Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certification
A Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certification is a sure way to gain HR expertise.
If you want a career in human resources, you want to do everything possible to succeed. You'll want to amass knowledge and skills in the field and put them into practice. The competencies you gain become crucial in handling various HR tasks. You can create and implement policies that improve talent acquisition and management.
Gaining certification from a reputable accreditation body sets you apart as an expert. SHRM certification shows that you have competencies in certain areas of human resources. It also shows the holder's dedication to learning and improving their professional skills. These are the characteristics that employers and organizations seek in human resources employees.
So, what is SHRM certification, and how is it beneficial to HR professionals and organizations? We have compiled everything you need to know about it. This article explores its importance and offers details on attaining one.
What is SHRM Certification?
To understand SHRM certification, we must discuss the Society for Human Resource Management. This is the world's largest HR association, with over 300,000 HR and business executive members in 165 countries. It is also well-known among HR professionals globally as a top-tier accreditation body. The organization has a powerful impact on many people's professional lives and careers. It offers a range of tools, programs, and other resources for HR professionals. The SHRM headquarters are in California, USA.
The organization has three main roles:
- Offering training and certification in human resources
- Providing a networking platform for HR leaders and specialists
- Promote the interests of the human resources and labor industry
SHRM certifications are credentials offered by the Society for Human Resource Management. They show that credential holders can create the best real-life HR strategies. Certified professionals can apply HR principles to real-world scenarios and succeed. The certification focuses on technical competencies like compliance and behavioral skills like leadership. The two ensure that professionals have mastered HR practices and can drive organizational success.
The SHRM organization offers two certifications to interested HR professionals and civil servants. These two certifications include the Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). You may have encountered the initials in front of the names of some professionals.
So, what is the difference between SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP?
SHRM-CP (Certified Professional)
The SHRM-CP is a low-level certification from the Society for Human Resource Management. It is perfect for individuals involved in day-to-day human resources roles. These professionals implement policies from senior management. They also act as the point of contact between employees and senior management. The certification is also perfect for beginners with little to no knowledge. However, having some level of knowledge about human resources is recommended.
The SHRM-CP certification includes training in the following:
- Compliance and Ethical practice
- Policy implementation
- Disciplinary action
- Technology and Data Collection
- Relationship Management
- Effective Communication
- Leadership
SHRM-SCP
SHRM-SCP is the second-level certification offered by SHRM. It is for individuals with at least 3 years of experience performing strategic-level HR-related duties. SHRM-CP certification holders transitioning into strategic roles can also enroll. You can also take the training if you've had the lower-level credentials for over three years.
The SHRM-SCP certification includes training in the following:
- Developing HR policies and/or procedures
- Overseeing the execution of integrated HR operations
- Directing an entire HR enterprise
- Leading the alignment of HR strategies to organizational goals
Competencies assessed fall under the SHRM BASK topics and include skills not covered in the SHRM-CP.
What are the Benefits of Society for Human Resource Management Certification?
SHRM certification has many benefits for professionals, civil servants, and organizations. Let's explore what you get from SHRM training.
Enhance Your HR Competencies
Hone your knowledge in the human resources field and improve your confidence. The SHRM training offers many professional skills that can be useful to you. The SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK) decides the critical areas of assessment. It collects the views of thousands of HR experts globally. The framework is used to create exams, meaning that anyone qualified is an expert in the field.
Some of the competency areas that you'll gain insight into include the following:
- Effective Communication
- Business acumen
- Relationship management
- HR expertise
- Global and cultural effectiveness
- Ethical practice
- Critical evaluation
- Consultation
SHRM BASK is updated regularly, ensuring that it assesses the latest competencies. This ensures institutions get experts who have mastered the latest principles and approaches. The certification blends theoretical knowledge and practical application of HR principles. As such, HR teams can understand your policies and know how to implement them effectively.
Boost Your Career Growth
Most businesses and government institutions have a range of different employees. They need a team of HR specialists to manage everyone in the organization. These experts must also assess the market and attract the best talent. As such, institutions will require the most qualified human resources personnel. Certification enhances the holder's credibility as an expert in human resources.
HR professionals with SHRM certification report it as a key factor in their career growth. It shows employers that you have the skills to handle HR tasks and make strategic HR decisions. SHRM-CP holders can easily handle the day-to-day HR activities. On the other hand, SHRM-SCP holders can formulate effective policies and strategies. Taking training also shows your dedication to development, which most employers seek.
Compliance with Industry Laws and Regulations
Organizations operate in jurisdictions with various labor laws and regulations. Their HR department must comply with local, national, and industry rules. SHRM training introduces HR professionals to international labor standards. Participants will also get insight into the local regulatory landscape. This minimizes the risks associated with non-compliance and ensures adherence to legal requirements. Non-compliance can lead to fines, penalties, and expensive litigation fees. Following laws also boosts your organization's brand image, giving you a competitive edge.
Higher Salary Potential
Those with SHRM Certification report earning salaries 14% higher than peers without certification. Employers find their expertise valuable to the organization and remunerate them well. The accreditation also attracts respect from colleagues and roles that pay better. For example, SHRM-SCP certification shows your strategic HR strategizing and leadership mastery. This will easily make an employer promote you to higher managerial roles.
Culture of Professional Development and High Employee Retention
Offering SHRM certification to employees shows dedication to their professional development. Certified professionals gain access to SHRM's educational resources, conferences, and networking events. Such continuous learning and improvement promote a culture of advancement and growth. This enhances levels of engagement and innovation, leading to a better HR department.
A supportive working environment makes employees happier and more satisfied. It fosters loyalty among employees, boosting productivity and positivity. Certified employees gain the competencies to provide a satisfactory working environment. This improves your brand image among prospective employees seeking the best employees. An HR team with SHRM certification can also help a business improve its retention rates. This leads to cost-cutting in employee acquisition and onboarding.
What is the SHRM Certification Process?
Does SHRM certification sound like the next step in your HR career development? Here is how to go about it.
1. Check Your Eligibility
You must check whether you qualify before settling on your desired SHRM certification.
SHRM-CP certification is for HR professionals who handle general HR tasks. Those seeking a career in Human Resources Management are also allowed to enroll. Candidates don't need a degree or prior HR experience. However, basic insight into HR or a degree from an Academically Aligned program is ideal.
The eligibility criteria for SHRM-SCP cater to high-level HR professionals. Applicants require a history of at least 3 years performing strategic-level HR duties. It is also open for SHRM-CP credential holders who have held the credential for at least 3 years. However, they must be in or are in the process of taking a strategic-level role. You don't need a degree to take the certification exam. Additionally, applicants must prove they have dedicated 1,000 hours yearly in strategic-level HR work. This experience is either part-time or full-time.
If you qualify for both, it's time to settle on the credentials you want.
2. Apply for and Schedule the SHRM Certification Exam
SHRM certification exam application happens seasonally. As such, you must check the SHRM schedule for the registration window. The examination periods to choose from are May to July and December to February. Submit a request and wait for SHRM to send you further instructions. You'll pick the specific time to take the exam and indicate any accommodations you may need.
3. Prepare for Testing
Nobody wants to fail an examination, so the best thing to do is to study. You can either study on your own or look for an instructor to help. You can find several materials free or for purchase through many sources. With a better budget, you can take an instructional course with a SHRM expert. You can also join a study group or a local SHRM chapter.
Whichever learning option you take, you must study the same material. Ensure you check the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge. It contains insights from thousands of HR professionals and will prepare you.
4. Take the Certification Exam
You'll take the SHRM exam in person at an authorized Prometric testing center. The administrators perform a security screening and offer a locker for your items. You'll then receive the testing materials and start the exam. Ask for assistance with any concerns from the administrators. Testing in a test center is safe, reliable, and preferred by SHRM. You must also adhere to all Prometric testing rules.
The exams take around 3 hours and 40 minutes to complete.
5. Earn Your SHRM Certification
SHRM immediately provides the results of the certification exam. Achieve a score of 200 and receive a complimentary digital certificate. You can purchase a framed certificate if you want. SHRM will list your name in its certification directory and provide a digital badge that you can share. Placing the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP designation letters after your name shows your expertise.
How to Earn and Maintain Your Certification Credits
SHRM certification is not a one-time process that ends with passing exams. You must maintain your credentials through continuous professional growth. SHRM credential holders must earn 60 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) every three years. You must meet all requirements for certification renewal.
So, how do you earn professional development credits? The following activities qualify for PDCs:
- Attending HR-related conferences, seminars, or workshops.
- Participating in conferences and programs from Linkage, a SHRM Company
- Taking a degree program at an accredited college or university
- Gaining continuing education units and taking continuing legal education
- Participating in online learning, podcasts, webcasts, and other offerings from SHRM eLearning
- Earning a SHRM Specialty Credential and/or a SHRM Foundation Veterans at Work
- Volunteering to support HR activities at non-profit organizations
- Researching and publishing research, books, articles, white papers, and blogs about HR
Professional Development Credits are calculated based on the hours you spent on an HR-related activity. You'll record and report the PDCs through the SHRM certification portal. Here are the steps to follow:
- Log in to your SHRM certification portal
- Click on "Add PDCs" and follow the instructions depending on whether you have an activity code
- Select dates and ensure all activities happened within the beginning and end dates
The PDCs you earn from SHRM-sponsored activities are automatically uploaded. Professionals are advised to continuously track their PDCs even after hitting 60.
Certification Renewal and Validity
SHRM certification credential holders must renew it every three years. As discussed above, you need 60 PDCs to qualify for renewal. Apart from HR-related activities, you can earn credits through continuing education. These qualifying continuing education programs must be related to the HR behavioral competencies. They could also be based on knowledge domains outlined in the SHRM BASK. You'll then retake the certification exam for PDCs. If you fail, your certification is revoked, and you must retake the exam and pass.
It is a requirement to finish the recertification within the three-year time frame. If you fail, you'll get a 60-day grace period, after which the credentials are revoked. The recertification fees also increase after the end of the grace period. If you want to retire from HR, you can apply for the SHRM certification for retired status.
Visit SHRM-accredited courses at Atton Institute
Are you an HR specialist seeking a continuous development education program offering PDC credits? Check Atton Institute's human resources courses catalog.
Atton Institute has earned the SHRM-certified provider status as a professional adult education entity. We deliver our HR courses as per the applicable SHRM requirements. The provider status gives us licensed access to the professional HR data and tools of SHRM. This guarantees that our training complies with the SHRM professional accreditation body’s guidelines and recommendations.
Working on your career also shows your dedication to continuous improvement. Gaining PDC points from SHRM-accredited courses indicates your mastery of the latest principles. The training programs provide insight into HR behavioral competencies and technical knowledge.
So, why get your continuous professional education at Atton Institute? Let's explore what makes us a premier institution.
- Original Teaching Methodology - We rely on the Atton LPI Teaching Methodology to ensure quality training.
- Quick Results - Our courses last 4 to 5 days, depending on the program
- Vast Catalog - We provide many HR courses covering different competencies. This allows professionals to get the training they want.
- Attractive Discounts - Our attractive offers can help you score great deals. We offer a discount for bookings made 60 days in advance, and registering large teams also attracts a special package.
- Conducive Learning Environment - We hold classes in 5-star hotels in various cities. To promote engagement, each session will have less than 10 students.
- Quality Material and Experienced Instructors - You'll learn from professionals with HR experience. They rely on expert-written material based on insights from other professionals.
- Reputable Certification - Upon successful completion, you'll receive a certificate. It will feature SHRM-compliant training hours, which are indicated as PDC points.
Find a course offering the training you need and start your journey to earning PDC points. We offer SHRM Recertification courses across the GCC region. Find our training programs in the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah) and KSA (Riyadh, Jeddah).