SHRM-CP

The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) credential, awarded by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), validates the knowledge and judgment of HR professionals who perform general HR or HR-related duties. Earning it demonstrates your commitment to the profession and can support career advancement, greater credibility, and wider recognition with employers in the United States and internationally.

Exam Pattern

The exam contains 134 multiple-choice questions of two types. 24 of the questions are unscored field-test items that SHRM is evaluating for future use; they are mixed in with the scored items and look exactly like them, so treat every question as if it counts.

The exam is split into two independently timed sections of up to 110 minutes each, for 3 hours and 40 minutes of testing time. With the introduction, tutorial, and closing survey, the appointment lasts about four hours. There are no scheduled breaks, and the clock keeps running if you leave the room. The exam is computer-based and taken in person at an authorized Prometric test center; remote testing is not offered.

The SHRM BASK: What the Exam Covers

The exam is built on the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK). About half of the scored items cover the eight behavioral competencies, grouped into three clusters, and the other half cover the HR Expertise knowledge domains, grouped into three domains with fourteen functional areas. The current BASK combines the former Inclusion & Diversity and Global Mindset competencies into Inclusive Mindset, renames Critical Evaluation as Analytical Aptitude, and reflects the use of artificial intelligence in HR practice throughout.

Approximateshrm-Cpweighting

Area	CompetenciesorFunctionalAreas
Leadershipcluster	Leadership&Navigation·EthicalPractice·InclusiveMindset
Interpersonalcluster	RelationshipManagement·Communication
Businesscluster	BusinessAcumen·Consultation·AnalyticalAptitude
Peopledomain	HRStrategy·TalentAcquisition·EmployeeEngagement&Retention·Learning&Development·
	TotalRewards
Organizationdomain	StructureoftheHRFunction·OrganizationalEffectiveness&Development·Workforce
	Management·Employee&LaborRelations·TechnologyManagement
Workplacedomain	Managing a Global Workforce · Risk Management · Corporate Social Responsibility · U .S .
	EmploymentLaw&Regulations

Scoring and Results

SHRM reports results on a scaled score from 120 to 200, and every passing candidate receives a score of 200 or higher on the scale. The passing standard is set by subject matter experts using the modified Angoff method, so your performance is compared with a predetermined standard, not with other candidates. Only the 110 scored items count, and there is no penalty for wrong answers, so answer every question. Results are posted to the SHRM certification portal about two to three weeks after testing, with a score and feedback report that shows your relative performance across the exam content.

Exam at a Glance

ExamAspect	Details
Administeredby	SocietyforHumanResourceManagement(SHRM);deliveredatPrometrictestcenters
Questions	134 total: 80 knowledge items and 54 situational judgment items including 24 unscored field -test ,
	items
Time	Twotimedsectionsofupto110minuteseach(3hours40minutes);about4hoursintotal
Content	SHRMBASK:behavioralcompetenciesabout50% HRknowledgedomainsabout50% ,
Scoring	Scaledscoreof120–200;200isrequiredtopass
Testingwindows	Twowindowsayear:May1–July15andDecember1–February15
Examfee	Early-bird: US$350 for SHRM members US$450 for nonmembers; standard: US$399 and US$499; ,
	eachincludesanonrefundableapplicationfee
Retakes	Candidateswhodonotpassreapplyforalatertestingwindowandpaytheexamfeeagain
Recertification	60professionaldevelopmentcredits(PDCs)everythreeyears orretaketheexam ,

Eligibility

The SHRM-CP is intended for professionals who perform general HR or HR-related duties or who are pursuing a career in HR. There are no formal eligibility requirements: you do not need an HR title, a degree, or prior HR experience, and SHRM membership is not required. A basic working knowledge of HR is recommended. SHRM also provides testing accommodations for candidates with qualifying needs; these are requested with the application.