How to Get SHRM Certified: A Step-By-Step Guide for Success

Earning a certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) can help you reach for higher HR career prospects. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to become SHRM certified and how it can boost your HR career.

Understand the SHRM Certification Levels

To know how to get SHRM certified, begin by learning about the two main SHRM certifications: the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

The SHRM-CP certification is aimed at HR professionals who are in the early career stage. This includes those working in HR entry-level positions or with less than three years of HR experience.

This certification is suitable for HR professionals who implement policies, perform day-to-day HR functions, or serve as a point of contact for staff and stakeholders.

SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

The SHRM-SCP certification is designed for HR professionals who have attained significant HR experience, working in senior HR positions within the organization. A SHRM Senior Certified Professional must have over six years of experience or hold higher HR leadership positions within their organization.

This certification is targeted toward senior-level HR professionals in strategic roles, who influence key organizational decisions and have a significant impact on their organizations.

Review the Eligibility Requirements

Before moving forward, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the certification you're pursuing. It will help you choose the right certification to prepare for and ensure you pick the right one to advance your career.

SHRM-CP Eligibility Requirements

For the SHRM-CP certification, the eligibility requirements generally revolve around a combination of education and work experience. SHRM requires candidates to have either a bachelor's degree or equivalent, along with at least one year of HR experience.

For candidates without a degree, SHRM requires a minimum of three years of HR experience. SHRM considers various HR roles and responsibilities when evaluating your HR experience.

SHRM-SCP Eligibility Requirements

The SHRM-SCP certification has more stringent requirements in terms of HR experience. Candidates need a minimum of three years of HR experience if they hold a bachelor's degree.

For those without a degree, SHRM requires at least six years of HR experience. Similar to the SHRM-CP certification, SHRM takes into account the scope and depth of your HR experience to ensure it aligns with their criteria.

Prepare for the Certification Exam

To succeed in the SHRM certification exam, thorough preparation is key. Consider utilizing study resources such as SHRM's official learning system, study guides, and online courses on how to get SHRM certified.

Practice tests can also help you become familiar with the format and content of the exam. Exam Edge’s practice tests for SHRM certifications boost your confidence and identify areas for improvement.

1. Make a Study Plan: Plan to invest between 40 and 120 hours for exam preparation. This should be adjusted based on your HR experience and education.
2. Take Practice Exams: The more practice questions you answer, the more familiar you will be with the exam format.
3. Read Answer Explanations: Understanding why certain answers are correct and others are not can help refine your thinking.
4. Join Study Groups: Participating in study groups can provide different perspectives and additional insights that can help prepare for the exam.
5. Manage Your Time Well: Keep an eye on the timer during the exam. Don't spend too much time on one question, as it can eat into the time you have for other questions. You can always return to questions at the end.
6. Trust Your Gut: Your first answer is often correct. Avoid second-guessing yourself unless you have a compelling reason to change your answer.

You should also review the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK), a globally recognized competency framework that outlines the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in HR management.

Register for the Exam

SHRM provides two exam windows during the year—May to July or December to February. The cost of the exam varies depending on whether you're a SHRM member or not. Early bird pricing is $335 for SHRM members and $435 for non-members. The standard exam fee is $410 for members and $510 for non-members. Student members pay $149, and non-member students pay $209.

To register for the SHRM certification exam, you'll need to visit the official SHRM website. The website provides detailed instructions on the registration process and the necessary documentation you’ll need to provide.

Taking the SHRM Certification Exam

The SHRM exam is a four-hour certification test, administered either at an authorized testing center or online via remote proctoring. It consists of 134 multiple-choice questions. If you're taking the test remotely, you'll need a computer with a camera, microphone, and stable internet connection. It’s best to check all of these things before the test.

SHRM Continuous Learning and Recertification

SHRM certification requires recertification every three years. You can achieve this by earning 60 professional development credits (PDCs) through continuing education, leadership roles, or work projects.

These credits are earned by participating in various activities such as attending conferences, training programs, webinars, and workshops. Alternatively, you can retake the exam if you did not acquire the 60 PDCs.

Stay Updated on Industry Trends

As the HR field continuously evolves, join professional HR networks to stay informed about the latest trends, best practices, and legislative changes. Stay connected to industry publications and actively participate in discussions to stay up to date with current HR issues

Get SHRM Certified with the Help of Practice Exams

Being SHRM certified is a significant step in advancing your HR career. Understanding the two SHRM certification levels, eligibility requirements, and the certification process increases your chances of success. Thorough preparation, including utilizing study resources and practice exams, can be beneficial in passing the SHRM certification exams.

Navigate the process of how to get SHRM certified with confidence and success. For additional support and practice exams, visit Exam Edge, an online platform offering resources to help you ace your certification journey in various industries, including HR. Start your journey to SHRM certification today with Exam Edge.