SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) – Exams in 2024

SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification is designed for HR professionals in operational roles such as implementing policies, acting as a point of contact and resolving HR issues for relevant departments, and/or performing day-to-day HR functions. If this is the focus of your work, the SHRM-CP certification is the best choice, even if you are fully qualified to take the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) exam. HR is one of the fastest growing fields, and this is a valuable opportunity for HR professionals to make strides at a global level.

Achieving the SHRM-CP Certification is a guarantee of proficiency in applying knowledge and skills in Human Resources according to the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK). At the same time, this is also an affirmation to the international community that you are determined to constantly keep up with the latest advances in the global Human Resources field.

Exam Format

• 134 Multiple choice (80 knowledge items and 54 situational judgement items, of which 24 are field test items)

• 50%: HR Specific Knowledge – Key concept topics associated with the 15 HR functional areas

• 40%: Situational Judgement – Choose the best strategy to address issues in a given work-related scenario

• 10%: Leadership – Key foundational topics related to the 8 behavioral competencies

• Field test items do not count to score

The testing schedule is as follows:

• Confidentiality Reminder – 2 minutes

• Introduction and tutorial – 8 minutes

• Exam Section 1 – Up to 1 hour and 50 minutes *

• Exam Section 2 – Up to 1 hour and 50 minutes

• Survey – 5 minutes

SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP®) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP®)

The SHRM-CP certification is intended for individuals that perform general HR/HR-related duties; or for currently enrolled students and individuals pursuing a career in Human Resource Management.

Candidates for the SHRM-CP certification are not required to hold an HR title and do not need a degree or previous HR experience to apply; however, a basic working knowledge of HR practices and principles or a degree from an Academically Aligned program is recommended.

The SHRM-CP exam is designed to assess the competency level of HR at the operational level. This level includes implementing policies, supporting day-to-day HR functions, or serving as an HR point of contact for staff and stakeholders.

Refer to the SHRM BASK® for detailed information on proficiency standards for this credential (i.e., Proficiency Indicators only For All HR Professionals).

The SHRM-SCP certification is for individuals that have a work history of at least 3 years performing strategic level HR/HR-related duties; or for SHRM-CP credential holders who have held the credential for at least 3 years and are working in, or are in the process of transitioning to, a strategic level role.

Candidates for the SHRM-SCP certification are not required to hold an HR title and do not need a degree to apply.

The SHRM-SCP exam is designed to assess the competency level of those who engage in HR work at the strategic level. Work at this level includes duties such as developing HR policies and/or procedures, overseeing the execution of integrated HR operations, directing an entire HR enterprise, or leading the alignment of HR strategies to organizational goals.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they devoted at least 1,000 hours per calendar year (Jan. – Dec.) to strategic level HR/HR-related work.

• More than 1,000 hours in a calendar year does not equate to more than 1 year of experience.

• Part-time work qualifies as long as the 1,000-hour per calendar year standard is met.

• Experience may be either salaried or hourly.

Individuals who are HR consultants may demonstrate qualifying experience through the HR/HR-related duties they perform for their clients. Contracted hours must meet the 1,000-hour standard.

Refer to the SHRM BASK® for detailed information on proficiency standards for this credential (i.e., Proficiency Indicators For All HR Professionals and For Advanced HR Professionals).

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have access to the course materials?

You can view and review the lecture materials indefinitely, like an on-demand channel.

Can I take my courses with me wherever I go?

Definitely! If you have an internet connection, courses on Udemy are available on any device at any time. If you don’t have an internet connection, some instructors also let their students download course lectures. That’s up to the instructor though, so make sure you get on their good side!