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For Individuals Seeking Certification Information

    This page is designed to help individuals seeking certification information.

    CERTIFICATION DETAILS  
    The SHRM competency-based certification answers a critical need in our global marketplace. Employers expect more today, and we need to meet their expectations. This certification will demonstrate for HR professionals who we are, what we do, and why it matters. Simply put -- it's our value proposition. How we do our jobs, the skill sets required, and the way we measure success will continue to change -- it has to if we are to successfully meet the needs of a rapidly changing marketplace. And that's why HR certifications need to reflect those changes as well. This is an exciting opportunity because SHRM Certification will provide a full representation of who we are as a profession, and what we have to offer our employers. 

    What will the new certification be called?
    There will be two levels to the new certification: SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

    What is the difference between the "online tutorial" and the "exam"?
    If you are an HR professional who is currently certified with a recognized HR generalist certification that is in good standing, you can take a brief online tutorial focusing on HR competencies. 

    If you are not currently certified, you can take the new SHRM Certification exam scheduled for May 1 - July 15, 2015. Registration for the first exam opened January 5, 2015. 

    How long will the exam be? How many questions?
    The exam will be 160 to 180 questions, and will contain both knowledge- and competency-based questions. We anticipate that the exam will be up to 4 hours for the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP.

    What’s the format of the online tutorial? Will I have to answer any questions? If so, what if I get one wrong?
    The online tutorial will present competency-based information and will include a series of questions at the conclusion of the program. Participants will have the opportunity to answer the questions in order to demonstrate their mastery of the concepts covered in the tutorial. If a participant answers a question incorrectly, they will be redirected to the section of the tutorial that relates to the information addressed in the question. Participants will then have another opportunity to respond to the question.

    What's the rollout timeline for this new certification?
    SHRM began accepting applications for those seeking certification on January 5, 2015. The first exam window of the new SHRM Certification is scheduled for May 1 - July 15, 2015. 

    Who is eligible for the new SHRM Certification?
    HR professionals with existing HR generalist certifications in good standing will be eligible for the new SHRM Certification on January 5, 2015 by taking an online tutorial pathway.

    What Competencies are Associated with the Certifications?
    http://www.shrm.org/certification/about/bodyofcompetencyknowledge/pages/competenciesoverview.aspx
    SHRM Body of Competency & Knowledge Graphic 
    SHRM Competency Model Brochure 

    Which exam should I apply for?
    SHRM Recertification Handbook
    http://www.shrm.org/certification/about/eligibilitycriteria/pages/default.aspx

    How to prepare: http://www.shrm.org/certification/learning/pages/default.aspx

    If you go through a SHRM Chapter Study Group Class (link to local study groups page)  You can earn up to 36 hours of recertification credit

    How to recertify:
    http://www.shrm.org/certification/recertification/recertificationrequirements/pages/default.aspx
    SHRM Recertification Handbook