Human Resources Certification FAQs
What are the benefits of HR certification?
Having an HR certification verifies your HR expertise. Most certifications must be renewed periodically, so certification also demonstrates that your knowledge and skills are up-to-date.
Some employers require certification, so HR certification can even improve your chances of being hired in an HR role. It can also increase your salary: HR job postings that require HR certification pay 25% more on average than those that do not require certification.
Job and salary data source: Burning Glass Labor Insight, last 12 months of U.S. HR job postings
Is there demand for HR certification?
There is high demand for HR professionals across industries and locations. Even in 2020 (when many employers delayed hiring and even laid off staff), an average of over 42,000 new HR jobs were posted each month.
While HR certification is not usually required for employment, it is in demand among employers. This is particularly true for more senior HR roles. For example, 30% of HR Manager job postings ask for HR certification.
Job and salary data source: Burning Glass Labor Insight, last 12 months of U.S. HR job postings
What is SHRM certification?
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) credentials show that you are a recognized expert in the Human Resources field.
SHRM credentials are based on the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (SHRM BASK™), which describes the behavioral competencies and HR knowledge that HR professionals need for effective job performance.
SHRM offers two credentials: the SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) and SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional). These credentials are awarded upon successfully passing a SHRM certification exam.
Who can take a SHRM certification exam?
SHRM streamlined their certification requirements in 2022. Previously, certification required a combination of education and experience.
As of August 2022, SHRM describes eligibility as follows:
- SHRM-CP "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."
- SHRM-SCP "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...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."
Certification requirements may change, so you should review the SHRM eligibility criteria for the most up-to-date requirements.
You must complete a SHRM application to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility criteria. If you do meet the criteria, SHRM will send you an "Authorization to Test" (ATT) letter with instructions for scheduling your exam.
Online and in-person testing options are available.
Which SHRM exam should I take?
Check out SHRM's guide to "Selecting the Right HR Certification," which includes a quick quiz to help you choose the right exam.
When can I take a SHRM certification exam?
Exams are offered during certain time periods (SHRM calls them "exam windows"). So be sure to check the application and testing schedule.
How much does the exam cost?
As of August 2023, the SHRM exam cost $510. Exam fees will be lower if you are a SHRM member, register early to get the "Early-Bird" discount, or are eligible for a military or student discount.
Exam fees are subject to change, so be sure to check the SHRM Exam Fees for the latest information.
What is on the exam?
SHRM exams include "Knowledge" and "Situational" questions.
"Knowledge" questions assess your understanding of factual HR information.
"Situational Judgment" questions present you with work-related scenarios and ask you to identify the best solution. These questions test your judgment and decision-making skills and your ability to apply your HR knowledge.
Has the SHRM exam changed?
SHRM reviews and updates its standards approximately every 3-5 years. In 2022, SHRM revised its Body of Competency and Knowledge® (SHRM BoCK®), renaming it the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (SHRM BASK™).
Because SHRM certification exams are based on the BASK/BoCK, when the BASK/BoCK changes, so does the exam.
How can I prepare for a SHRM exam?
The SHRM exams are challenging. According to SHRM, in the past year just over 2/3 of test-takers (67%) passed their SHRM-CP exam, and the percentage that passed the SHRM-SCP exam is even lower.
But don't be discouraged! There are several options to help you prepare for these challenging exams, including:
- Self-paced study: SHRM offers a self-study option that includes access to the comprehensive online SHRM Learning System, a practice exam and more. This can be a good option for those that want to study completely at their own pace. The cost for SHRM self-study is $795 for SHRM members and $995 for non-members.
- Instructor-led study: These classes usually include scheduled assignments to keep you on track, plus instructor support to help you learn and understand the material. This is a good option for those who prefer to learn in a more structured environment, with scheduled assignments and deadlines.
What is University of Arizona SHRM Certification Exam Prep?
Our SHRM Certification Exam Prep course combines the convenience of SHRM self-study with the structure and support of an instructor-led class.
It includes 18 months of access to the SHRM Learning System (a $995 value), just like the SHRM self-study option. The class also includes weekly assignments such as reading, discussion questions and quizzes, to keep you on track to complete your study. You also have access to a SHRM-SCP instructor, who can answer questions and help you through the material.
The class is completely online, so you can prepare for your HR exam wherever you are located.
Who can take University of Arizona SHRM Certification Exam Prep?
There are no education or work experience prerequisites for the course.
However, some prior HR knowledge and experience is recommended. SHRM recommends (but does not require) that SHRM-CP candidates have a "basic working knowledge of HR practices and principles or a degree from an Academically Aligned program."
Quick Links
- SHRM certification eligibility criteria
- SHRM Selecting the Right HR Certification overview and quiz
- SHRM exam fees
- SHRM testing options
- SHRM BASK frequently asked questions
- SHRM application and testing schedules
News: UA continuing education keeps job seekers in tune with changing market
The Herald/Review recently featured our Dr. John DeLalla, discussing the changing job market and how the office of Continuing & Professional Education pivoted to meet the community's professional development needs during the pandemic.
From "UA continuing education keeps job seekers in tune with changing market" by Bill Hayes:
"Changes, changes, changes.
Pick an industry, just about any industry, and the workforce expectations are nothing like they were 20 years ago. In some cases, even five or 10 years ago.
What you had, or what you could do, doesn’t get you quite as far these days. Throw in rapid technological advances and a pandemic, and the change cavalcade only looks to be ramping up for the future.
To keep pace, many will require additional training, a return to school and books. Dr. John DeLalla wants you to know he’s here to help...
Stand Out from the Crowd with a Certification
Professional certifications show potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills to get the job done. They can even increase your chances of getting hired or promoted.
Holding an up-to-date certification is a great way to demonstrate that your knowledge is current and relevant (particularly important in rapidly-evolving fields like IT). Most certification programs require you to re-certify periodically or require that you complete continuing education activities to maintain your certification.
How Do You Get a Professional Certification?
There are many different certifications out there, but most of them require you to pass a comprehensive certification exam to demonstrate your knowledge, skills and abilities.
Some certifying organizations may have additional requirements, such as work experience and/or education.
Many certifications are also "stackable," so you can earn more advanced credentials as your knowledge and experience increase.
Popular Certification Programs
Here are some of the popular certification programs offered by Continuing & Professional Education.
Information Technology
IT certifications not only help you stand out in a crowd of other applications, they are actually required by many employers, particularly for government IT jobs.
Our CompTIA certification programs are particularly popular. CompTIA offers an internationally recognized vendor-neutral certification program for IT professionals.
The core certifications are CompTIA Network+ and Security+. From there, you can earn more advanced CompTIA credentials to continue to advance your IT career. Browse all CompTIA training or all IT certification training.
Not sure which certification is right for you? Check out the top IT certifications in Arizona and in the U.S.
Human Resources
Experienced Human Resources professionals who want to demonstrate their HR expertise can earn the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certified Professional or Senior Certified Professional. The Human Resources (SHRM) Certification Exam Prep course combines expert instruction from a SHRM-SCP with the proven SHRM Learning System to get you ready to pass your exam.
Learn more about SHRM certification, or register for SHRM certification exam prep.
Project Management
Project management is one of the most in-demand skills nation-wide. And the Project Management Professional (PMP) is the gold standard of project management certifications. It is so valuable, that certified PMPs report earning 26% more than those without certification. Learn more about project management certifications or browse all project management certification training options.
Engineering
Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam is the first step towards becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). Fundamentals of Engineering Exam Prep is taught by a licensed PE and will get you ready to take the Civil Engineering or "Other Disciplines" FE Exam.
More Certification Programs
These are just a few of the in-demand certifications you can earn through Continuing & Professional Education programs.
Should Human Resources Professionals Get a Certification?
A certification isn't required for most Human Resources jobs. And yet, over 1/3 of HR professionals have one. So why do so many HR professionals spend their time, effort and money on getting a certification?
What can HR certification do for you?
There are a lot of good reasons why an HR certification might be a good investment, including:
- Certified expertise: An HR certification shows employers that you have a particular set of knowledge and skills, validated by passing a comprehensive certification exam.
- Increased pay: Payscale salary research found that those with an HR certification earned 31.6% more than those without a certification.
- Career advancement: The same report found that having an HR certification also increased HR professionals' chances of being promoted.
- Relevance: To renew your certification, you will usually need to complete additional professional development or training within a certain period of time. This helps ensure that your knowledge and skills remain relevant and up-to-date.
Which certification is right for you?
The certification you choose will depend on your goals, as well as the industry and location you work in (or want to work in). Do your research to see which credentials are in demand in your area, as well as the specific knowledge, skills and experience employers want.
Your background and work experience should also factor in to your decision. For example, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers two credentials for experienced HR professionals. Each credential requires a different combination of education and work experience.
If you are interested in SHRM certification, review the SHRM eligibility criteria and decide which credential is right for you.Exams are offered only during certain time periods (SHRM calls them "exam windows"). So be sure to check the certification application and testing schedule, too.
Need help getting ready for the SHRM exam?
Our online SHRM certification exam prep class can help you get ready to take the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam. The class is taught by a SHRM-SCP using the proven SHRM Learning System. And it's fully online, so you can learn at your convenience.