Why SHRM?
For more than 75 years, SHRM has helped transform workplaces for the better, making them more efficient, empathetic and resilient. Find a suite of resources at your fingertips to get the job done—and done well. Here’s what you can expect.
AI & the Future of HR
Research-backed news and trends help you identify opportunities in emerging technology such as AI to automate, improve and innovate.
Create a Culture to Attract and Keep High Performers
Top talent goes to top companies. Use the latest data to inform policies that offer competitive benefits to create engaged, inclusive and diverse cultures that bring the best out of your people.
Stay Compliant & Protect Your Organization
Real-time updates allow you to navigate the complexities and important changes in workplace compliance on the federal, state and local level to keep your organization compliant.
Develop Solutions for Every Challenge
Manage difficult issues such as employee disputes or disciplinary action effectively and ethically with the best practices and a community of 325,000+ professionals providing expert support.
I NEED MORE INFO ABOUT CERTIFICATION
Benefits of SHRM Certification
Earning your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential makes you a recognized expert and leader in the HR field.
Enhance Your HR Expertise
HR professionals who earn the SHRM Certification report significantly higher levels of credibility as HR professionals.
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.
Advance Your HR Career
HR professionals who earn a SHRM certification report it was a key factor in their career advancement.
Demonstrate Your Commitment
SHRM Certified HR pros report significantly higher levels of career success, respect from colleagues and commitment to the HR profession.
SHRM Certification FAQs
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.
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.