CIPD vs SHRM: Which one is better?

Feature	CIPD	SHRM
Base Location	UK	US
Recognition	Widely recognised in the UK, Europe, and Middle East	Highly recognised in the USA and North America
Focus	UK and international HR legislation and practices	US labour laws and HR frameworks
Levels	Level 3 (Foundation), Level 5 (Associate), Level 7 (Advanced)	SHRM-CP (Certified Professional), SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional)
Ideal for	Professionals working or planning to work in the UK or globally	Professionals working primarily in the USA
Employer preference (UK)	High	Moderate
Online study options	Yes – flexible and supported	Yes – largely self-directed

 

CIPD vs SHRM: Pros and cons 

CIPD Pros: 

• Recognised and preferred by UK and international employers 

• Qualifications structured by level (ideal for all experience levels) 

• Strong professional community and continuous CPD 

• Accredited learning providers like MOL offer flexible online study 

CIPD Cons: 

• More UK-focused – less relevant for US-based professionals 

SHRM Pros: 

• Globally known and respected, particularly in North America 

• Strong emphasis on strategic HR leadership 

SHRM Cons: 

• Less recognised in the UK 

• Focuses on US employment law and HR structures 

• Limited local relevance for UK career progression 

Which qualification do employers prefer? 

In the UK, CIPD is regarded as the gold standard of HR practice. It’s the most commonly requested qualification in UK HR job adverts, particularly for roles at HR Advisor, Business Partner, and HR Director level. 

Many international employers also value CIPD accreditation, especially in Europe and the Middle East, while SHRM is more recognised across the United States. 

For anyone pursuing an HR career in the UK or with global organisations that have UK operations, CIPD is the preferred and more strategic choice. 

Is CIPD better than SHRM? 

In the UK job market, CIPD is considered better than SHRM due to its alignment with UK employment law, people management standards, and professional frameworks. 

CIPD accreditation increases your credibility and career opportunities in the UK and internationally. In contrast, SHRM certification is best suited for professionals based in the US or those working for US-based companies. 

I’ve taught HR professionals studying both CIPD and SHRM, and the key difference lies in practical application. CIPD learners gain real-world skills directly relevant to UK workplaces, making them immediately employable.

Emma, MOL HR Tutor 

CIPD is recognised in the UK and internationally  

In the UK, CIPD is regarded as the gold standard of HR practice. However, it’ is also internationally respected and recognised as a highly -regarded qualification for HR professionals.   

This means, if you’ve completed a CIPD course, you have access to HR positions internationally and are not only limited to UK-based roles. CIPD is also often the preferred qualification for recruiters in the Middle East.   

CIPD accreditation increases your career development   

Although CIPD accreditation isn’t a legal requirement for employment in HR or L&D roles, many employers in the UK and internationally favour those with CIPD qualifications.   

In fact, some of the biggest companies, like BMW and Santander, have asked for CIPD-qualified candidates in their job listings. This is because CIPD is recognised as the leading provider of HR qualifications, in line with best HR practices in the UK.  

Plus, key findings from CIPD show that between 2022 and 2023, HR professionals with a CIPD qualification earned an average of 12% more than those without!  

Although SHRM is highly regarded in the US, it’ is not as highly -regarded as CIPD in the UK. This means that those with CIPD accreditation have a competitive edge over those with a SHRM qualification in the UK and are more likely to advance their careers.   

CIPD qualifications significantly increase your chances of securing senior HR roles, as they solidify your knowledge and experience, and prove your competency as a successful candidate.   

CIPD offers a range of levels  

CIPD offers a range of qualifications for all progression levels. This includes:  

• CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate,   

• CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma  

• CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma.   

These qualifications have core units that encompass a wide range of topics, such as strategic people management and development, work and working lives, personal effectiveness ethics and business acumen, professional behaviours and valuing people and much more.   

They’ll give you the skills, experience and knowledge they need to become well-rounded HR professionals. Although SHRM provides training courses, they’re not as tailored to UK-based best practices as CIPD.   

This means if you’re wanting a career in HR in the UK, you may not develop the relevant skills, experience, and knowledge if you do a SHRM course.   

Unlike SHRM, you can gain a CIPD qualification at different levels depending on how much experience you have had. This means anyone looking to get started with a career in HR can gain a CIPD qualification to boost their employability and enter an exciting career.  

CIPD Levels Explained 

Want to learn more about the CIPD levels? Look no further:  

CIPD Level 3  

If you're new to HR or looking for an entry-level qualification, CIPD Level 3 is the ideal starting point. It covers fundamental HR principles, employment law, and workplace best practices, helping you gain the knowledge required for junior HR roles.  

CIPD Level 5  

If you’ve got some HR experience, CIPD Level 5 will give you a deeper understanding of people management, talent acquisition, and organisational development. This intermediate-level course is perfect for any HR professional looking to step into managerial roles.  

CIPD Level 7  

If you're aiming for senior HR positions, CIPD Level 7 is the most advanced qualification available. Equivalent to a master’s degree, this course focuses on strategic HR management, business leadership, and high-level decision-making in HR.  

CIPD vs SHRM: Salary Comparison in the UK 

While figures vary by experience and location, CIPD-qualified professionals in the UK typically earn higher salaries than those with SHRM certification.