Certification General Information

Earning a SHRM Certification comes with recognition as an expert and leader in the HR field, a valuable asset to your organization and a competitive advantage in today’s economy.

With SHRM Certification, HR professionals:

• Ensure they are up to date on key knowledge, strategies and competencies in the ever-changing field of human resources
• Demonstrate a commitment to a higher standard to employers
• Show appreciation for learning and continuing education
  

What is SHRM certification?

SHRM Certification Exams

The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) is for early and mid-career professionals with a primary focus on operational responsibilities like implementing and executing HR policies. The SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) exam is for senior level professionals whose primary responsibilities include developing and aligning strategies and analyzing performance.

The SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK)

The SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK) defines the standards required of HR professionals everywhere. Based on extensive research from employers, academics and practicing HR professionals, it serves as the basis for SHRM certification exams.

Learn more from the SHRM Certification Handbook.

The SHRM Certification Handbook will provide you with an overview of the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certifications, outline certification policies and procedures, and describe the steps you must take to earn and maintain your credential.

HRCI Certification (PHR/SPHR Certification)

HRCI Requires recertification every three years for both the PHR/SPHR.

There are two options: re-test or earn recertification credits by:

1. Completing continuous education activities.
2. Demonstrating professional achievements gained.
   

Please view the HRCI Recertification website for further information.

SHRM has always focused on making sure HR practitioners are seeking and attaining certification.  Arizona SHRM is committed to ensuring that the certification our members achieve is recognized as best in class and distinguishes them above all others.

Prepare for SHRM Certification

SHRM Certification » Prepare

You’ve made the commitment to invest in your future, now, give yourself the best chance to succeed. SHRM provides a variety of resources to meet your SHRM certification preparation needs. The SHRM Learning System is the preferred resource for SHRM certification exam preparation. Whether you prefer to learn through self-study or under the guidance of an instructor, we have a program for you, We also offer team learning options. Want to take your preparation a step further? Enhance your learning with SHRM Certification Preparation Webinars.

Fall 2024 Prep Course - Registration is closed.

September 26 - December 12, 2024

11-week classes meet every Thursday from 6:00pm - 9:00pm on a Live Virtual Platform

Price: Chapter or National SHRM Members: $1,035  |  Non-SHRM Members: $1,135

Some SHRM AZ Chapters offer SHRM-CP & SHRM-SCP Prep Courses. Please check their Events Calendar to see if they offer Prep Courses more convenient for you!

SHRM Certification Preparation Options from the SHRM Store.

SHRM Certification Eligibility Criteria

Individuals who perform HR duties or currently enrolled students who wish to verify, validate, enhance and/or expand their HR capabilities are likely candidates for SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification.

SHRM membership is not required for eligibility and individuals need not be employed at the time they apply.

Specific criteria for each credentialing level are as follows:

The SHRM-CP certification is intended for individuals that perform general HR/HR-related duties; or for currently enrolled students and individuals pursuing a career in Human Resource Management.

Candidates for the SHRM-CP certification are not required to hold an HR title and do not need a degree or previous HR experience to apply; however, a basic working knowledge of HR practices and principles or a degree from an Academically Aligned program is recommended.

The SHRM-CP exam is designed to assess the competency level of HR at the operational level. This level includes implementing policies, supporting day-to-day HR functions, or serving as an HR point of contact for staff and stakeholders.

Refer to the SHRM BASK for detailed information on proficiency standards for this credential (i.e., Proficiency Indicators For All HR Professionals and For Advanced HR Professionals).

The SHRM-SCP certification is for individuals that have a work history of at least 3 years performing strategic level HR/HR-related duties; or for SHRM-CP credential holders who have held the credential for at least 3 years and are working in, or are in the process of transitioning to, a strategic level role. Candidates for the SHRM-SCP certification are not required to hold an HR title and do not need a degree to apply.

The SHRM-SCP exam is designed to assess the competency level of those who engage in HR work at the strategic level. Work at this level includes duties such as developing HR policies and/or procedures, overseeing the execution of integrated HR operations, directing an entire HR enterprise, or leading the alignment of HR strategies to organizational goals.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they devoted at least 1,000 hours per calendar year (Jan. – Dec.) to strategic level HR/HR-related work.

• More than 1,000 hours in a calendar year does not equate to more than 1 year of experience.
• Part-time work qualifies as long as the 1,000-hour per calendar year standard is met.
• Experience may be either salaried or hourly.
• Individuals who are HR consultants may demonstrate qualifying experience through the HR/HR-related duties they perform for their clients. Contracted hours must meet the 1,000-hour standard.

Refer to the SHRM BASK for detailed information on proficiency standards for this credential (i.e., Proficiency Indicators For All HR Professionals and For Advanced HR Professionals)

Resource Contact

Philip Quinn HR Certification Director Sheraton Mesa at Wrigleyville West certification@azshrm.org