SHRM certification is the only HR certification offered by the world's largest HR membership organization. It is the only competency-based HR certification focused on the knowledge and behaviors needed to be proficient in the HR profession. As the industry leader in HR professional development, SHRM supports more than 100,000 employers, representing 140 million employees worldwide.
Your Mark of HR Excellence
SHRM Certification
Early bird pricing ends Sept. 12 — this is your last chance to save $75 on exam fees!
It's time to prove you're prepared for the pivotal role an HR leader plays in transforming the workplace.
The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certifications measure your ability to apply HR principles to real-life situations. No other HR certification compares.
Universally Applicable
The best HR certification is the one that sets you apart from the crowd. The SHRM-CP® and SHRM-SCP® are recognized and valued by employers in all industries as the premier human resources certifications.
Flexible Online Learning
Study on your own or with an instructor and earn your HR certification online with remote or in-person testing.
Competency-Based
This first-ever behavioral competency-based HR certification focuses on the core set of competencies and knowledge outlined in the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge® (SHRM BASK®).
Backed By SHRM
SHRM certification is the only HR certification offered by the world's largest HR membership organization. As the industry leader in HR professional development, SHRM has supported more than 100,000 employers representing 140 million employees worldwide.
Benefits of SHRM Certification
Earning your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential makes you a recognized expert and leader in the HR field.
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Enhance Your HR Expertise
HR professionals who earn the SHRM Certification report significantly higher levels of credibility as HR professionals.
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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.
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Advance Your HR Career
HR professionals who earn a SHRM certification report it was a key factor in their career advancement.
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Demonstrate Your Commitment
SHRM Certified HR pros report significantly higher levels of career success, respect from colleagues and commitment to the HR profession.
How to Select the Right SHRM Exam
Did you know 1 in 5 SHRM testers selects the wrong exam based on their experience and knowledge?
The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP are based on the SHRM BASK® but the exams test HR competencies and knowledge differently. Enhance your confidence and chances of success on test day by:
Review the Eligibility Criteria
Before testing for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exams, you must meet the respective eligibility criteria, respectively, to ensure your knowledge, competencies, and experience are aligned with the content appearing on the SHRM exam.
Consult the SHRM BASK
The SHRM BASK is your roadmap to the SHRM exams and the content that is eligible to be tested. Use the 'Proficiency Indicators' in the SHRM BASK as your guide to understand the content found on the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams.
Selecting the Right Exam
To aid you on your journey, explore SHRM Certification Exam Previews. Each offering provides unique exam question sets of SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or a mixture across the HR knowledge and competency areas found in the SHRM BASK to boost your confidence that you are selecting the right exam ahead of test day.
Enhance your Success on Test Day
SHRM examinees pass the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exams at significantly higher rates by ensuring their knowledge and experience align with the correct SHRM exam.
* SHRM Window 21 SHRM-SCP tester post exam survey
Earning my SHRM-CP landed me a job with a Fortune 500 company less than a month after earning my certification.
SHRM Certification FAQs
SHRM certification credential holders are recognized as experts and leaders in the HR field. Those who hold a SHRM certification designation report:
- Significantly higher levels of credibility.
- Salaries that are 35 percent higher than peers without the credential.*
- Higher levels of career success.
Most hiring managers list SHRM's certification as the preferred qualification for HR hires, and those who earn the SHRM certification report it was a key factor in their career advancement.
*2022 SHRM HR Careers study
The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) is for individuals performing HR-related duties or pursuing a career in Human Resource Management. Most applicants, 77%, take the SHRM-CP first. The SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) is for individuals who do strategic-level HR-related work.
SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams are designed to assess an individual’s competence as an HR practitioner in the ever-changing world of work. HR work can be challenging, and the exams appropriately reflect that challenge. However, solid study and preparation can increase the chances of success. A proven method of preparation is to start with the SHRM BASK (the blueprint for the exam) and pair it with the SHRM Learning System. Leverage additional SHRM resources (prep courses, study guides, practice item workbooks, etc.) to take your preparation experience to the next level. The SHRM Learning System and other resources are available through the SHRM Store.
Applicants generally decide to apply and study about 3-4 months before taking the exam. Exam appointments are scheduled for 4 hours and consist of 3 hours and 40 minutes of actual testing and a total of 20 minutes of pre- and post-exam activities. Ninety percent of candidates complete the exam in less than the allotted time, working at their natural pace and without needing to rush.
