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SHRM certification is the only HR certification offered by the world's largest HR membership organization. It is the only competency-based certification available and focuses on knowledge and behaviors needed to be proficient as an HR profession. As the industry leader in HR professional development, SHRM has supported more than 100,000 employers representing 140 million employees worldwide.

Earning a SHRM certification makes you a recognized expert and leader in HR. Benefits include:

• HR professionals who earn a SHRM certification report significantly higher levels of credibility as HR professionals.
• Those who earn the SHRM certification report earning salaries 14% to 15% higher than peers who have not earned the SHRM Certification.
• The majority of HR hiring managers list SHRM's certification as the preferred qualification, and those who earn the SHRM certification report it was a key factor in their career advancement.
• SHRM certified HR professionals report significantly higher levels of career success, respect from colleagues and pride and commitment to the HR profession.

The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) is for individuals performing HR-related duties or pursuing a career in Human Resources. Basic working knowledge in HR is recommended. The majority of applicants, 77%, take the SHRM-CP first. The other 23% who have held strategic-level roles for a minimum of three years generally take the SHRM-SCP.

SHRM certification exams are definitely not something that can be ‘crammed for’ at the last minute. Test-takers definitely need to prepare. A proven method to prepare is to study the SHRM BASK and the SHRM Learning System simultaneously. Then prepare for things like managing time and test anxiety of test day and gain an understanding of how the exams are built and scored using the official SHRM study guide and the accompanying workbooks, all of which are available through SHRM store. Note the study guides do not replace studying content using the SHRM BASK and the SHRM Learning System; they are add-ons.

Generally, an applicants decides to apply and study about 3-4 months before taking the exam. The exam itself lasts 3 hours and 40 minutes, with about 10 minutes of preliminary information and 10 minutes of post-exam activity, for a total of 4 hours for an exam appointment. Ninety percent of candidates complete the exams in less than the allotted time working at their natural pace and without needed to rush toward the end.