SHRM Certification Explained: Your Complete Guide to Getting Certified

Your HR career is evolving. The expectations are higher. The global competition is fiercer. The role of HR has shifted from support to strategy. And with that shift comes a need to prove you have what it takes. That’s where SHRM certification steps in. Whether you’re leveling up your career or investing in your team, this guide breaks down what SHRM certification is, why it matters, and how to get certified.

What is SHRM Certification and Why It Matters

SHRM stands for the Society for Human Resource Management, the world’s largest HR professional society. Their certifications, SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP, are globally recognized credentials that validate both knowledge and the ability to apply HR principles in practice.

It’s not just a badge. It’s proof that an HR professional understands strategic alignment, compliance, people development, and global best practices. It positions HR as a business partner, not just an administrative function.

According to SHRM’s 2022 Annual Report, there are 127,046 active SHRM-certified professionals worldwide. This figure underscores the widespread recognition and adoption of SHRM certifications among HR professionals globally.

In offshore staffing, particularly at Penbrothers, SHRM-certified HR teams signal alignment with international standards. That builds confidence with clients across the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Learn more about how HR outsourcing helps businesses scale globally in our Human Resource Outsourcing (HRO) guide.

SHRM-CP vs SHRM-SCP: Which One Is Right for You?

SHRM offers two globally recognized certifications, each designed to match where you are in your HR career and where you want to go next.

• SHRM-CP (Certified Professional)
  Ideal for HR professionals in operational roles. This credential validates your ability to implement policies, manage employee relations, and handle day-to-day HR activities. If you’re the go-to person for internal HR support, this is your track.
• SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional)
  Best for HR leaders in strategic roles. This certification focuses on designing and executing HR strategies, advising senior leadership, and aligning people initiatives with business goals. It’s built for those shaping, not just supporting, organizational direction.

Ask yourself: Are you executing HR plans, or building them? Your answer will point you to the right certification.

Do You Need SHRM Certification to Work in HR?

Technically, no. Practically, it helps a lot.

Hiring managers prefer SHRM-certified candidates. Certification can influence compensation. More importantly, it increases confidence in your ability to contribute beyond basic compliance.

In fact, SHRM-certified professionals report between 14% to 15% higher salaries than their non-certified peers, depending on region and role.

For employers, certifying your HR team isn’t just professional development. It’s strategic enablement. It ensures your offshore teams deliver HR support that aligns with international standards. To build a world-class HR function, you’ll need more than certifications, smarter talent acquisition strategies make all the difference.

Benefits of SHRM Certification

SHRM certification is more than a line on your résumé, it’s a strategic career accelerator.

• Career mobility
  Certified professionals are often prioritized for leadership roles. Employers see SHRM credentials as proof of readiness for greater responsibility.
• Higher compensation
  Studies show SHRM-certified HR professionals earn up to 15% more than their non-certified peers, depending on role and region. Source
• Credibility and trust
  It signals to executives and clients that you operate with current knowledge, strong ethics, and global HR fluency.
• Future-proofed skills
  The certification keeps you aligned with changing labor laws, DEI standards, data privacy expectations, and more.
• Global network access
  Gain entry to SHRM’s international events, resources, and learning communities.

And the urgency? Real. The World Economic Forum reports that by 2027, 44% of workers’ core skills will be disrupted, reinforcing the need for structured upskilling.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility depends on a mix of education and experience:

For SHRM-CP:

• HR-related degree + 1 year HR experience
• Non-HR degree + up to 4 years HR experience

For SHRM-SCP:

• HR-related degree + 3 years HR experience
• Non-HR degree + up to 7 years HR experience

International professionals and offshore HR teams can apply if their experience meets SHRM’s benchmarks. Penbrothers has supported HR leads in passing SHRM exams while servicing global clients.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting SHRM Certified

The certification journey is straightforward, but each step matters. Here’s how to navigate it with confidence:

1. Check your eligibility
   Your education and HR experience will determine whether you qualify for SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. For example, an HR-related degree with 1–3 years of experience may qualify you for SHRM-CP, while SHRM-SCP often requires up to 7 years if your degree isn’t HR-specific.
2. Select your certification level
   Operational role? Go for SHRM-CP.
   Strategic planner or policy-maker? SHRM-SCP is likely your match.
3. Register online
   Visit shrm.org to view exam windows, fees, and register. Have your work history and education documents ready. If you’re hiring for roles that demand this level of credentialing, remote recruitment agencies like Penbrothers can source the right talent faster.
4. Pay the fees and submit your application
   SHRM requires a $50 application fee plus the exam fee. Early-bird rates apply, and SHRM membership can reduce your cost.
5. Prepare for the exam
   Choose from two official tracks:
   • Self-paced via the SHRM Learning System
   • Instructor-led training (live virtual or in-person)
     All prep materials are based on the SHRM BoCK (Body of Competency & Knowledge).
6. Take the exam
   You’ll face 134 questions, split between knowledge-based and situational judgment items.
   Total time: 3 hours and 40 minutes. Testing can be done online or at approved test centers.

What to Expect on Exam Day

• Duration: 3 hours and 40 minutes
• Question types: Situational judgment and knowledge-based
• Exam format: Online or at testing centers
• Tip: Practice under timed conditions. Prioritize scenario-based reasoning.

How Much Does SHRM Certification Cost?

• SHRM Members: $335 (early bird) to $410 (standard)
• Non-Members: $435 (early bird) to $510 (standard)
• Application Fee: $50 (all candidates)

Membership gives access to prep tools and discounted pricing. Worth it if you plan to recertify or need access to ongoing HR resources.

Maintaining Your Certification

Renew every three years by earning 60 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) or retaking the exam. PDCs can be earned through:

• Webinars and courses (including many hosted by Deel, SHRM, or Penbrothers partners)
• Speaking or teaching engagements
• Work projects that stretch HR competencies
• Volunteer HR service

SHRM offers over 3,000+ PDC-approved activities, including webinars, research, and publications.

SHRM Body of Competency & Knowledge (BoCK)

SHRM Body of Competency & Knowledge (BoCK)

BoCK is the SHRM exam foundation. It blends:

• Behavioral competencies: Leadership, communication, ethical practice
• Technical knowledge: HR strategy, employee engagement, data analysis

It’s updated regularly to reflect global workforce trends. That makes it a great benchmark for employers hiring HR teams in offshore hubs.

Resources to Help You Succeed

• SHRM Learning System: Self-paced modules tied directly to the BoCK
• Live prep courses: Online or in-person with certified instructors
• Webinars and workshops: Many offer PDCs for certification or renewal
• Corporate prep programs: Ideal for teams. Penbrothers can help coordinate this for scaling HR departments. We also help clients build long-term HR capabilities with dedicated talent acquisition specialists who know how to align people strategy with business goals.

According to LinkedIn’s 2025 Workplace Learning Report, 94% of employees say they would stay longer at a company that invests in their learning.

Final Thoughts

SHRM certification helps HR professionals step into leadership roles with confidence. It builds capability in-house and across borders. It helps employers develop strategic HR departments that drive real impact.

At Penbrothers, we integrate certified HR support into our offshore staffing model. That way, clients don’t just get admin help, they get HR partners who understand local context and global compliance.

SHRM certification is your edge. Let it be your team’s too. Need help building your HR team across borders? Learn why outsourcing is key to accessing global talent.