Understanding the Benefits of SHRM Certification 

What is a SHRM Certification, and why should I get one?

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers two certifications: SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP. Both certifications prove you’re well-versed in the HR knowledge base and tools and are able to use these tools in real-life workplace situations. 

These certifications can show employers that you’re dedicated to HR and committed to furthering your professional development. SHRM certifications increase your credibility, your knowledge base of HR skills, your salary potential, and your chances of being hired or promoted in a human resource-related field. 

According to Payscale.com, an HR certification can increase your salary regardless of your professional level. For example, for HR managers, getting certified can mean your salary can increase by as much as $10,000. For certified HR assistants, 82 percent report they were promoted in the last five years. For non-certified HR assistants, only 68 percent reported the same.

What’s the difference between SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP?

The SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) certification is for individuals who are either currently working a job in human resource management or who are pursuing HR as a career. This is the recommended certification for HR professionals or prospective HR professionals who are just starting their journey and professional development. 

The SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) certification is for individuals who have more experience in HR; you need to have worked at least three years in HR with a strategic, policy-driven, and leading role in your job. This certification is recommended for more seasoned HR professionals who are looking to continue and evolve their professional development.

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Both certifications test your competency and knowledge in SHRM’s Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK). SHRM BASK uses research-driven content to assess behavioral and technical competencies that HR professionals need. BASK is a model representing knowledge areas that SHRM has researched are the most common and useful viewpoints and skills required in the workplace, including interpersonal navigation, creating an ethical and communicative workplace culture, and business acumen.

How do I get SHRM certification?

You can apply to take either certification on SHRM’s certification website. Make sure to look carefully at the eligibility for each certification, and decide which certification is best for you. Prepare for the exam, apply, and make sure to re-certify when you need to.

To be eligible to obtain the SHRM-CP, you must:

– Perform HR or HR-related duties or be pursuing a career in HR,

– Be currently or have most recently worked in an HR job in which your tasks required of you were operational in nature, and

– Have specialized HR duties, rather than general HR duties.

The SHRM-CP contains multiple-choice questions that test both your factual knowledge and assesses your judgment-making skills in hypothetical real-world scenarios. The exam is four hours long, contains 134 questions, and is taken on a computer. It can be taken in person or from home.

The SHRM-CP has a 67 percent pass rate.

To be eligible to obtain the SHRM-SCP, you must:

– Have worked at least three years performing strategic-level duties in an HR or HR-related field, and

– Lead HR operations (i.e., develop policy, strategy, and culture).

The SHRM-SCP contains multiple-choice questions that test both your factual knowledge and assesses your judgment-making skills in hypothetical real-world scenarios. The exam is four hours long, contains 134 questions, and is taken on a computer. It can be taken in person or from home.

The SHRM-SCP has a 51 percent pass rate.

For both certifications, the fee is $300 for members and $400 for non-members.