SHRM certification. What can it really do for you?
An SHRM certification makes you look good at work and helps you move up in your career.
However, the exam fees will cost money.
So, is the cost really worth it?
SHRM certification cost can range from $310-510 plus other fees, depending on your situation. (See the chart below for more details.)
Stick around, and we’ll help you figure out exactly how much it would cost for you. We’ll talk about the fees, compare them with other certifications, and suggest ways to get support if you need it.
But first, what is an SHRM Certification?
SHRM stands for the Society for Human Resource Management. It’s a 501(c) nonprofit professional membership organization. They’re a group of HR experts who have been around for a while and have become the go-to source for HR knowledge.
They started in 1948 and now have nearly 325,000 members in 165 countries. SHRM impacts the lives of more than 235 million workers and families globally.
There are two main types: SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP.
This one is for people starting in HR. It shows you have the basics and are ready to handle the HR world.
According to SHRM, the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) credential is either for individuals who perform general HR and HR-related duties at work or for those pursuing a career in Human Resource Management.
The SHRM-CP exam contains two types of multiple-choice questions: stand-alone knowledge-based items that assess your knowledge and understanding of factual information, and scenario-based situational judgment items that assess your judgment and decision-making skills.
Approximately half of the items on each exam measure behavioral competency and the other half measure HR knowledge.
There are also 24 field-test items that are used to gather data on a question’s effectiveness and don’t count as part of a candidate’s score. Field test items are randomly mixed with scored exam items.
Here’s the exam format and length:
This is for the pros. If you’ve been around the HR world for a while and know your stuff, this certification will further solidify your career.
According to SHRM, an SHRM-SCP is for individuals with a work history of at least three years performing strategic level HR or HR-related duties; or for SHRM-CP holders who have held the credential for at least three years and are working in, or are in the process of transitioning to a strategic-level role.
The same as SHRM-CP, the exam contains two types of multiple-choice questions: stand-alone knowledge-based items that assess your knowledge and understanding of factual information, and scenario-based situational judgment items that assess your judgment and decision-making skills.
Similarly to SHRM-CP, approximately half of the items on each exam measure behavioral competence, and the other half measure HR knowledge.
Another point of similarity: There are also 24 field-test items that are used to gather data on a question’s effectiveness and don’t count as part of a candidate’s score. Field test items are randomly mixed with scored exam items.
The exam format and length are just the same as the SHRM-CP.
However, the main difference between the two is this:
SHRM-CP is more on foundational HR elements, such as policy implementation, technology and data collection, disciplinary action, and compliance—while SHRM-SCP focuses on strategic elements of HR like engagement and retention.
But the question remains: is it worth it?
In simple terms, yes. And let’s dive into why.
SHRM certification can make a big difference in your HR career. It signals to employers that you’re serious about your role in human resources, whether you’re starting or aiming for higher positions.
People trust actions more than words, and top reputable companies are looking for more than just great—they want the best of the best.
An SHRM certification is one of the best proofs that you can present to give credibility to your claims.
It shows that you know what you’re doing, you’re updated on the latest trends and strategies, and you are diligent at becoming a better HR expert.
But with all that value, what are the costs?
Here are the SHRM certification exam fees from their website.
Besides the exam fees, there are additional costs that you have to keep in mind.
Here are some of them:
While there are costs involved, the long-term benefits and opportunities that SHRM certification brings to the HR field make it a worthwhile investment in your professional career.
In HR certifications, SHRM isn’t the only certification that you can get.
Others, like HRCI’s PHR/SPHR, compete for attention. Let’s see how an SHRM certification stacks up.
Choosing between SHRM certification and others involves considering factors like cost, inclusivity, flexibility, content coverage, and global recognition.
Each certification serves different career stages, so it’s essential to align your choice with your professional goals and experience level.
If the cost of SHRM certification seems daunting, don’t worry. There are various financial assistance and support options available to make the certification more manageable.
Here are some of them:
Keep an eye out for SHRM or external scholarships that might ease the financial burden. These opportunities could be based on merit, need, or specific criteria.
Similar to scholarships, grants may be available to support your certification journey. Explore different sources to discover potential grants aligned with your situation.
Many employers recognize the value of a certified HR professional. Inquire with your employer about reimbursement options or employer-sponsored programs that can cover part or all of the certification costs.
Check if SHRM or third-party providers offer flexible payment plans. This can help you spread the cost over time, making it more manageable for your budget.
Explore any financial aid programs that SHRM or external organizations may provide. Understanding the eligibility criteria and application process can assist in securing financial assistance.
If you want to get the certificate, here are some tips for budgeting and saving for your certification:
Remember, financial constraints should not stop you from pursuing SHRM certification. By exploring available assistance options, setting a strategic budget, and planning wisely, you can make your certification goals a reality.
As you get your SHRM certification, it’s crucial to understand the long-term costs and commitments involved in maintaining your certification.
Often, here are the long-term costs you have to think about:
SHRM certifications are not a one-time achievement. They require periodic recertification to ensure that HR professionals stay current with evolving industry standards.
SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certifications are valid for three years. Within this period, you need to accumulate professional development credits to qualify for recertification.
While the recertification process itself incurs a fee, it’s essential to consider additional costs associated with earning recertification credits. These may include expenses for conferences, workshops, or online courses.
To maintain your SHRM certification, you must earn a specific number of professional development credits during the three-year recertification period.
Obtaining these credits may involve costs such as registration fees for conferences, course fees for educational programs, or expenses related to attending HR-related events.
Maintaining SHRM certification is an investment in your career longevity. It enhances your professional credibility and increases your value in the job market.
While there are costs associated with recertification, consider it as part of your long-term professional development investment. The returns in terms of career opportunities, salary growth, and job security often outweigh the associated expenses.
The ongoing commitment to recertification provides opportunities for networking and continuous learning. Engaging in these activities can contribute to your overall professional growth and effectiveness in the HR field.
Understanding the long-term costs and commitments involved in maintaining SHRM certification allows you to plan strategically for ongoing professional development.
Consider the SHRM certification as an investment in the success and relevance of your HR career.
Obtaining SHRM certification opens up new opportunities in your HR career.
Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned professional, the advantages, such as career progression and professional recognition, make it a wise choice.