The regular recertification processing fee is $165 for members and $210 for non-members; you must pay this fee before your recertification cycle ends.
If you miss this deadline, the late recertification fee is $240 for members and $285 for non-members. It applies only within the two-month window after your recertification cycle ends, and before your certification is revoked.
Grants and subsidies
The SHRM Foundation distributes over $200,000 in grants each year to SHRM members seeking their SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification. These can help to cover the exam and Learning System fee for members. The SHRMA also offers a local chapter scholarship to one of its members each year. Check out its website to determine your eligibility.
HRCI certification cost
Costs at a glance
-
aPHR: $300
-
PHR: $395
-
SPHR: $495
$100 per exam
- One recertification: $169
- Each additional recertification after that: $50
- Late submission fee: $100
HRCI charges a $100 application fee per exam, and its exam fees vary depending on the credential — $300 for aPHR, $395 for PHR, and $495 for SPHR. HRCI waives the application fee for service members, veterans, and their spouses, and many of its credentials are eligible for VA reimbursement.
Some associations offer small discounts on HRCI exams; you can find out more on the HRCI promotions page.
Recertification
HRCI certifications have a three-year cycle. Its current recertification fees are $169 for one recertification and $50 for each additional recertification after that. You have 12 months after the end of each cycle to recertify. If your certification is suspended due to a late submission, you must pay a $100 late fee in addition to the existing recertification fees.
Once your certification enters suspended status, you have a 12-month grace period to complete your recertification requirements and pay the standard fees. Do note that you cannot verify your certification while it’s suspended.
HCI certification cost
Costs at a glance
$1,995 to $2,795 each
- $595 (one year)
- $995 (two years)
- $1,295 (three years); includes 20% off certificate programs, events and HCA
Varies from one certification to another (may be covered by premium membership)
HCI offers a range of skills-focused HR certificate programs, all with varying fees. For example, its Coaching for Engagement & Performance Course costs $1,995, and most of its programs range from $1,995 to $2,800 each. Other certificate programs it offers include Strategic HR Leadership, People Analytics for HR, and Employment Law & Compliance.
Like HRCI and SHRM, HCI has a three-year certification cycle. Many of its programs also offer HRCI, SHRM, or ATD recertification credits that count toward continuing education (60+ credits are required).
With HCI’s premium membership, which starts at $595 per year, you can get a 20% discount on its certification programs, events, and Human Capital Academy.
Start HR upskilling without breaking the bank
If you’re looking for an HR certificate program that can boost your skills and knowledge while staying within budget, check out AIHR’s Full Academy Access.
Here’s what you get:
✅ Unlimited access to all HR certificate programs, including new releases
✅ The flexibility that comes with 100% online and self-paced learning
✅ Skills in HR strategy, analytics, L&D, talent management, AI, and more
🎓 Choose the most valuable HR certificate path — the one that adapts to your goals.
What does an AIHR Certificate Program cost?
Costs at a glance
$1,125 per certificate program
- 12-month access: $1,850
- one-time payment / $499
- quarterly payment / $185
- monthly payment; 20% discount possible
Lifetime access: $3,500 one-time payment
AIHR offers online self-paced, globally accredited HR courses and certificate programs that cover a wide range of areas, including artificial Intelligence for HR, people analytics, and learning & development (L&D).
Pricing for one certificate program is $1,125, while Full Academy Access offers 12-month access to all 16 programs (including any future ones) for a one-time payment of $1,850. You’ll also get the additional benefits of an expert community and support, extra mini courses, 300+ downloadable templates, weekly webinars with industry experts, and personal coaching.
If you’re on a budget or simply prefer not to pay the full amount in one go, you can opt for a quarterly instalment plan of $499 per payment or a monthly plan of $185 per payment. You may also be able to get 20% off one-year access. On the other hand, if you’re willing and able to dive right in and commit, you can get a lifetime membership for $3,500.
The main benefit of a fully online HR certification is that you can study around your existing responsibilities and take as much or as little time as you like to complete it. Another benefit of HR’s Full Academy Access is that it allows you to explore multiple aspects of HR in a deeper way, so you can discover which areas interest you most and develop your career path accordingly.
Did you know?
AIHR certificate programs are globally recognized and may be eligible for SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs), as well as HRCI recertification credits.
How do you choose the right HR certification?
With so many options available and different price points, how do you choose the right HR certificate program for you? It’s not just the HR certification cost that matters. Your career stage, aspirations, and preferred learning format should all inform your decision.
Where are you in your career?
If you’re trying to break into HR or have just begun your HR career, we recommend opting for the aPHR (HRCI), TMI’s Talent Management Practitioner (TMP) Certification, or a targeted AIHR certificate program relevant to the area of HR you wish to enter. For example, if you want to be a Benefits Administrator, the Compensation & Benefits Certificate Program is perfect for you.
If you’re currently an experienced HR Generalist or looking to move into a business partner role, the SHRM-CP or PHR could be more beneficial. You could also consider an HCI skills program (for example, the Strategic HR Business Partner Certification) or AIHR’s HR Business Partner 2.0 Certificate Program.
Those already in a senior or leadership role may find the SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CPTD ,and GTML HR certifications, as well as HCI’s strategic programs, more suitable for them.
How do you prefer to learn?
Some HR certification providers offer exam-based credentials (e.g., the SHRM, HRCI, and ATD), while others provide program-based certificates (AIHR, HCI, and TMI). The type you choose will depend on your learning style and career goals.
For instance, some prefer to memorize large amounts of information and complete exams that validate their mastery. Others find the pressure of exams overwhelming and like to build their skills through projects and written assignments. Consider what learning environment suits you best and choose an HR certificate program that aligns with your needs.
What’s the best return on investment?
It’s essential not just to consider the one-off HR certification cost, but also any associated costs, including preparation, recertification, your time commitment, the recognition of the certification in your industry, and the transferability of the credits you’ll gain.
For instance, if you have a full-time 9-to-5 job and only have evenings or weekends available for studying, an accredited, self-paced online course that allows for flexible learning and provides 12-month access might be the best option. A good example is AIHR’s certificate programs, which are all online, self-paced, and accredited.
HR tip
Need flexibility? Learn on your own schedule: AIHR programs are entirely self-paced and designed for busy professionals. Whether you have evenings, weekends, or flexible hours, you can learn at your own speed and build skills that move your career forward.
A simple HR certification decision checklist
Ask these questions to understand what it is you are looking for in an HR certification
✔ Does this certification help me move towards the role I want?
✔ Does it provide the required credentials for the role I want?
✔ Does the required study time fit into my schedule?
✔ Does the HR certification cost and payment plan fit into my budget?
✔ Does the time taken to complete the certification match my career timeline?
HR tip
Does your company lack an L&D budget? Don’t worry — AIHR has developed helpful tips on how you can go about asking your organization to expense your courses and certificate programs
How do you reduce or avoid HR certification costs altogether?
There are various ways for HR professionals to obtain subsidies or have their HR certification costs fully covered. Let’s explore these options.
- Employer funding: Many organizations offer tuition assistance and professional development budgets to help their employees upskill, which is tied to business outcomes.
- SHRM grants and chapter scholarships: The SHRM Foundation offers grants, and local chapters also provide reimbursements.
- HRCI military benefits: If you are a service member, veteran, or military spouse serving in the armed forces, your HRCI application fee is waived. There’s also VA reimbursement that could mean you pay nothing out of pocket.
- HCI membership savings: HCI offers 20% off all certification programs to Premium members.
- General learning platforms: If you lack the budget for an online HR certification, consider using edX financial assistance (for up to 90% off verified certificates) and limited LinkedIn Learning free access/trials to build skills and earn interim certificates. Although these are not SHRM/HRCI credentials, they can support your preparation for certification and aid in your professional development.
- Harvard discounts and financial assistance: Past participants can benefit from discounted enrollment in future courses, while learners working in nonprofit, military, and/or education fields can receive discounted rates on select programs. Different discounts apply to various courses on the edX platform, the GetSmarter platform, and Harvard online courses.
To sum up
HR certification costs vary from one organization to another and increases in line with your seniority level, course comprehensiveness, and accreditation. However, you can reduce this cost through membership, grants and subsidies, or employer sponsorship.
Consider your career path and the HR certification that will be most valuable to you as you progress through the ranks. Remember to be realistic with your existing commitments, the time you can afford to invest, and the program that will best suit your lifestyle and career goals.
