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.
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.
Please note the book quizzes were replaced with an essay activity beginning January 1, 2021.
REGISTRATION
Important! Your essay cannot earn SHRM Certification PDCs unless you have registered for the book's eLearning essay activity through the link provided below. Please register now.
All book essay activities in eLearning are free. The registration process requires that you add the activity to your cart and check out but the price is zero and you will NOT be charged for the registration.
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
If your essay is accepted, your recertification record will be updated within 10 calendar days with the three PDCs earned for this activity.
If you prefer to self-report the activity to SHRM Certification after acceptance, follow Step 11 in the
how-to guide.
QUESTIONS?
Send questions about the essay activity or the Read-for-Certification Credit program to
books@shrm.org.