Which is better, shrm or CIPD?

February 17, 2025

2 minutes

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The choice between SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) and CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) depends on your location, career goals, and industry. Here’s a direct comparison to help you decide:

Geographic Influence

Factor	SHRM	CIPD
Primary base	USA	UK
Global recognition	Strong in North America and globally accepted	Strong in UK, Europe, Middle East, and parts of Asia
Employer preference	Preferred by US-based companies	Preferred by UK and multinational European companies

Qualifications & Levels

Aspect	SHRM-CP / SHRM-SCP	CIPD Level 3 / 5 / 7
Certification type	Professional certification	Accredited qualifications
Entry levels	SHRM-CP (early/mid), SHRM-SCP (senior)	Level 3 (beginner), 5 (mid), 7 (postgrad/senior)
Academic style	More exam-based	Coursework + assessments

Career Goals

Goal	Better Choice
Work in the US	SHRM
Work in the UK or Europe	CIPD
International HR career	Either – SHRM for certification, CIPD for depth
Academic progression (e.g., Master’s)	CIPD Level 7 aligns better
Shorter, exam-based route	SHRM

Cost & Time

Factor	SHRM	CIPD
Cost	Typically lower	Can be higher depending on provider
Time	3-6 months prep	6–18 months (Level 5/7)

Final Recommendation:

Choose SHRM if you want a globally respected HR certification that’s fast to complete and especially valuable in the U.S. or multinational firms.
Choose CIPD if you’re in or targeting Europe, the UK, or the Middle East, or want a deeper, academic, qualification-based HR route.