SHRM-CP
Offered by SHRM
The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) is an operational-level HR credential from the Society for Human Resource Management. It emphasizes behavioral competencies and workplace judgment through situational-judgment items, alongside HR knowledge — and, notably, requires no degree or prior HR experience to sit for it.
EXAM AT A GLANCE
Questions
134
110 scored
Testing time
40
minutes
Sections
2
Delivery
Prometric test center or online proctored
Passing score
200
Cost
$350 (member) / $450 (non-member) early-bird; $399 / $499 standard, USD
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What the exam covers
HR Knowledge Domains (People, Organization, Workplace)
Behavioral Competency Clusters (Leadership, Interpersonal, Business)
About the SHRM-CP certification
The exam is built on the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK).
Who it’s for
HR professionals in operational roles, and students or career changers entering HR.
- Testing time
- 4 hours total (3 hours 40 minutes of testing time)
- Passing score
- 200 on a 120–200 scaled scale
- Validity
- 3 years; renew with 60 professional development credits or by retaking the exam
- Prerequisites
- None required; basic working knowledge of HR is recommended
Official exam page· Details verified August 2026
Exam details can change. Always confirm current requirements, fees, and exam policies with the certification provider before registering.
How to prepare
01
Download the current SHRM BASK — it defines everything tested.
02
Study both the HR knowledge domains and the behavioral competencies.
03
Practice situational-judgment items (choosing the best action) — about 40% of the exam.
04
Use a SHRM Learning System or equivalent structured prep.
05
Apply during the correct testing-window application period.
FAQ
Do I need HR experience to take the SHRM-CP?
No. SHRM removed the degree and experience requirements — the SHRM-CP is open to anyone performing or pursuing HR work.
How is SHRM-CP different from the PHR?
SHRM-CP emphasizes behavioral competencies and situational judgment; HRCI's PHR is more focused on technical/operational HR knowledge and U.S. employment law.
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