How to Get SHRM Certified: Your Ultimate Guide

HR is a dynamic and impactful field that plays a key role in shaping organizations and their workforce. 

It offers opportunities to collaborate with leaders, improve organizational practices, and support positive change. 

With the demand for HR professionals rising, the employment of HR managers is expected to grow by 8% from 2023 to 2033. 

This makes HR an appealing career choice. However, human resource management is also a demanding profession. 

From conflict resolution to managing complex business changes, the responsibilities can be substantial. 

To succeed, you’ll need a combination of empathy, pragmatism, and strategic thinking.

So, how can you improve your career trajectory as an HR professional? The answer is straightforward: SHRM certification.

In the following article, we will explore how to get SHRM certified, the requirements for SHRM certification, how long it lasts, the costs involved in SHRM-CP vs SCP, and what you can expect from the certification journey.

What is SHRM, and Why is it Important?

SHRM (Society for Human Resources Management) is a professional membership organization with over 30,000 members. 

The goal of this institute is to promote, educate, and connect human resource professionals in the workplace. 

This certification, in particular, is a course offered by this institute specifically for HR professionals or anyone who wishes to build a successful career in this field. 

It focuses on developing some essential skills and knowledge outlined in the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK). 

A curious fact: SHRM certification is the only certification offered by the world’s largest HR organization. Close to 100,000 employers representing 140 million employees globally have benefitted from this. 

Understanding SHRM Certification

As a member, you can choose between two main paid education certifications,

• SHRM-CP: The basic level specifically focuses on the operational level of human resources. You will receive training on some of the foundational elements of HR. 

This includes policy implementation, disciplinary action, compliance, and so on.

• SHRM-SCP: It is a more advanced level and stands for SHRM- Senior Certified Professionals. 

It includes topics such as workforce planning, policy creation for the whole company, and engagement and retention.

Benefits of SHRM Certification

Before exploring SHRM-CP vs SHRM-SCP, it's important to understand why becoming a SHRM-certified professional can be beneficial. 

While there are multiple paths to success in HR, obtaining this certification can provide significant advantages. 

These include:

• Career Advancement

Earning this certification positions you as a recognized expert in the field. You will no longer be just another job candidate applying for a role. Instead, employers will view you as an expert with a proven track record of high level of knowledge and skill. This can be a great way to set yourself apart from competitors and boost your career.

• Salary Increases

This certification helps you reach your salary goals much more easily. A SHRM-certified professional earns 14%-15% higher compensation than peers who have not earned the certification. 

• Knowledge Expansion and Networking

This forum also sponsors various national and regional conferences every year. As a member, you can actively participate in these conferences and get the opportunity to meet other HR professionals and experts. They can share valuable insights about their constantly changing profession. 

Additionally, the website offers a place to further educate yourself by reading articles and updates to global HR policies.

SHRM Certification Types: SHRM-CP vs SHRM-SCP

As mentioned earlier, there are two types of SHRM certifications available. SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP. Let’s understand the difference between the SHRM requirements of these two through this table.

SHRM-CP Certification

• Focus on Operational HR: This is for those handling daily HR tasks like recruiting, employee relations, and compliance.
• SHRM Eligibility Criteria: You need 1 year of HR experience with a bachelor’s degree, or 3 years without a degree.
• Skills Developed: The certification builds skills in areas such as talent management, employee engagement, and HR law. This helps you advance by showing employers you’re skilled in essential HR operations.

SHRM-SCP Certification

• Strategic HR Focus: SHRM-SCP is for professionals aligning HR with company goals and strategy. It’s aimed at those in leadership roles who influence business outcomes through HR decisions.
• Eligibility Criteria: You need 3 years of senior HR experience, or a mix of education and experience.
• Skills Developed: SHRM-SCP strengthens leadership, change management, and strategic workforce planning skills.

Do You Need SHRM Certification to Work in HR?

While SHRM certification is not mandatory for HR, it can be a valuable asset. Many HR professionals pursue certification to enhance their skills, demonstrate expertise, and increase career opportunities. 

SHRM certification qualifications help you stand out in a competitive job market, showing employers that you are committed to staying updated with the latest HR practices.

How to Become SHRM Certified

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get a SHRM certification

Step 1: Decide on the Right Certification

When deciding which SHRM certification to get, consider your work type. You might be eligible for the SCP certification but still choose CP because it aligns better with your day-to-day duties. 

If your job currently focuses on operational roles, like serving as the HR point of contact for staff and stakeholders, then the SHRM-CP certification will be better. 

If you are more inclined to develop and implement HR policies and strategies or, say, analyze performance metrics, then SCP is the right choice. 

Traditionally, 77% of candidates take the CP first. 

Step 2: Apply and Schedule Your Exam

Both SHRM-SCP and SHRM-CP certifications are available during two windows each year. You need to apply during the application period that matches your testing window. 

How much does it cost to get SHRM certified

The first test window begins on May 1 and continues till July 15. The final application deadline for this is May 26. 

If you apply by March 31, you can get an early bird discount. For non-members, it is $435; for members, it is $335. 

However, if you follow the standard deadline, you must pay $410 (members only) or $510 (non-members).

The second test window starts on December 1 and lasts until February 15. The final application deadline for this has been extended to December 26. 

The early bird deadline for this test window is September 11.

Step 3: Prepare for the Exam

Once all the formalities have been completed, you can begin preparing for the exam. 

There are various tools and resources available to help you in this process. 

For example, the SHRM BASK was developed through a series of large-scale research studies that included insights from hundreds and thousands of HR professionals worldwide. 

It comprises nine behavioral competencies and one technical competency. The best part is that the SHRM BASK is a common framework for item writers who develop SHRM-SCP and CP examination questions. 

You can also check out their Learning System. It is an online preparation program that will help you to create a personalized study path. 

This program allows you to access online topic cards, interactive online reading content, visuals and audio segments, 2700+ practice questions, and bonus materials like study guidance or test-taking tips.

For a more in-depth preparation, you also have the option to learn from preparation webinars. These are led by expert facilitators, where you can learn to master all types of multiple-choice questions in the exam.

Step 4: Take the Exam

Now, there are two testing options available for you. You can either decide to opt for in-person testing or remote testing. 

If you are going for the first option, you must visit the testing center near you on the exam day. 

Various staff members will be available to help you with anything you need during the examination. 

If you decide to do a remote test, you will be subject to 24/7 live proctoring. Make sure you run a System Readiness Check beforehand on the computer on which you will take the exam. 

Also, please note that this option is only available to people in the US.

Your exam will last approximately three hours and 40 minutes. 

There will be two types of multiple-choice questions. One will be focused on knowledge-based items to evaluate your understanding of factual information. The other will consist of scenario-based situational judgment items.  

You will need to score 200 marks to pass the exam.

Step 5: Earn and Use Your Certification

After you have passed your exam, you will receive the complementary digital certificate. 

If you wish, you can also purchase a framed certificate. In addition to this, you will receive a digital badge that you can showcase on your social media accounts. 

Last but certainly not least, you can get your name listed in the SHRM Certification Dictionary. 

It can be a great way to verify your certification. 

Step 6: Recertify Every Three Years

You might wonder how long does SHRM certification last?

SCP/SHRM-CP certification is not just a one-time event. It is a continuous process of learning. This means that you need to get recertified periodically to maximize the value of your CP/SCP credentials.

The recertification cycle starts from the day you pass the exam and continues for three years, on the last day of your birth month.

So, say your birth month is July. You passed the exam on May 3, 2024. The recertification cycle will end on July 31, 2027, and your certificate will be revoked on September 30, 2027.

There are two ways by which you can recertify. 

• You must earn 60 PDCs (Professional Development Credits) within the three-year recertification period or
• You can retake the exam.

Now that you have an understanding of how to get SHRM certification, let’s understand its value.

Is SHRM Certification Worth It?

Yes, getting certified is worth it. Think of it as part of your elevator pitch. 

You can include it on your resume, add CP/SCP on your social media bios, or add the digital badge to your social media profiles. 

To a hiring manager, you will be someone who knows a lot and can hit the job quickly without needing as much training. 

It will boost your credibility as an expert in the field of HR, not to mention the salary increase.

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FAQs

1: How long does it take to get SHRM certified?

It usually takes three to four months to become a certified professional.

2: Can I get SHRM certified without experience?

You do not need to have previous HR experience or a degree to apply for the SHRM-CP certification or HRIS certification SHRM. However, it is recommended that you have basic knowledge about HR practices and principles. 

3: How hard is it to get SHRM certified?

Both CP and SCP can be moderately difficult to crack since they cover a lot of ground. But with solid study and preparation, you can increase your chances of success. 

4: Does SHRM certification increase salary?

Yes, certified professionals usually earn 14%-15% higher salaries than those who are not certified. (This applies to SHRM-CP salary & SHRM-SCP salary)