Understanding the eligibility criteria for SHRM certification is crucial for anyone looking to advance their career in human resources.
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers two primary certifications: the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), each designed to cater to different levels of HR expertise and experience.
Whether you are an established HR professional or just starting out, knowing the requirements for these certifications will guide you on your path to success.
SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
The SHRM-CP certification is designed for individuals engaged in general HR or HR-related responsibilities, including current students and those aspiring to enter the field of Human Resource Management.
Candidates for the SHRM-CP certification are not mandated to hold an HR title, nor do they need a degree or prior HR experience to apply. However, having a foundational understanding of HR practices and principles, or a degree from an Academically Aligned program, is advisable.
The SHRM-CP exam evaluates the competency of HR professionals at the operational level, focusing on tasks such as implementing policies, supporting daily HR functions, and acting as a point of contact for staff and stakeholders.
For comprehensive details on proficiency standards for this credential, please refer to the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK®) which outlines the proficiency indicators relevant for all HR professionals.
SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP®)
The SHRM-SCP certification targets individuals with a minimum of three years of experience in strategic HR or HR-related roles, or those who have held the SHRM-CP credential for at least three years and are transitioning into a strategic position.
Candidates are not required to have an HR title or a degree to apply for the SHRM-SCP certification. The exam assesses the competencies of professionals engaged in strategic HR work, which includes responsibilities like developing HR policies, overseeing integrated HR operations, managing an entire HR department, or aligning HR strategies with organizational objectives.
Applicants must demonstrate that they have dedicated at least 1,000 hours per calendar year to strategic HR-related work. Note that working more than 1,000 hours in a year does not equate to more than one year of experience.
Part-time positions qualify as long as the 1,000-hour requirement is met, and experience can be either salaried or hourly. HR consultants can also qualify by demonstrating relevant duties performed for their clients, provided they meet the 1,000-hour standard.
For detailed proficiency standards, refer to the SHRM BASK®.
Student Eligibility
Students enrolled in an HR degree program can apply for discounted student exam pricing. Those aiming for the SHRM-SCP credential must meet the specific criteria to qualify for application.
To qualify for the SHRM-SCP certification, candidates must have:
- HR-Related Bachelor’s Degree (in progress) and 6 years of HR experience.
- Non-HR Related Bachelor’s Degree (in progress) and 7 years of HR experience.
- Completed HR-Related Bachelor’s Degree and 4 years of HR experience.
- Completed Non-HR Related Bachelor’s Degree and 5 years of HR experience.
- HR-Related Graduate Degree and 3 years of HR experience.
- Non-HR Related Graduate Degree and 4 years of HR experience.
Similar to the SHRM-CP, candidates are not required to hold an HR title or a degree to apply. However, they must demonstrate that they have devoted at least 1,000 hours per calendar year to strategic HR-related work. This experience can be gained through various roles, including HR consulting.
Volume Exam Purchase Program
SHRM offers organizations the chance to purchase SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exam seats in bulk through its Volume Exam Purchase Program. Organizations can buy five or more exam seats at a reduced rate, though this discount does not apply to student applicants.
Military Eligibility
Depending on educational background, military career field, and time served, military personnel may qualify for either the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential at a reduced exam fee. Eligible candidates include:
- U.S. military service members (active-duty, retired, and veterans, including Guard and Reserve) who have served in HR, personnel management, recruiting, or career counseling.
- U.S. military personnel in leadership roles performing HR-related duties across the 14 functional areas outlined in the SHRM BASK®.
- Spouses of U.S. military service members interested in pursuing a career in HR.
Application Process for SHRM Certification
The process for obtaining SHRM certification involves several key steps:
- Determine Eligibility: Assess which certification aligns with your career goals and whether you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Prepare for the Exam: Candidates should ensure they have adequate time, energy, and resources to prepare. This includes studying the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge® (SHRM BASK®) and utilizing available study materials and resources, such as the SHRM Learning System.
- Apply for the Exam: Applications must be submitted during designated open windows. Candidates can choose to take the exam in person at a testing center or remotely via proctoring. You also have to cover for the cost of the SHRM exams.
- Schedule the Exam: Candidates need to schedule their exams during the specified testing periods, which typically occur twice a year (May-July and December-February). Learn how to schedule SHRM exams.
- Take the Exam: The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams consist of 134 questions, divided into two sections: knowledge-based and scenario-based judgment. The total exam time is approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes, with each section independently timed.
- Receive Results: Candidates receive immediate feedback on their performance after completing the exam. A passing score is 200.
Recertification Requirements
Once certified, individuals must maintain their credentials through recertification every three years. This can be achieved by earning 60 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) or by retaking the certification exam. PDCs can be obtained through various professional development activities, including attending workshops, webinars, and conferences related to HR.
Benefits of SHRM Certification
Obtaining a SHRM certification provides numerous benefits for HR professionals:
- Enhanced Credibility: Certification demonstrates a commitment to the HR profession and a mastery of essential HR competencies, which can enhance credibility with employers and peers.
- Career Advancement: Certified professionals often have better job prospects and higher earning potential. Many organizations prefer or require SHRM certification for HR roles.
- Networking Opportunities: Becoming certified allows individuals to connect with a vast network of HR professionals, providing opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth.
- Access to Resources: Certified individuals gain access to SHRM’s extensive resources, including research, tools, and best practices that can aid in their professional development.
- Personal Growth: The process of preparing for certification fosters a deeper understanding of HR practices and principles, which can lead to personal and professional growth.
FAQs
Can I get SHRM certified without experience?
While obtaining SHRM certification without prior HR experience is not typical, it is possible under certain conditions. The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification does not strictly require candidates to have formal HR job titles or extensive experience.
Instead, candidates must demonstrate a commitment to HR-related work, which can include internships, volunteer roles, or other relevant experiences.
According to SHRM’s eligibility criteria, candidates must have some combination of education and experience, such as holding an HR-related bachelor’s degree and having at least three years of HR experience, or a non-HR-related degree with four years of HR experience.
However, if a candidate is currently pursuing an HR-related degree or has completed relevant coursework, they may still qualify for the SHRM-CP exam, provided they can show that they have engaged in HR-related activities for at least 1,000 hours per year.
For individuals pivoting into HR from other fields, such as law or business, obtaining SHRM certification can enhance their employability, even without direct HR experience.
Many professionals have successfully transitioned into HR roles by leveraging their prior skills and knowledge, particularly those related to management, communication, and compliance.
While certification may not be a substitute for hands-on experience, it can serve as a valuable credential that signals a candidate’s commitment to the field and their understanding of HR principles.
Thus, while direct experience is beneficial, SHRM certification can still be pursued by individuals who are proactive in seeking opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in HR contexts.
How Long Does It Take to Get SHRM Certified?
The timeline for obtaining SHRM certification can vary significantly based on individual circumstances, including preparation time and the specific certification sought. Generally, candidates can expect the entire process—from application to certification—to take several months.
The SHRM certification exam is offered during two windows each year: from May to July and December to February. Candidates must apply during these open windows, and once their eligibility is confirmed, they can schedule their exam. Preparation for the SHRM certification exam is a critical component of the timeline.
Many candidates report needing at least two to three months of dedicated study to feel adequately prepared, especially for the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams, which are known for their challenging format. The exams consist of 134 questions, including situational judgment scenarios that require a deep understanding of HR competencies and practices.
Candidates often utilize resources such as the SHRM Learning System, study groups, and practice exams to enhance their readiness. Therefore, while the certification process can be completed relatively quickly once a candidate is prepared, the overall timeline can extend significantly based on how much time is allocated for study and preparation.
Is SHRM Certification Hard?
The difficulty of the SHRM certification exams is subjective and can vary based on an individual’s background, experience, and preparation. Many candidates find the exams challenging due to their focus on situational judgment and the application of HR knowledge in real-world scenarios.
The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams require not only a solid understanding of HR principles but also the ability to apply that knowledge in various contexts. This can be particularly daunting for those who may not have extensive practical experience in HR roles.
Statistics indicate that the passing rates for SHRM certification exams can be competitive. While exact figures may vary from year to year, anecdotal evidence suggests that many candidates spend considerable time preparing for the exam, with some reporting study periods of three months or more.
Additionally, you can pay someone to take the SHRM exams for you. If you have many commitments and you are struggling to balance them, this is the chance for you. Ultimately, SHRM certification often hinges on a candidate’s commitment to studying and understanding the material, rather than solely on their prior experience in HR.
Does SHRM Certification Increase Salary?
Obtaining SHRM certification can significantly impact an HR professional’s salary and career advancement opportunities. According to various industry surveys, certified HR professionals tend to earn higher salaries compared to their non-certified counterparts.
For instance, a report from the Society for Human Resource Management found that HR professionals with SHRM certifications earn, on average, 10-20% more than those without certifications.
This salary differential can be attributed to the enhanced credibility and expertise that certification provides, making certified professionals more attractive to employers.
Moreover, SHRM certification can open doors to higher-level positions within organizations, which often come with increased responsibilities and corresponding salary increases. Employers frequently view certification as a marker of dedication and professionalism, leading to greater trust in certified individuals to handle complex HR issues.
As organizations increasingly recognize the value of certified HR professionals, those who invest in obtaining SHRM certification may find themselves better positioned for promotions, raises, and job opportunities in a competitive job market.