SHRM certification · both levels
SHRM certification, CP or SCP
SHRM certification means passing one of two exams from the Society for Human Resource Management: the SHRM-CP for operational HR work or the SHRM-SCP for strategic work. Both are built on the same BASK, ask 134 (110 scored) questions in 3 h 40 min and cost the same. What separates them is who may sit each one and the standard a best answer is held to.
Updated Oct 26, 2026 · Not affiliated with HRCI or SHRM.
- 68% / 50%CP / SCP pass rate, May–Jul 2025
- Dec 1, 2026 – Feb 15, 2027next testing window
- 147,400+ (CP + SCP)credential holders
What counts as SHRM certification
Only the two exam-based credentials. The society also sells specialty credentials and certificate programs, and its prep course is called the Certification Prep System, but none of those is the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP, and none replaces the exam.
- What the exam measures: the 2026 SHRM BASK (8 behavioral competencies plus HR expertise in 14 functional areas). How the 2026 edition changed, and what each competency covers, is on the BASK page.
- Accreditation: Buros Center for Testing (accredited since 2016). The other certifying body’s exams carry NCCA accreditation instead, so “both are NCCA-accredited” is wrong.
- The prep course: a paid study product, reviewed once on the study materials page.
SHRM-CP vs SHRM-SCP
| Feature | SHRM-CP | SHRM-SCP | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level | Professional (operational HR) | Senior (strategic HR) | [1] |
| Who it is for | People who do HR work at the operational level (implementing policies, supporting day-to-day HR, serving as an HR point of contact) or who are pursuing an HR career | HR professionals doing strategic work, such as developing HR policies and strategy, overseeing the whole HR operation, analyzing performance metrics and aligning HR strategy with organizational goals | [1] |
| Eligibility | No degree, HR title or HR experience requiredSHRM recommends a basic working knowledge of HR. | At least 3 years of strategic-level HR work (1,000+ hours per calendar year), or 3 years as a SHRM-CP holder moving into a strategic role; no degree required | [1][2] |
| Questions on the exam | 134 questions (110 scored + 24 unscored field-test items) | 134 questions (110 scored + 24 unscored field-test items) | [1][3][4] |
| Testing time | 3 hours 40 minutes of testingTwo 110-minute sections in a 4-hour appointment; one optional 15-minute break, and the clock keeps running. | 3 hours 40 minutes of testingTwo 110-minute sections in a 4-hour appointment; one optional 15-minute break, and the clock keeps running. | [1][3][4] |
| Exam priceHRCI charges one price; the SHRM price depends on membership and on the application deadline. The bar shows the nonmember standard price. | $399 for SHRM members or $499 for nonmembers, the standard price for the December 1, 2026 – February 15, 2027 window (applications September 1 – December 24, 2026); the $50 application fee is includedThe early-bird price ($350 / $450) applied to applications from June 3 – August 31, 2026 and has closed for this window. | $399 for SHRM members or $499 for nonmembers, the standard price for the December 1, 2026 – February 15, 2027 window (applications September 1 – December 24, 2026); the $50 application fee is includedThe early-bird price ($350 / $450) applied to applications from June 3 – August 31, 2026 and has closed for this window. | [1][5] |
| Passing scoreBoth bodies report scaled scores on different scales, so a 500 and a 200 do not compare. | Scaled score of 200Scores run from 120 to 200 and every passing candidate receives 200; the cut is set by the modified Angoff method. | Scaled score of 200Scores run from 120 to 200 and every passing candidate receives 200; the cut is set by the modified Angoff method. | [1] |
| Pass rateHRCI publishes one pass rate per calendar year; SHRM publishes one per testing window. | 68% in the May–July 2025 window67% in Dec 2024–Feb 2025, 71% in May–Jul 2024, 70% in Dec 2023–Feb 2024, 71% in May–Jul 2023. | 50% in the May–July 2025 window51% in Dec 2024–Feb 2025, 56% in May–Jul 2024, 53% in Dec 2023–Feb 2024, 54% in May–Jul 2023. | [5] |
Most rows of the table match, and the eligibility row is the one that decides. The CP checks nothing. The SCP asks for 3 years of strategic-level HR work, counted in calendar years with at least 1,000 hours of that work, or for a CP held that long by someone moving into a strategic role.
The pass rates show what “strategic” costs on test day. In every window published since May 2023, the SCP rate ran below the CP: 50% against 68% in May–Jul 2025, 51% against 67% the window before. Both exams use the same question format; the SCP is scored against the BASK’s advanced proficiency indicators, so the best response is the one a senior HR leader would own (how the SCP differs, window-by-window rates).
Which level to apply for
SHRM-CP
Apply for the CP if
- your work is carrying out HR policy, running day-to-day HR or being the HR contact for a team
- you are new to HR: no degree, title or years are checked
- you count fewer than 3 years of strategic work
SHRM-SCP
Apply for the SCP if
- you set HR policy or strategy, or run the whole HR function
- you can document 3 years of strategic work at 1,000 hours a year
- you qualify by the CP route: SHRM-CP held for 3 years and a move into a strategic role
Changing your mind after applying: one change between SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP per application, requested at least 20 business days before the exam; the handbook’s fee table lists no charge for it. An SCP applicant who doubts their strategic years can move to the CP this way rather than start a new application.
Testing windows and booking
| Fact | Detail | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| When you can test | Two windows a year; the next runs December 1, 2026 to February 15, 2027 (apply by December 24, 2026)SHRM's fee page shows "Opens Jan 4, 2027" under 2027 Test Window 1, most likely the start of its application period; the window's testing dates are not posted yet. | SHRM: exam options and fees (fees, windows, format, pass rates) · SHRM: certification (testing windows) · 2026 SHRM Certification Handbook (PDF) [1][5][6] | |
| Where you test | In person at a Prometric test center only; no remote testing | SHRM: exam options and fees (fees, windows, format, pass rates) · 2026 SHRM Certification Handbook (PDF) [1][5] | |
| Application processing | An Authorization to Test letter by email within 10 business days; longer if the application is selected for an eligibility audit | 2026 SHRM Certification Handbook (PDF) [1] | |
| Retake | No retake in the same window; apply again as a new candidate in a later window and pay the full fee (no limit on attempts) | 2026 SHRM Certification Handbook (PDF) [1] |
Four decisions before you apply
Each attempt at a SHRM exam is one application, and four choices fix its price and timing before you ever see a question.
- The level. CP or SCP, using the eligibility row above. Audits: SHRM randomly audits applications in each window; an audited applicant has 10 business days to send proof, and SHRM does not contact employers; not complying forfeits all fees.
- The window and its deadline. Early bird: $350 / $450 (closed Aug 31, 2026). The standard price applies until Dec 24, 2026. There is no late period: miss that date and you wait for the next window.
- Membership. Member prices apply only if you are a SHRM member when you submit the application, so joining after you apply doesn’t change your price. Membership itself is $299 a year, optional; it lowers the exam price by $100.
- The test center. You book a Prometric seat once your Authorization to Test arrives by email. Rescheduling: $45 paid to Prometric 30+ days before the appointment, $60 at 5–29 days; under 5 days you cannot reschedule and lose all fees.
The same steps with both bodies’ rules side by side are on how to get HR certified.
What it costs
As of Oct 2026, the exam is $399 for SHRM members or $499 for nonmembers, the standard price for the December 1, 2026 – February 15, 2027 window (applications September 1 – December 24, 2026); the $50 application fee is included. Renewal every 3 years takes 60 PDCs and a fee of $165–$210. Student and military prices and the fees you can avoid are on the cost page, and the renewal rules on HR recertification.
SHRM or HRCI?
The HR Certification Institute covers the same two levels with knowledge-based exams, testing year-round at Pearson VUE centers or, for select exams and locations, online, at one price for everyone. Which body suits you is set out on HRCI vs SHRM, and the exam-level pairs on the professional comparison and the senior one.
SHRM practice on your phone
SHRM-CP: practice questions with every answer explained, in a study app. Not affiliated with HRCI or SHRM.
Practice on your phone
SHRM-SCP: practice questions with every answer explained, in a study app. Not affiliated with HRCI or SHRM.
One iPhone app for each level, with scenario questions written to the BASK. On Android or a computer, the practice tests on this site run in the browser.
More on the two SHRM exams
- SHRM-CP certification the exam, its areas and sample questions
- SHRM-SCP certification the strategic tier and its eligibility
- SHRM-CP practice test
- SHRM-SCP practice test
- SHRM exam dates
- The 2026 SHRM BASK
Sources
- 2026 SHRM Certification Handbook (PDF) shrm.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
- SHRM: eligibility criteria shrm.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
- SHRM: SHRM-CP certification page shrm.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
- SHRM: SHRM-SCP certification page shrm.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
- SHRM: exam options and fees (fees, windows, format, pass rates) shrm.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
- SHRM: certification (testing windows) shrm.org · checked Oct 26, 2026
Questions about SHRM certification
What does SHRM stand for?
The Society for Human Resource Management, a US membership association for HR professionals. Its certification program awards the CP and SCP, and membership is optional for both exams.
How much does it cost to become SHRM certified?
As of Oct 2026, $399–$499 for one attempt at either level at the standard price, depending on membership. Early bird: $350 / $450 (closed Aug 31, 2026). SHRM has not posted application periods or prices for the 2027 windows; its fee page lists 2027 Test Window 1 as opening January 4, 2027. A retake is a new application at the full fee.
Do I need a degree for SHRM certification?
No. The CP checks neither a degree nor HR experience. The SCP checks strategic HR experience, not education, so a degree neither replaces nor shortens it.
Can I take the SHRM exam online?
No. In the 2026 handbook both exams are given only in person at Prometric test centers, inside one of the two testing windows.
Is SHRM certification worth it?
SHRM’s certification page cites its own 2022 HR Careers Study: holders report salaries 14% to 15% higher than peers without the credential (checked Oct 2026). That is a self-reported survey by the certifying body, not an independent comparison, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports pay by occupation, not by credential. What BLS does say is that certification is usually voluntary but some employers prefer or require it (BLS: human resources specialists). Check the job postings you are aiming at before you pay.