SHRM conducted global research, including outreach to major corporations, universities, and over 35,000 members of the profession worldwide. Their findings determined that a successful HR career will also be determined by behavioral competencies apart from solely technical knowledge — the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP include both of these essential elements, making it a unique certification process. 

Skills tested: The certification program covers behavioral competencies and functional knowledge areas within the themes of HR competencies, people, organization, and workplace. The SHRM certification measures an HR professional’s most critical skill - the ability to apply HR principles to actual, everyday situations. It is among the first to focus on practical, real-life HR information; teaching and testing both competencies and knowledge.

Certification process: This exam is 4 hours in length with 160 questions which include 95 knowledge items and 65 situational judgment items. Applicants now have the option to test from home through live remote proctoring. Certification fees cost anywhere from $300 - $475 depending on membership and registration date. Team delivery methods are offered as an option for organizations to provide group certifications.

SHRM-CP Requirements: SHRM-CP Certification requirements differ depending on education and years of experience. 

• For those with less than a Bachelor’s degree but in an HR-related program; 3 years in an HR role is required. 
• For those with less than a Bachelor’s degree and are not in an HR-related program; 4 years in an HR role is required.
• For those with an HR-related Bachelor’s degree; 1 year in an HR role is required.
• For those with a non-HR Bachelor’s degree; 2 years in an HR role is required.
• For those with an HR-related Graduate degree; currently being in an HR role is all that is required.
• For those with a non-HR Graduate degree; 1 year in an HR role is required.

SHRM–SCP® Requirements: 

• For those with less than a Bachelor’s degree but in an HR-related program; 6 years in an HR role is required.
• For those with less than a Bachelor’s degree and are not in an HR-related p
• rogram; 7 years in an HR role is required.
• For those with an HR-related Bachelor’s degree; 4 years in an HR role is required.
• For those with a non-HR Bachelor’s degree; 5 years in an HR role is required.
• For those with an HR-related Graduate degree; 3 years in an HR role is required.
• For those with a non-HR Graduate degree; 4 years in an HR role is required.

Click here to review what degrees and experience qualify as HR-related.

Benefits: HR professionals who implement policies and strategies, serve as points of contact for staff and stakeholders, deliver HR services, and/or perform operational HR functions should take the SHRM-CP exam. Along with providing updated information, sharpened skills, and new perspectives, certified professionals have a positive influence on employees and colleagues. Based on one single SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge (SHRM BoCK), the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP credentials are relevant and applicable worldwide. Earning this credential will give professionals the recognition and flexibility to use their knowledge, skills, and competencies anywhere their organization operates, now and in the future.