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IMPORTANT! SHRM has moved to a new learning management system (LMS). The process for submitting essays has changed so please see the how-to guide for details.
Please note the book quizzes were replaced with an essay activity beginning January 1, 2021.
Essay activities are free and open to all SHRM-certified professionals.
Review the important essay tips below or read the
FAQs before you start writing.
IMPORTANT! Your essay cannot earn SHRM Certification PDCs unless you have registered for the book's eLearning essay activity. The essay activity registration links are listed below so please follow the link for your book to register through the SHRMStore cart then use the how-to guide to complete the activity.
WRITING
An essay must be about 500 words to meet the activity criteria.
The activity will prompt you to answer the question
"What lessons have you learned by reading this book and how will you apply them in your work?"
Do not write a book review or summary. Instead, focus on how the information has changed or will change your work, professional relationships, career plans, and perspective.
Try to submit your essay as soon as you finish reading the book; books no longer meeting the program criteria are
removed throughout the year.
UPLOAD
Follow the steps in the how-to guide to submit your essay for review by SHRM Books.
IMPORTANT! The essay activity form does not count words, check spelling and grammar, or save draft versions of your writing. To protect against data loss and access text editing features, write and save your work on your own device then copy the text into the form.
EVALUATION
Your essay will be reviewed for length and relevance to the question. There is no evaluation of punctuation or other technical aspects of your writing.
The SHRM Books program will evaluate your essay within 14 calendar days of the date on which it was submitted.
SHRM Books will either accept your essay or contact you directly with any questions.
SHRM Certification may select your essay for auditing and contact you for more information at your time of recertification.
PDCS
Each accepted essay earns three PDCs. If your essay is accepted, self-report the activity to SHRM Certification (follow Step 14 in the how-to guide) to quickly update your PDC history.
QUESTIONS?
Send questions about the essay activity or the Read-for-Certification Credit program to
books@shrm.org.
CONTINUE SCROLLING FOR the essay activity registration links
Books Leaving the Program
Books no longer meeting the program criteria are removed throughout the year. Register now and take up to one year from your registration date to complete the activity.
Books leaving the program on May 31, 2023
Books removed from the program in 2022
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47 Frequently Asked Questions About the Family and Medical Leave Act: With Answers from SHRM’s Knowledge Advisors
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57 Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Safety and Security: With Answers from SHRM’s Knowledge Advisors
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107 Frequently Asked Questions About Staffing Management: With Answers from SHRM's Knowledge Advisors
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California Employment Law: An Employer's Guide, Revised and Updated for 2021
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Defining HR Success: 9 Critical Competencies for HR Professionals
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Diverse Teams at Work: Capitalizing on the Power of Diversity
- Leading the Unleadable: How to Manage Mavericks, Cynics, Divas, and Other Difficult People
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Measuring ROI in Employee Relations and Compliance: Case Studies in Diversity and Inclusion, Engagement, Compliance, and Flexible Working Arrangements
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A Necessary Evil: Managing Employee Activity on Facebook, LinkedIn and the Hundreds of Other Social Media Sites
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The SHRM Essential Guide to Employment Law: A Handbook for HR Professionals, Managers, Businesses, and Organizations, First Edition
- Solving the Compensation Puzzle: Putting Together a Complete Pay and Performance System
- WE: Men, Women, and the Decisive Formula for Winning at Work