Learn more about our HR Certification prep offerings with Workology by clicking here.
One thing to consider when you’re planning on taking your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification exams is the cost. There are application processing fees and exam fees, and if you don’t pass the exam on the first try, you’ll have to pay to take it again. Additionally, you’ll need to maintain your certification via PDCs, or professional development credits earned through SHRM approved educational sessions, and pay a recertification application fee every three years.
The below schedule outlines the initial cost for SHRM certification exam fees.
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Exam Fees | SHRM Member Price | Nonmember Price |
Exam Fee (SHRM-CP & SHRM-SCP) | $300 USD | $400 USD |
Application Processing Fee (nonrefundable) | $50 USD (included in exam fee) | $50 USD (included in exam fee) |
Late Application Fee (nonrefundable) | $75 USD | $75 USD |
Transfer Fee | $100 USD
(subject to additional $53 Prometric exam cancellation fee when applicable) |
$100 USD
(subject to additional $53 Prometric exam cancellation fee when applicable) |
Retest Fee | Full exam fee | Full exam fee |
Rescore Fee | $50 USD | $50 USD |
It’s imperative to prepare for the SHRM certification exams, whether your company is paying for your certification or not. This is why training and programs like the SHRM Certification Preparation Courses are a great way to increase the likelihood that you will pay the exam. If you’re paying, a second try comes out of your pocket if you don’t pass the first time. Many companies that fund employee certification and recertification will only pay the exam and application fee once; if you don’t pass on your first attempt, the remaining cost falls to you, as does the awkward moment when you have to tell your boss or CEO that – after months of study – you’ll need more time to achieve your certification.
Preparing for the SHRM exam involves study and memorization, no matter how long you’ve been working in the HR field or what your degree is in. What can make the process easier is having an organized study schedule and preparation ahead of the exam to ensure you’ll pass it the first time you take it.
Additional Costs for SHRM Certification and Recertification
Once you pass the test and become a certified SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP, you must submit your PDCs (professional development credits) or retake the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification exam throughout your 3-year recertification period ending on the last day of your birth month. Once your recertification request has been approved, your next 3-year recertification period will begin from your existing end date.
If you complete your recertification cycle early, your end date will not change, but any unused or subsequent professional development activities completed within your current certification period cannot be carried over to the next.
Example from SHRM
Initial certification period: May 2016 (took exam)–July 2019 (birth month)
Recertified: December 2018
Next 3-year recertification period: July 2019–July 2022
There is a Recertification Application Fee you’ll need to pay every three years, and the qualifying activities are subject to audit, meaning if your application is not approved, you’ll have to pay again once you update your credits to get recertified.
Keeping up with Your HR Recertification
As I mentioned there are fees to obtain and also maintain your SHRM certification whether it is your SHRM-CP or your SHRM-SCP. You will have 60 recertification credits you will have to obtain every three years during your HR recertification cycle. There are a lot of ways to obtain these credits through work experiences, attending conferences and events as well as online learning like with our LEARN online HR learning platform with Workology.
SHRM Recertification Application Fees
For those who are recertifying with SHRM, there are application fees when you submit your application to maintain your SHRM credentials. They are as follows:
- SHRM Members = $100 USD
- Nonmembers = $150 USD
Again, the recertification fee is non-refundable, whether or not your application is approved, so you’ll want to make sure your credits for various activities, such as webinars, professional development courses, and so on are approved and up-to-date with SHRM.
Learn more about our HR Certification prep offerings with Workology by clicking here.
2 Comments
Hello have vast experience as HR Director, where do I go to take the courses as how do I become a member
If you’ve been and HR Director for some time…unless your employer requires it, I’d not bother with it. Your position has been your forte and your continued employment in that field is all you’ll need. SHRM is a big business and takes in millions every year for people to take their test just to get a 3 or 4 letter acronym next to their name. it isn’t worth it. You’re better off keeping abreast of HR laws and how they pertain to your own company. Their meetings are little more than fraternity memberships. I’ve been certified and it has not helped in my career in terms of new employment or increased pay. Good luck!
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