Earning Your SHRM Certification
A SHRM Certification validates your expertise in people strategy and positions you as a trusted leader in today’s evolving workplace. It signals to employers that you have the knowledge and real-world skills to drive business success through effective talent and workplace practices.
Take the next step in advancing your HR career with a SHRM Certification. Get started today to build in-demand skills, gain industry recognition, and position yourself for new opportunities.
Start Your HR Certification Journey
The SHRM Certification Handbook is the primary source of information for SHRM certification, providing everything you need to navigate, understand, and successfully complete the certification process — from eligibility and application through exam preparation and participation.
SHRM Certification Process
Confirm your readiness: Commit. Devote time to thoroughly prepare. Secure funding and support. Energize yourself and proceed ahead with the 5 simple steps below.
1. Decide On a SHRM Certification
- Select the right SHRM exam through SHRM Certification Exam Preview practice question offerings; it’s the most important decision you will make.
- Confirm you meet the SHRM eligibility criteria to determine your appropriate exam level, either the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP.
2. Prepare for Your Exam
- Start by studying the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge® (SHRM BASK®).
- Evaluate the SHRM Cert Prep System options, including self-study, instructor-led or team-preparation options.
- Find a local SHRM chapter and join a study group.
3. Apply and Schedule Your Exam
- Apply for the exam during an open application window.
- Arrange testing accommodations, if needed.
- Schedule your exam at a Prometric test center.
4. Take the Exam
- Plan your travel and parking arrangements in advance; arrive on time for your scheduled exam appointment.
- Review the SHRM-Prometric Certification Testing Rules to find out what to expect on test day.
5. Recertify Your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP
- Recertify your credential every three years from the date you become certified.
- Recertify with Professional Development Credits (PDCs) or by re-taking the exam.
SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP
Choose between SHRM-CP, tailored for HR professionals in operational roles, and SHRM-SCP, designed for those in strategic senior-level positions.
SHRM-CP: Certified Professional
Ideal for HR professionals engaged in day-to-day operations or those pursuing a career in Human Resources.
- Focus: HR operations, policy execution, and employee support
- Eligibility: No degree/experience needed; ideal for early-career professionals
SHRM-SCP: Senior Certified Professional
Designed for senior HR professionals leading strategic initiatives and aligning HR strategies with organizational goals.
- Focus: Strategic HR, policy development, and enterprise planning
- Eligibility: 3+ years in strategic HR or SHRM-CP held for 3 years
Unsure which certification aligns with your career goals? Take the self-assessment.
Exam Fees
Earning your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential makes you a recognized expert and leader in the HR field.
- Early Bird Pricing
- Standard Pricing
Early Bird Exam Rates include a $50 nonrefundable application fee.
| Fee Type | SHRM Member Pricing | Nonmember Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| SHRM-CP | $350 | $450 |
| SHRM-SCP | $350 | $450 |
| Student Exam Fee | $150 | $250 |
| Military Exam Fee | $320 | $420 |
Student and Military eligibility requirements can be found here.
Standard exam rates include a $50 nonrefundable application fee and $49 nonrefundable standard deadline fee.
| Fee Type | SHRM Member Pricing | Nonmember Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| SHRM-CP | $399 | $499 |
| SHRM-SCP | $399 | $499 |
| Student Exam Fee | $199 | $299 |
| Military Exam Fee | $369 | $469 |
Student and Military eligibility requirements can be found here.
Corporate Exam Fees
| Number of Exams | Pricing |
|---|---|
| 5-9 Exams | $374 |
| 10-19 Exams | $349 |
| 20-39 Exams | $324 |
| 40-74 Exams | $299 |
| 75-149 | $274 |
| 150+ Exams | $249 |
Other Fees
Exam Transfer Fee: $150
Subject to an additional $45 or $60 appointment cancellation fee payable to Prometric when applicable.
Reset fee: $100
Retest Exam Fee: Full exam fee
Results Review Fee: $100
Testing Windows
The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams are offered during two windows each year. When applying for the exam, you must apply during the application period that coincides with your testing window. Applications must be received by the standard deadline for each window.
Test Window 1: May 1 - Jul 15, 2026
Early Bird Application Period
January 5, 2026 - April 30, 2026
Standard Application Period
May 1, 2026 - May 29, 2026
Test Window 2: Dec. 1, 2026 - Feb. 15, 2027
Early Bird Application Period
June 3, 2026 - August 31, 2026
Standard Application Period
Sept. 1, 2026 - Dec. 24, 2026
Benefits of SHRM Certification
Earning your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential makes you a recognized expert and leader in the HR field.
Enhance Your HR Expertise
HR professionals who earn the SHRM Certification report significantly higher levels of credibility as HR professionals.
Advance Your HR Career
HR professionals who earn a SHRM certification report it was a key factor in their career advancement.
Increase Your Earning Potential
Those who earn the SHRM Certification report earning salaries 14% to 15% higher than peers who have not earned the SHRM Certification.*
*2022 SHRM HR Careers Study
Demonstrate Your Commitment
SHRM Certified HR pros report significantly higher levels of career success, respect from colleagues and commitment to the HR profession.
Earning my SHRM-CP landed me a job with a Fortune 500 company less than a month after earning my certification.
SHRM Certification FAQs
For more SHRM Certification FAQs, please navigate here.
As part of SHRM’s 65-year commitment to growing and advancing the HR profession, we continuously evaluate our education and resources to ensure that we are meeting the needs of today’s HR professionals. This commitment inspired the development of the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certifications.
The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certifications are built upon the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK), formerly SHRM BoCK. The SHRM BASK is based on extensive global research that included employers, academics, and practicing HR professionals at all levels. It defines the standards for knowledge, strategies, and competencies required of HR professionals around the world.
To maintain this industry-leading level of excellence and relevancy in our ever-evolving profession, SHRM continuously monitors the HR landscape to identify opportunities to enhance and refine the SHRM BASK and certification programs.
View the eligibility requirements. Contact us if you have additional questions. A job description(s) may be requested in order for us to determine your eligibility.
Eligibility requirements to sit for either of the SHRM exams must be met at the time you apply for the exam.
Built upon the SHRM BASK framework, which doubles as the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exam blueprint, the SHRM Certification Prep System is the most comprehensive resource for SHRM certification exam preparation.
SHRM Certification Prep+ is ideal for those who benefit from a structured, guided experience with a live, SHRM-certified instructor. Offered year-round in classroom, virtual, and hybrid formats, SHRM Certification Prep+ includes the SHRM Certification Prep System. The curriculum is grounded in the SHRM BASK®, reinforced by the SHRM Certification Prep System, and delivered in an engaging, interactive learning environment that promotes accountability and knowledge retention.
The self-study option is ideal for those who prefer to learn on their own schedule or who are on a budget.
SHRM "Certification Exam Previews" offer unique practice question sets which simulate the SHRM exam experience with precision to make sure you are applying for and taking the right exam; strengthening your decision-making skills, building your confidence, through variations of offerings including: half-length SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams, "pick the right exam" with Situational Judgment Item previews, and SHRM BASK content-domain packages to offer a deep immersive practice question experience.
Taking the exam that best aligns with your knowledge and experience is the strongest predictor of exam success.
SHRM-CP exam covers day-to-day operational HR knowledge and competencies, where as the SHRM-SCP exam content is aligned around strategic-level HR knowledge and competencies.
Examinee performance on the certification exams is measured against pre-determined standards (or passing score standards) using methods that are common for prominent testing programs. The SHRM-CP standard is the expected level of competency and knowledge for HR professionals who perform operational work. The SHRM-SCP standard is the expected level of competency and knowledge for HR professionals who perform strategic work.
The passing scores for the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams are reported as scaled scores. The range of possible scores is 120 to 200. All candidates who pass one of the exams receive a maximum score of 200.
Global Exam rates are as follows:
SHRM-CP: 69%
SHRM-SCP: 52%
SHRM membership is not required, but members enjoy lower pricing!
In order to receive member pricing, a candidate must be a SHRM Member® at the time of application. If you were a member at the time of application, but are not seeing the member pricing, please contact us so we may adjust your account to reflect your SHRM membership. You will then be able to reapply to receive the member pricing.
The SHRM exams are administered via computer-based testing by SHRM’s test delivery vendor, Prometric, at one of their testing centers. Once your application is complete, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter via e-mail. This letter will include your Eligibility ID that you will need when you contact Prometric to schedule your exam appointment. Go to prometric.com/shrm or call 888.736.0134 to schedule your exam appointment.
Yes, the SHRM exams are also available in Arabic and Korean, only available in a Prometric test center (in-person). To support candidates from South Korea and Arabic-speaking countries taking the translated language exams, SHRM has also translated the SHRM BASK into Arabic and Korean.
To take the exam in Arabic, you must reside in one of the following countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, UAE, Western Sahara, Syria, Iraq*, Lebanon*, Libya*, Somalia*, Sudan*, Yemen*
Note: Individuals living in South Korea, or in a designated Arabic-speaking country will be assigned the translated test form, but have the option of taking the English version of the SHRM exams upon making a request in writing to a shrmcertification@shrm.org.
*These countries are subject to U.S. OFAC restrictions and must go through a prescreening process before applying for the exam. Please refer to SHRM’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Program Delivery policy for additional information.
SHRM is fully committed to ensuring access to the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certification examinations, as well as providing modifications to our certification and recertification policies, for all individuals with disabilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (or the Canadian/Australian equivalent). SHRM provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with documented disabilities who demonstrate a need for special accommodations. Requests for special accommodations are inherently individualized and considered on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, no single type of accommodation will be appropriate for all individuals with disabilities.
To request special accommodations, the individual seeking an accommodation must indicate their need for accommodations on their exam application, complete the accommodations request form, and have a qualified licensed professional complete the Professional Evaluation.
For individuals who apply for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP via the SHRM Store, a credit card payment is required at the time of application. Corporate delegations may pay by check, money order, ACH or wire transfer. Please work with your SHRM contact for corporate delegations to arrange payment.
SHRM will randomly audit a percentage of applications during each testing window. Candidates will be responsible for providing the requested supporting documentation to verify their years of HR experience and degree obtained (if applicable). SHRM’s practice is not to contact employers or educational institutions to obtain verification documentation on the candidate’s behalf. Failure to comply with the audit, and/or falsification or misrepresentation of requested information, will result in denial of the application and/or revocation of the authorization to test. Candidates subject to audit will be notified by e-mail and will have 10 business days to respond. Once selected for audit, candidates will be required to satisfy the audit requirements before being able to continue with the certification process. Failure to comply with the audit will result in forfeiting all fees. Additionally, a candidate who does not comply with the audit will be subject to audit if reapplying for a future testing window.
For questions or technical support, please contact certification@shrm.org or 1-800-283-7476.