SHRM-CP
SHRM Certified Professional
A competency-based credential for HR professionals in operational roles. It measures how you apply HR knowledge to real workplace situations, not just what you can recall.
Level
Professional
Focus
Generalist
Region
Global
Valid for
3 years
Prep time
60–100 hours typical
Bottom line
The most broadly recognised mid-level credential for HR generalists. Strong in North America and increasingly portable across Asia.
Best for
Operational HR generalists who want broad, applied recognition
Not for
Highly specialised practitioners who want a niche credential
Who it's for
HR practitioners performing general HR duties — policy, employee relations, day-to-day people operations — and students or career-changers moving into HR.
Eligibility
- No single fixed path — eligibility scales with education and HR experience.
- Less HR-specific coursework is offset by more years in an HR role, and vice versa.
- Students and those entering HR can sit the exam; a related degree shortens the experience needed.
Exam format
134
Questions
About 3 hours 40 minutes of testing time
Duration
Prometric test centre or remote proctoring, during two testing windows each year
Delivery
Cost
| Tier | Price |
|---|---|
| SHRM member | ≈ US$410 (indicative) |
| Non-member | ≈ US$510 (indicative) |
Prices are indicative and set by the issuing body — always confirm on the official page before registering.
Recertification
Earn 60 professional development credits (PDCs) every three years, or retake the exam.
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