How to Become SHRM Certified and Build HR Credibility

Being SHRM certified means having a Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) certification in critical areas. SHRM is an organisation with over 300,000 human resources professionals offering two certifications: SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Learn about the different levels of SHRM certification, how to get SHRM certified, and how these certifications can boost your career in HR.

What is SHRM certification?

SHRM certification is a credential that shows you are competent in essential areas of human resources and can boost your credibility in the field. The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certifications help you stand out when applying for human resource positions.

What are the different levels of SHRM certification?

The Society of Human Resource Management offers two certifications: SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP. You can earn these credentials by completing the required education courses and an online assessment. The SHRM BODY of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK), a global standard for the key areas needed to succeed in human resource management, guides the competency and knowledge criteria. 

SHRM certification is different from its speciality credentials. Credentials educate you on specific learning objectives and do not require the certification exam. Instead, you attend learning events and then take an assessment on that area.

SHRM-CP

The SHRM-CP certification is for anyone wanting to work in human resources or management. You don’t need an HR title, degree, or previous HR experience to apply for this certification, but having a working knowledge of human resources is recommended.

The SHRM BASK determines the competencies for this certification, which includes topics covering:

• Analytical aptitude

• Business acumen

• Communication

• Consultation

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Ethical practice

• Global mindset

• Leadership and navigation

• Relationship management

SHRM-SCP

The SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) exam is for senior-level HR professionals in strategic roles. You will have a work history of at least three years performing strategic-level HR/HR-related duties. You can also pursue this certification if you have held the SHRM-CP credential for at least three years and are working in or moving into a strategic-level role. 

You don’t need to hold an HR title or have a degree to apply, but you must show that you devote at least 1,000 hours per calendar year to strategic-level HR/HR-related work. Competencies assessed fall under the same SHRM BASK topics and include advanced skills not covered in the SHRM-CP. 

Is it essential to have an SHRM certification to work in HR?

While an SHRM certification is not required to work in HR, it can be beneficial. The certifications can be added to your CV and help you stand out in the job market. SHRM says over 5,000 employers seek SHRM-certified HR professionals monthly [1].

Human resources does not have a governing body. Still, SHRM is a credible global organisation, and the certifications show you have the core competencies to succeed in an HR career.

How will being SHRM certified boost a career in HR?

The certifications enhance your credibility. Being SHRM certified can boost your career in HR by making your CV stand out during job searches. SHRM also uses digital badge services to display your credentials on social media and email. 

How much does it cost to become SHRM certified?

SHRM gives two exam windows during the year—May to June or December to February—when you can register for the certification exam. Early bird pricing is approximately USD 335 for SHRM members and USD 435 for non-members. The standard exam fee is around USD 410 for members and USD 510 for non-members. Students pay USD 149 for members and USD 209 for non-members. The corporate and military exam fees are USD 270 for members and non-members [2].  

Step-by-step guide to getting SHRM certified 

Getting SHRM certified starts with deciding if certification suits your career goals, choosing which certification suits you, checking to see if you are eligible for the certification, applying for the certification exam, and preparing for the test.

Decide which certification is appropriate for your level

The SHRM-CP certification is right for those who want to work in human resources but are not in a leadership position. According to SHRM, work at this level may include implementing HR policies, supporting day-to-day HR functions, or serving as an HR point of contact for staff and stakeholders [3].

The SHRM-SCP certification is right for you if you are in a senior human resources role that assists in decision-making or want to work in such a role. You need at least three years of experience to qualify for this certification.

Apply to take the certification exam

The application process begins with creating a user account on the SHRM website and completing the application. When the registration window opens, select the exam you want to take. Indicate if you need testing accommodations and agree to the SHRM policies and code of ethics. After paying for the exam, SHRM will determine your eligibility, after which you'll receive an email confirming you can take the exam. You'll then schedule your exam with SHRM's testing vendor, Prometric.

Take the SHRM exam

You will complete the certification exam for either the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP online via remote proctoring or in person at an authorised testing centre if one is available. If you’re taking the test remotely, you’ll need a computer to complete the four-hour certification test, which has 134 questions. Three hours and 40 minutes are testing time of that time [3, 4]. 

For both options, you will need a photo ID. If in-person testing is available, you must undergo a security screening and place your items in a locker. You will also receive your testing materials, a guide to your seat for the exam, and a Prometric Test Center Administrator who will be on hand for assistance or to address any concerns during your test.

If taking the exam remotely, you must download a ProProctor application on your computer and run a system-readiness check. You will also need to review the remote proctoring FAQs and user guide. The security check for remote testing will be:

• Self-service check-in that includes capturing an image of your face and your photo ID and completing a candidate preparedness checklist

• A video chat

• A 360-degree environmental check using your webcam

• A person checks where the agent will ask you to stand up so they can complete personal scans 

The proctor will observe you during the test and be available to assist you.

Maintain certification

Your SHRM certification requires that you get recertified every three years through 60 hours of professional development activities, for which you earn professional development credits (PDCs). The other way to maintain certification is to retake and pass your certification exam within the last year of your three-year certification. 

Qualifying activities for your PDCs include:

• Attending HR conferences, webinars, and seminars

• Completing qualifications from accredited universities for your undergraduate or postgraduate degree

• Earning continuing education credits awarded by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET)

• Participating in online learning, podcasts, webcasts, and other offerings from SHRM eLearning

• Reading SHRM-approved books and ebooks

• Earning SHRM Specialty Credentials

• Completing an SHRM Foundation Veterans at Work or Getting Talent Back to Work certificate programme

• Completing projects that advance your organisation

• Giving presentations about HR topics

• Researching, writing, and publishing research, books, articles, white papers, and blogs about HR

• Volunteering to support HR activities at non-profit organisations

• Holding professional memberships in other HR organisations

Did you know?

“Human resources” first appeared in John R. Commons’ book “The Distribution of Wealth” in 1893. However, human resources as an organisational concept did not begin popularising until the 1960s, when labour relations became more sophisticated, and notions of motivation and organisational behaviour started to take shape.

Next steps

Enroll now if you are ready to take the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam. Becoming SHRM-certified can help you advance your career and open new job opportunities. 

Continue to advance your career in human resources by enrolling in a course like Human Resource Management: HR for People Managers Specialisation, which the University of Minnesota offers on Coursera. You will earn a shareable certificate to display, add to your CV, or share with your current employer. 

Topics covered include alternative approaches to managing human resources, best practices for hiring and rewarding employees, managing employee performance, and avoiding critical mistakes in managing human resources. This online Specialisation offers the flexibility of completing it at your own pace.