Study Tips for Taking SHRM Certified Professional Exam

Human Resources workers are the unsung heroes of the professional world. Their knowledge and skills are instrumental to the daily operations of countless industries. For those professionals hoping to advance their careers in the Human Resources field, the SHRM Certified Professional test, or SHRM-CP exam, is an excellent option. While not strictly required for professional practice, the certification can lead to promotions, pay raises and other career opportunities.

Curious about how to pass the SHRM-CP exam? Your journey to certification should begin with a thorough understanding of what the test encompasses. Keep reading for SHRM-CP exam tips, guidance on how to prepare for the SHRM-CP exam, and other useful information about online exam prep resources.

SHRM-CP Exam Length, Scores and Format

Created by the Society for Human Resource Management, the SHRM-CP exam was designed to test the knowledge and practical skills of HR employees. If you see yourself one day implementing policies, strategies and procedures within your office, you're going to want to take and pass this test. The computer-based exam is four hours in length and features 160 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you'll need to earn 200 points or more on the SHRM-CP exam.

Almost anyone working in the Human Resources field can sign up to take this test. If you do not have a bachelor's degree, you'll need at least three years of experience in HR to register. Those with bachelor's degrees need only one year of HR experience, and professionals with graduate degrees simply need to be currently working in an HR role to qualify.

How to Prepare for the SHRM-CP Exam

The SHRM-CP exam demands advanced preparation. Fail to adequately prepare and you may find yourself signing up for a second attempt. To save valuable time and money, consider your options for how to study for the SHRM-CP exam. While you might be inclined to head to the library for an all night study session, research shows that distributed practice is more effective. Instead of one seven-hour stint in the library, why not break up your test preparation efforts over the span of several days? By chunking the content into more manageable pieces, you'll feel more inclined to study, even when you're not in the mood.

It's also helpful to kick off your SHRM-CP exam prep with a practice test or two. Practice exams can give you an idea of how you would perform on the test if it were happening today. The results can highlight which areas need your attention and which you've already mastered. This can save you valuable time and energy while determining the best way to study for the SHRM-CP exam. It's important to study smarter, not harder!

SHRM-CP Exam Strategies

On the day of the exam, you'll be presented with long, multi-part questions. Look for keywords like “always,” “never,” and “best.” Also be sure to strike through any answer choices you know to be wrong – the classic process of elimination will come into play more than ever while taking the SHRM-CP exam.

While you employ these SHRM-CP exam tips, it's best to keep moving. Pacing matters a great deal for this exam, and you don't want to get too bogged down by any one question. If you're feeling unsure about a question, simply flag it and return to the item later. Answer as many questions as possible, but don't agonize over a few missed items.

Other traditional test taking strategies apply here, too. Get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast before heading to the testing center. Taking the SHRM-CP exam will require serious mental fortitude, and without rest and healthy food, you'll be fighting an uphill battle. Above all else, it's helpful to walk into the testing center with confidence in yourself. You've studied, reviewed and practiced – a passing score is completely within your reach.

Take a SHRM-CP Practice Exam Now

With your future career on the line, there's not much margin for error. If you're serious about passing the SHRM-CP exam, you're going to want to take a few practice tests ahead of your exam date. Not only will the practice exam help you get familiar with the content and format of the test, the experience can also highlight areas of weakness that merit further study. There's no other study tool as helpful as a practice test.

Exam Edge has a number of SHRM-CP practice exams available for users eager to get a leg up. We even offer a free sample practice test for new users who want to preview our resources. With options available to pause your test, pace yourself as you would on exam day, or receive detailed answers to each incorrect response, the flexibility is undeniable. Since you can access these practice tests from anywhere you have an internet connection, the convenience is unparalleled.

If you're ready to take control of your Human Resources career, click here to get started.