ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

SHRM-Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

HR professionals who implement policies and strategies, serve as point of contact for staff and stakeholders, deliver HR services, and perform operational HR functions, should take the SHRM-CP exam.

SHRM-CP ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • 0-2 years of experience (including final year students).
  • 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 is recommended.

Exam Format and Length

  • Computer-based experience.
  • Up to 3 hours and 40 minutes.
  • 134 questions (80 knowledge items/54 situational judgment items).

SHRM- Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

HR professionals who develop strategies, lead the HR function, foster influence in the community, analyze performance metrics, and align HR strategies to organizational goals, should take the SHRM-SCP exam.

SHRM-SCP ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • At least 3 years performing strategic level HR/HR-related duties, or
  • 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.

Exam Format and Length

  • Computer-based experience.
  • Up to 3 hours and 40 minutes.
  • 134 questions (80 knowledge items/54 situational judgment items).

Extended Regulations

  • 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.

2025 - 2026 SHRM-CP AND SHRM-SCP EXAM SCHEDULE

The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams are offered during two windows each year. When applying for the exam, you must apply during the application period that coincides with your testing window. Applications must be received by the standard deadline for each window.

EXAM APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED  DEADLINE
May 1, 2025 - July 15, 2025 January 3, 2025 May 16, 2025
December 1, 2025 - February 15, 2026  June 4, 2025 Dec. 17, 2025

 

 

EXAM FEES

Fees for the two certifications SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP include the following items:

Fee Type SHRM Members price NonMember Price
SHRM-CP Exam Fee $495 $595
SHRM-SCP Exam Fee $595 $695

Group Exam Fee for groups of 5 - 9  
 (Register at PACE)

 $470 $470
Group Exam Fee for groups of 10 - 19  
 (Register at PACE)		 $445 $445
Transfer Exam Fee

$150
Subject to an additional $53 appointment 
cancellation fee when applicable.

 $150
Subject to an additional $53 appointment 
cancellation fee when applicable.
Reset fee $100 $100
Retest Exam fee Full Exam Fee Full Exam Fee
Results Review Fee $100 $100