Human Resources (HR) professionals play an increasingly crucial role in their organizations. They are instrumental in fostering company cultures, attracting, developing, and retaining talent, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and creating effective strategies for employee engagement and productivity. Therefore, whether you possess years of experience in the field, or are contemplating a career transition into HR, it is essential to be able to showcase your knowledge and competency to employers and peers in this ever-changing field. This is where an SHRM certification can be invaluable.
What Is SHRM?
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is a leading professional human resources association headquartered in the United States. Established in 1948, SHRM has grown into the world’s largest HR membership organization, boasting nearly 340,000 members across 180 countries. Beyond fostering a global community and providing valuable insights, SHRM offers competency-based certifications for HR professionals seeking to demonstrate their expertise.
What Is SHRM Certification?
SHRM Certification is a credential created to validate the competency and knowledge of HR professionals. It confirms their ability to implement policies and strategies, serve as a point-of-contact for staff and stakeholders, deliver HR services, and perform operational HR functions. Rooted in the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (SHRM BASK™), this certification outlines core competencies and essential knowledge for effective HR management.
What Is an SHRM-CP?
A SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) is an HR professional certified by SHRM through the SHRM-CP exam, validating their HR expertise and commitment. SHRM-CP holders show proficiency in operational and strategic HR functions, including employee relations, recruitment, compensation, benefits, and workforce planning.
What Is an SHRM-SCP?
A SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) is designed for seasoned HR professionals at a senior level, focusing on strategic HR decision-making. Those with the SHRM-SCP credentials demonstrate a mastery of HR competencies and leadership skills critical for spearheading initiatives that contribute to organizational success. This certification indicates a more advanced expertise and leadership capability in HR compared to the SHRM-CP.
Is an SHRM Certificate Worth It?
An SHRM certification can offer numerous benefits to HR professionals, including:
- Providing a tangible mark of professional distinction
- Validating expertise and the ability to apply HR practices in everyday situations
- Enhancing one’s professional resume, thereby improving career prospects and potentially leading to higher positions and salaries
- Serving as motivation for continuous learning and development in HR competencies and knowledge areas
- Offering invaluable networking opportunities, connecting individuals with a global network of professionals in their field that they would not otherwise have access to
Who Should Pursue an SHRM Certification?
A SHRM certification is valuable for various HR professionals seeking to enhance their skills, advance their careers, and demonstrate their expertise.
HR Professionals
Individuals currently working in HR roles, such as HR managers, specialists, coordinators, generalists, or administrators, can benefit from obtaining a SHRM certification. HR credentials help validate their competency and demonstrates their commitment to the HR profession.
Aspiring HR Practitioners
Those who aspire to enter the field of HR can use an SHRM certification to establish credibility and showcase their dedication to HR knowledge and practices. It can help them stand out in a competitive job market and increase their chances of securing entry-level HR positions.
Career Changers
Professionals from other fields who are transitioning into HR can use a SHRM certification to demonstrate their transferable skills and commitment to mastering HR principles and practices. It can facilitate their transition and help them gain credibility in their new HR roles.
HR Managers and Directors
Experienced HR managers and directors who seek to advance their careers to higher levels of leadership can benefit from obtaining a SHRM certification. It demonstrates their strategic HR expertise and prepares them for senior-level HR positions.
Consultants and Business Partners
HR consultants, business partners, and advisors who provide HR services to organizations or work with HR departments can enhance their credibility and expertise by obtaining a SHRM certification. It validates their knowledge of HR best practices and strengthens their consulting skills and client retention.
Small Business Owners
Entrepreneurs and small business owners who manage their HR functions can benefit from a SHRM certification to gain a deeper understanding of HR principles and compliance requirements. It equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage their workforce and mitigate HR-related risks.
How To Get Your SHRM Certification
To attain SHRM certification, candidates must fulfill eligibility requirements, schedule their exam in advance, and study to pass the exam.
Eligibility Criteria for SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP Exam
Candidates seeking SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification must meet specific educational and professional experience criteria outlined on the SHRM website. These requirements vary based on the level of higher education attained and the years of HR experience.
SHRM-CP Education and Experience Requirements
The SHRM-CP certification is intended for individuals who perform general HR/HR-related duties, or for currently enrolled students and individuals pursuing a career in Human Resource Management. While a formal HR title or degree isn’t mandatory to apply, a basic working knowledge of HR practices and principles or enrollment in an Academically Aligned program is recommended.
SHRM-SCP Education and Experience Requirements
The SHRM-SCP certification is designed for individuals with experience in performing strategic-level HR or HR-related tasks. You are eligible to apply for the SHRM-SCP certification if:
- 3 years of experience in performing strategic-level HR or HR-related tasks
- You have held the SHRM-CP credential for at least 3 years and are currently working in or transitioning to strategic-level roles
- If you lead HR Operations
It’s important to note that candidates applying for the SHRM-SCP certification are not required to have a formal job title in HR or possess a degree.
Hourly Requirements for the SHRM-SCP
Applicants for the SHRM-SCP must be able to demonstrate that they devoted at least 1,000 hours per calendar year to strategic-level HR/HR-related work. When considering the 1,000-hour requirement for SHRM-SCP applicants, several important factors should be noted:
- The 1,000-hour commitment is assessed on a calendar year basis, spanning from January to December.
- Work hours encompass any time dedicated to strategic-level HR or HR-related tasks, including both direct and indirect efforts.
- Part-time employment is eligible, provided the cumulative hours meet the 1,000-hour threshold within the calendar year.
- Both salaried and hourly positions contribute towards fulfilling the 1,000-hour requirement.
SHRM Exam Details
You may apply for the exams when the application period is open. Once you complete the application process, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter with instructions as to your next steps including how to schedule your exam. It’s crucial to plan and register in advance to ensure you get your preferred testing location and date.
How Hard Is It To Pass the SHRM Exam?
Performance on the SHRM certification exams is measured against passing score standards. Following the administration of the exams, SHRM publishes global pass rates for both the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP. These rates indicate the percentage of examinees who successfully passed their exams. Since summer 2021, pass rates for the SHRM-CP have ranged between 64% and 71%, while pass rates for the SHRM-SCP have ranged between 44% and 54%.
Can I Take the SHRM Exam Remotely?
The SHRM exam can be taken either remotely or in person. If taken remotely, you will have 24/7 live proctoring (before you take the test you must run a System Readiness Check on your computer). For further information on the environment and system requirements of the ProProctor Guide, read the Remote Proctoring FAQs. If you wish to take it in person, you need to book your exam at an in-person testing center.
When Can I Take the SHRM Exam?
The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams are offered during two, 2.5-month-long period windows each year. Details can be found on the SHRM website.
Where Do I Sign Up for the SHRM Exam?
To register for the SHRM exam, you need to schedule your exam ahead of time on the SHRM website. SHRM provides two deadlines: an early bird and a standard deadline, with the early bird deadline typically occurring 1-2 months before the standard deadline.
SHRM Certification Costs
The cost varies depending on if you are a SHRM member. For SHRM members, the Early-Bird Exam Fee is $335, and the Standard Exam Fee is $410. If you are not a member it will cost an additional $100. SHRM offers discounted exam fees for students, corporate, and military personnel. For further details, visit the SHRM website.
Student Eligibility
To qualify for student exam application pricing, students must be currently enrolled in a Human Resource (HR) degree program. Additionally, those aiming to obtain the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential must fulfill the specific criteria established for SHRM-SCP eligibility.
SHRM Exam Tips
While the best way to succeed in achieving your certificate is through a thorough understanding of HR best practices, here are some helpful tips that may give you a leg up on exam day:
- Practice exams under timed conditions to improve your ability to manage the allotted time effectively during the actual exam.
- Use practice exam results to identify and focus your study efforts on areas where improvement is needed.
Understanding the SHRM Exam Format
Familiarizing yourself with the structure of the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam will help you be successful. Both exams have the same exact format.
- 134 questions long: 80 are knowledge items, 54 are situational-judgment items.
- Stand-alone knowledge-based items: these assess your knowledge and understanding of factual information,
- Scenario-based situational judgment items: these assess your judgment and decision-making skills.
- There are also 24 field-test items that are used to understand a question’s effectiveness. These questions are randomly mixed into your test and don’t count towards your score.
- Questions are divided up roughly 50% into the following:
- The three behavioral competency clusters: Leadership, Interpersonal, and Business.
- The three HR knowledge domains: People, Organization, and Workplace.
Further details on the exam composition can be found on the SHRM website. Find them here for the SHRM-CP exam, and here for the SHRM-SCP exam.
Exam Preparation
Successful certification requires thorough preparation. SHRM offers various resources, including the SHRM Learning System, an official prep course that covers the entire SHRM BASK™. This comprehensive system includes learning modules, practice exams, and a SHRM-certified instructor-led course, available both in-person and online, to fit different learning styles and schedules. See the section “Resources for SHRM Certification” below for more information.
How Long Does It Take To Study for a SHRM Exam?
Most candidates spend several months preparing for the exam. SHRM offers resources, which can be found below, to assist in exam preparation. The recommended study time is typically 60-100 hours, depending on your familiarity with the material and the HR field.
Resources for Your SHRM Certification
Several resources are available to support individuals on their journey to achieving SHRM Certification. These tools are designed to cater to diverse learning styles and schedules, ensuring that every candidate has access to the preparation materials they need to succeed.
SHRM Learning System
The SHRM Learning System is the official preparation material provided by SHRM. It encompasses an array of resources including books, online resources, and interactive tools, all structured around the comprehensive SHRM BASK™ framework. This system is tailored to offer a deep dive into the competencies and areas of knowledge essential for success in HR roles.
Instructor-Led Courses
Offered both in-person and online, these courses are led by SHRM-certified instructors and provide a structured learning environment. They offer a unique opportunity for candidates to engage directly with instructors and peers, facilitating a collaborative and interactive learning experience.
SHRM Certification Preparation Workshops
Designed to demystify the exam for candidates, these workshops focus on understanding the structure and content of the exam, developing effective study strategies, and enhancing test-taking skills through practice questions.
SHRM Certification Exam Preparation Resources
To further aid in preparation, SHRM offers a suite of tailored resources, including study guides, flashcards, and practice questions, aimed at equipping candidates with the knowledge and confidence needed to tackle the certification exam successfully.
SHRM Certification Handbook
This handbook is an invaluable resource for anyone pursuing SHRM Certification, offering detailed information about the certification process, from eligibility requirements to exam content, policies, and procedures. It serves as a comprehensive guide to navigate through the certification journey.
SHRM Certification Resources for Military Members
Recognizing the unique contributions and needs of military members and veterans, SHRM provides specialized resources to support their certification journey. This includes exam fee reimbursement and study materials specifically tailored to assist military personnel in achieving their SHRM Certification goals.
SHRM Certification FAQs
SHRM offers an extensive list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to certification, covering topics such as eligibility, exam registration, and recertification requirements.
SHRM Certification Online Community
SHRM provides an online community where candidates can connect with other certification candidates, share study tips and resources, and ask questions related to the certification process.
How Do I Maintain My SHRM Certification?
Maintaining SHRM certification requires ongoing professional development and adherence to recertification requirements. Here’s how to maintain SHRM certification:
Meet Recertification Requirements
SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP holders must earn 60 PDCs within their three-year recertification period to maintain their certification. At least 15 of these PDCs must be earned in the domain of HR knowledge, with the remaining PDCs coming from any HR-related competency area.
Earn Professional Development Credits (PDCs)
SHRM-certified professionals must earn a specified number of professional development credits (PDCs) within a three-year recertification period. PDCs can be earned through a variety of activities, such as:
- Attending conferences
- Completing educational programs
- Participating in webinars
- Volunteering
- Publishing HR-related articles
Report PDCs
Certified professionals are responsible for tracking and reporting their PDCs through the SHRM Certification Portal. They must accurately document the date, activity title, provider, and PDC value for each activity completed.
Submit Recertification Application
Prior to the end of their recertification period, certified professionals must submit a recertification application through the SHRM Certification Portal. The application requires documentation of the PDCs earned during the recertification period, along with any applicable fees.
Pay Recertification Fee
Certified professionals are required to pay a recertification fee at the time of submitting their recertification application. The fee covers administrative costs associated with processing the application and maintaining certification status.
Conclusion
SHRM Certification is a valuable asset for HR professionals aiming to enhance their knowledge, skills, and career prospects. By meeting the eligibility criteria, thoroughly preparing for the exam with resources like the SHRM Learning System, and successfully passing the certification exam, HR professionals can achieve SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification, marking them as experts in the field of human resource management. Beyond the initial certification, maintaining those credentials through continuous learning and professional development ensures that SHRM-certified professionals remain at the cutting edge of HR practices, contributing significantly to their organizations’ success and their own professional growth.
