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.

2026 - 2027 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 WINDOWS          EARLY BIRD           STANDARD                  TESTING
First Test 05/01 - 30/03/2026 31/03 - 26/05/2026 01/05 - 15/07/2026
Second Test 03/06 - 31/08/2026 01/09 - 24/12/2026 01/12/2026 - 15/02/2027

EXAM FEES

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

FEE TYPE                      MEMBER                NON-MEMBER
  Early Bird Standard Early Bird Standard
SHRM-CP® Exam Fee $425 $495 $520 $595
SHRM-SCP® Exam Fee $520 $595 $620 $695

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

 $395 $470 $395 $470
Group Exam Fee for groups of 10 - 19  
 (Register at PACE)		 $370 $445 $370 $445
Group Exam Fee for groups of 20 - 39  
 (Register at PACE)		 $346 $421 $346 $421
Group Exam Fee for groups of 40+  
 (Register at PACE)		 $321 $396 $321 $396
Transfer Exam Fee

$150
Reset Fee $100
Cancellation / Rescheduling Fee

$45: 30 days prior to exam date

$60: 5-29 days prior to exam date
Results Review Fee $100