Taking the Exam

The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams contain two types of multiple-choice questions: stand-alone knowledge-based items that assess a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of factual information and scenario-based situational judgment items that assess a candidate’s judgment and decision-making skills.

Half of the items on each exam are allocated across the three behavioral competency clusters (Leadership, Interpersonal, and Business), and the other half are allocated across the three HR knowledge domains (People, Organization, and Workplace). Forty percent of the items on each exam are situational judgment items, 10% are foundational knowledge items that test the key concepts of the nine behavioral competencies, and 50% are knowledge items that test the 14 HR-specific HR functional areas.

Testing and Certification Accommodations Request 

SHRM is fully committed to ensuring access to the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certification examinations, as well as providing modifications to our certification and recertification policies, for all individuals with disabilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (or the Canadian/Australian equivalent). SHRM provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with documented disabilities who demonstrate a need for special accommodations. Requests for special accommodations are inherently individualized and considered on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, no single type of accommodation will be appropriate for all individuals with disabilities.

To request special accommodations, the individual seeking an accommodation must complete the accommodations request form and have a qualified licensed professional complete the Professional Evaluation. 

Language Options

SHRM exams are also available in Arabic, only available in a Prometric test center (in-person). To support candidates from Arabic-speaking countries taking the Arabic-language exams, SHRM has also translated the SHRM BASK into Arabic.

To take the exam in Arabic, you must reside in one of the following countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, UAE, Western Sahara, Iraq*, Lebanon*, Libya*, Somalia*, Sudan*, Syria*, Yemen*

Note: Individuals living in these designated Arabic-speaking countries will be assigned the translated test form, but have the option of taking the English version of the SHRM exams upon making a request in writing to a shrmcertification@shrm.org.

_{*These countries are subject to  U.S. OFAC restrictions and must go through a prescreening process before applying for the exam.  Please refer to SHRM’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Program Delivery policy for additional information.}

Exam Statistics

Examinee performance on the certification exams is measured against pre-determined standards (or passing score standards) using methods that are common for prominent testing programs. The SHRM-CP standard is the expected level of competency and knowledge for HR professionals who perform operational work. The SHRM-SCP standard is the expected level of competency and knowledge for HR professionals who perform strategic work.

The passing scores for the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams are reported as scaled scores. The range of possible scores is 120 to 200. All candidates who pass one of the exams receive a maximum score of 200.

Following each administration of the SHRM certification exams, in accordance with guidance from the SHRM Certification Commission, SHRM publishes the global exam pass rates for the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP. These scores reflect the percentage of examinees across the world who have successfully earned their credentials by passing the relevant exams.

Exam Application Audits

SHRM will randomly audit a percentage of applications during each testing window. Candidates will be responsible for providing the requested supporting documentation to verify their years of HR experience and degree obtained (if applicable). SHRM’s practice is not to contact employers or educational institutions to obtain verification documentation on the candidate’s behalf. Failure to comply with the audit, and/or falsification or misrepresentation of requested information, will result in denial of the application and/or revocation of the authorization to test. Candidates subject to audit will be notified by e-mail and will have 10 business days to respond. Once selected for audit, candidates will be required to satisfy the audit requirements before being able to continue with the certification process. Failure to comply with the audit will result in forfeiting all fees. Additionally, a candidate who does not comply with the audit will be subject to audit if reapplying for a future testing window.

For questions or technical support, please contact shrmcertification@shrm.org or 1-800-283-7476, option #3 or 1-703-548-3440, option #3.

Payment Methods

For individuals who apply for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP via the SHRM Store, a credit card payment is required at the time of application. Corporate delegations may pay by check, money order, ACH or wire transfer. Please work with your SHRM contact for corporate delegations to arrange payment.