Advance your HR career with a SHRM-CP
or SHRM-SCP credential

SHRM CERTIFICATION

Why seek SHRM Certification?

Earning your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential makes you a recognized expert and leader in the HR field—and a valuable asset to your organization, keeping you and your organization more competitive in today’s economy. This professional distinction sets you apart from your colleagues, proving your high level of knowledge and skills.

SHRM CERTIFICATION

Competency Based

The profession is no longer just about what you know—facts and figures—but rather how you effectively implement that knowledge in the workplace each and every day. SHRM certification provides you the opportunity to prove not only what you know but also how you can apply that knowledge on the job.

SHRM CERTIFICATION

Relevant

SHRM certifications directly link to on-the-job scenarios and realistic work situations. Seventy-three percent of examinees say the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams are HR job-relevant.

SHRM CERTIFICATION

Universally Applicable

Built upon one comprehensive SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge™ (SHRM BoCK™), SHRM certification is applicable across industries, geographic borders, job responsibilities and career levels

SHRM CERTIFICATION

Focused on Advancement

More than 5,000 employers are seeking SHRM credential-holders every month. The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP credentials are based on the current HR landscape, focusing on the competencies and knowledge HR professionals need to lead in today’s business community. Boost your confidence to take that next step in your HR career or to distinguish yourself in a job search.

SHRM CERTIFICATION

Strategic

Based on in-depth research focused on—and backed by—global employers and business leaders, the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP credentials reflect what HR practitioners need to know to be leaders in their organizations and in the profession.

SHRM CERTIFICATION

Acredited

The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams are accredited by the Buros Center for Testing, asserting that the HR credentials meet the highest standards in testing. Learn More.

SHRM CERTIFICATION

Backed by SHRM

SHRM certification is the only HR certification offered by the world’s largest HR membership organization. As the industry leader in HR professional development, SHRM has supported more than 100,000 employers representing 140 million employees worldwide.

SHRM Certification Sets HR Professionals
apart from the Pack

SHRM-CP ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Individuals who perform HR duties and wish to verify, validate, enhance and/or expand their HR capabilities are likely candidates for SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification.

SHRM membership is not required for eligibility and individuals need not be employed at the time they apply.

Specific criteria for each credentialing level are as follows:

SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

The SHRM-CP certification is for individuals that perform general HR/HR-related duties; or for those pursuing a career in Human Resource Management.

Candidates for the SHRM-CP certification are not required to hold an HR title and do not need a degree or previous HR experience to apply; however, a basic working knowledge of HR practices and principles is recommended.

The SHRM-CP exam is designed to assess the competency level of those who engage in HR work at the operational level. Work at this level includes duties such as implementing HR policies, supporting day-to-day HR functions, or serving as an HR point of contact for staff and stakeholders.

Refer to the SHRM BASK for detailed information on proficiency standards for this credential (i.e., Proficiency Indicators only For All HR Professionals).

SHRM-SCP Eligibility Requirements 

SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

The SHRM-SCP certification is for individuals that have a work history of at least 3 years performing strategic level HR/HR-related duties; or for SHRM-CP credential holders who have held the credential for at least 3 years and are working in, or are in the process of transitioning to, a strategic level role.

Candidates for the SHRM-SCP certification are not required to hold an HR title and do not need a degree to apply.

The SHRM-SCP exam is designed to assess the competency level of those who engage in HR work at the strategic level. Work at this level includes duties such as developing HR policies and/or procedures, overseeing the execution of integrated HR operations, directing an entire HR enterprise, or leading the alignment of HR strategies to organizational goals.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they devoted at least 1,000 hours per calendar year (Jan. – Dec.) to strategic level HR/HR-related work.

• More than 1,000 hours in a calendar year does not equate to more than 1 year of experience.

• Part-time work qualifies as long as the 1,000-hour per calendar year standard is met.

• Experience may be either salaried or hourly.

Individuals who are HR consultants may demonstrate qualifying experience through the HR/HR-related duties they perform for their clients. Contracted hours must meet the 1,000-hour standard.

Refer to the SHRM BASK for detailed information on proficiency standards for this credential (i.e., Proficiency Indicators For All HR Professionals and For Advanced HR Professionals).