SHRM Read for Recertification Credit Program

You can earn 3 professional development credits (PDCs) toward recertification by reading an aligned book then writing an essay that meets the program criteria.

Currently, the SHRM Certification Recertification Requirements Handbook does not indicate a limit for the number of PDCs earned through self-paced and instructor-led activities which include the Read-for-Recertification Credit program. 

Important! SHRM Certification can change this policy so always check the current handbook for guidance as you plan your recertification activities.

Yes. You will earn 3 PDCs for reading and writing about any aligned book.

You can obtain the book from your favorite bookseller or library. 

Yes. You can access the book in any format.

SHRM Certification may select your essay for auditing and contact you for more information at your time of recertification.

Please answer the question "What lessons have you learned by reading this book and how will you apply them in your work?"  Do not review, recap, or summarize the book. Instead, write about how the information has changed or will change your work, professional relationships, career plans, and perspective.

For inspiration, skim this participant essay the program accepted.

About 500 words. Non-narrative text such as the book title, author name, chapter headings, etc. does not count.

Try to submit your essay as soon as you finish reding the book.

Yes, as long as you use them responsibly. AI tools like ChatGPT can help organize your thoughts, refine ideas, and structure plans. However, ensure the content originates from you, avoid sharing sensitive information, validate outputs for accuracy, and use them ethically to maintain professional standards.

No. The first version you submit is the only version that will be considered.

Upload your essay directly to the SHRM Read-For-Recertification Credit Program form.

The relevance and thoroughness of your reply to the question are most important. There is no evaluation of punctuation or other technical aspects of your writing. 

Reasons why the program might contact you about your essay include:  

• The book is not aligned with SHRM BASK competency model.
• The essay does not match the book title on the submission form.
• The essay does not answer the question.
• The essay falls far short of the target 500 words.
• If your recertification is flagged for audit.

Self-report your activity by following the instructions below:

• Log in: Go to portal.shrm.org and log into your SHRM Certification Portal.
• Add PDCs: Click "Add PDCs" and select "No" for the question, "Do you have an activity ID?"
• Choose Category: Select "Advance Your Education" as the category.
• Enter Details: Provide:
  • Book Title, Start/End Dates, Author Name (speaker/presenter).
  • Program Type: Choose "eBook".
  • PDCs Earned: Enter 3 PDCs.
  • Important: Do not exceed 3 PDCs to avoid an automatic audit flag.
• Submit: Review and click "Submit" to complete.