SHRM
Quick but complete review of everything on the SHRM-CP exam
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Tons of SHRM-CP practice test questions to help you improve
Unique SHRM-CP study guide exam prep includes test tips and strategies by real teachers and tutors
Covers all topics on the SHRM-CP including: Business Strategy and Ethics, Leading and Communicating in the Workplace, Workforce Planning and Management, Total Rewards: Compensation and Benefits, Employee and Labor Relations, Learning, Development, and Evaluation, and Risk Management
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Length: 178 pages
ISBN: 978-1637988848
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Have questions about the SHRM exam? Click below to find the answers you need.
“SHRM-CP” stands for Society for Human Resource Management - Certified Professional.
The SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) human resources certification is an exam offered by the Society for Human Resource Management.
The Society for Human Resource Management was established in 1948. It is an internationally recognized certifying organization for the HR profession. HR certification is a globally recognized demonstration of professional achievement.
The SHRM offers different types of certification exams for the HR profession: the SHRM-CP and the SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional).
The SHRM-CP requires mastery of the tactical aspects of HR and a foundational knowledge of US laws and regulations. You must create an account at SHRM and apply to take the SHRM-CP test. To earn your SHRM-CP, you must pass the test and have a combination of experience and education.
SHRM certification shows you are an accredited professional. It proves your professional expertise. After you pass the test, you can put the SHRM-CP designation after your name. Getting a SHRM-CP can increase your earning potential. A SHRM-CP credential shows your added value to your organization. Some people take SHRM-CP classes or look for SHRM-CP prep.
The SHRM-CP is geared for the HR professional who implements HR programs, acts tactically, reports to a more senior HR professional, and focuses on the HR department.
To get your SHRM-CP, you need a combination of education and professional experience. The SHRM-CP requirements are:
An HR-related graduate degree and current work experience in an HR position, OR
A graduate degree with at least one year of experience in an HR position, OR
A bachelor’s degree and at least two years of experience in an HR position, OR
An HR-related bachelor’s degree and at least one year of experience in an HR position, OR
At least four years of experience in an HR position with a high school diploma.
SHRM-CP is a professional certification. There is no SHRM-CP degree.
No. the PHR (Professional in Human Resources) certification is an exam offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). PHR certification is offered by the HRCI as an exam. This organization is different from the SHRM. HRCI offers different types of certification exams for the HR profession. Certifications include: Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR), and more.
SHRM PHR is not a certification. Some people have their PHR and their SHRM-CP, for example. It is up to you to decide what certification is most important for you.
The SHRM-CP is offered year-round.
The SHRM-CP costs $300 to $475, depending on what time you register and whether you are a member.
There are 160 questions on the SHRM-CP.
The SHRM-CP is 4 hours long.
Ninety-five questions are knowledge based and test an examinee’s subject-matter proficiency.
Sixty-five questions are situational judgment items, in which the examinee reads a summary of a short, realistic HR scenario and answers related questions.
All questions are multiple choice.
The material on the SHRM-CP is based on the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK). The BASK contains three Behavioral Competency Clusters: Leadership, Interpersonal, and Business. It also has three Knowledge Domains: People, Organization, and Workplace. All questions on the SHRM-CP exam will fall under one of these categories.
The three Behavioral Competency Clusters—Leadership, Business, and Interpersonal—comprise a certain percentage of questions on the SHRM-CP exam. The SHRM recognizes a total of eight Behavioral Competencies subsumed under the Behavioral Competency Clusters.
You must create an account with the SHRM to take the SHRM-CP. You’ll need to apply. You’ll need certain levels of professional and educational experience.
The SHRM-CP is administered by Prometric remotely or at testing centers around the nation. You can schedule your test through SHRM and Prometric as soon as you receive your Authorization to Test (ATT).
The SHRM-CP is administered by Prometric remotely and at testing centers around the nation. If you go to a testing center, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam; if you arrive more than 30 minutes after the test starts, you will not be admitted.
Bring two forms of ID and be prepared to be photographed and pass through a metal detector. Your primary ID must be government issued, include a recent photograph and signature, and match the name under which you registered to take the test. Your secondary ID must include your name and signature or name and photograph. If you do not have proper ID, you will not be allowed to take the test.
You will not be allowed to bring any personal items into the testing room, such as calculators or phones. You may not bring pens, pencils, or scratch paper. Other prohibited items include hats, scarves, and coats. You may wear religious garments, however. Most testing centers provide lockers for valuables.
Yes. You can reschedule your exam 30 days in advance or more for no fee. You will be charged $53 if you reschedule less than 30 days in advance. You cannot reschedule less than five days in advance.. You must reschedule through Prometric.
You must contact Prometric directly to request accommodations. You must complete a set of forms available online and provide documentation showing that you have a disability that affects your ability to take the exam. The type of documentation required will depend on your disability and the accommodations you are requesting.
Prometric lists available accomodations online here.
According to SHRM, 67% of candidates passed the SHRM-CP as of July, 2021.
You will receive a preliminary score immediately after you complete the exam.
The number of questions you answer correctly is your raw score. That number is then scaled to a number from 120 to 200. A passing score is 200.
The score report includes both an examinee’s score and information about the test taker’s competency in the SHRM Knowledge Domains and Behavioral Competency Clusters. A chart will indicate a candidate’s areas of strength as well as areas for improvement.
A passing score is 200.
If you do not get the scores you want, you will be able to retake the test. You will need to reapply and pay applicable fees.
You will need to recertify your SHRM credentials every three years.
No. You can earn your recertification by taking continuing education courses. You can retake the exam instead if you wish.