SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management)

SHRM-CP

SHRM Certified Professional

SHRM's certification for early-to-mid-career HR professionals who implement policies and serve as the point of contact for staff and stakeholders. Built on the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK), testing both HR knowledge and behavioral competencies.

$4503 hours 40 minutes (two sections)

What's on the exam

SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK)

Leadership (Behavioral Competency Cluster)

~17%

Leadership and navigation · Ethical practice · Influence and vision · Driving organizational mission · Decision-making

Interpersonal (Behavioral Competency Cluster)

~17%

Relationship management · Communication · Global and cultural effectiveness · Conflict resolution · Teamwork and collaboration

Business (Behavioral Competency Cluster)

~16%

Business acumen · Consultation · Analytical aptitude · Critical evaluation · Aligning HR with strategy

People (HR Knowledge Domain)

~17%

Talent acquisition · Employee engagement and retention · Learning and development · Total rewards · HR strategic planning

Organization (HR Knowledge Domain)

~17%

Structure of the HR function · Organizational effectiveness and development · Workforce management · Employee and labor relations · Technology management

Workplace (HR Knowledge Domain)

~16%

HR in the global context · Diversity, equity and inclusion · Risk management · Corporate social responsibility · U.S. employment law and regulations

Frequently asked questions

How much does the SHRM-CP cost?

The SHRM-CP costs $450. Non-member early-bird rate; SHRM member rate is US$350. Standard (later) fees are US$499/US$399. Includes a US$50 application fee.

How long is the SHRM-CP and how many questions does it have?

134 questions (110 scored) — 3 hours 40 minutes (two sections).

What do you need to pass the SHRM-CP?

Scaled score of 200 on a 120–200 scale (no published percentage).

Can you retake the SHRM-CP?

Allowed in a later testing window; retake fee applies.

What is the best way to study for the SHRM-CP?

Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Leadership (Behavioral Competency Cluster) ~17%, Interpersonal (Behavioral Competency Cluster) ~17%, Business (Behavioral Competency Cluster) ~16%, People (HR Knowledge Domain) ~17%, Organization (HR Knowledge Domain) ~17%, Workplace (HR Knowledge Domain) ~16%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.

Program in development

We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 11 exam.

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