If you’re wondering, “Is SHRM-CP certification worth it?” read on. We’ll discuss the cost, benefits, and requirements of the SHRM-CP designation. Then, we’ll compare it to other human resources certifications for a more informed choice.
What is the SHRM-CP credential? The Society for Human Resource Management awards this certification. The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) is intended for early- to mid-career human resources practitioners.
SHRM-CPs have the competencies to perform a wide range of human resources duties. These include human resources strategy, employee relations, and talent acquisition.
Featured Programs
So, is SHRM-CP worth it? Yes, it is because it highlights their expertise and boosts their career growth. This includes improved access to leadership positions and increased earning potential.
However, earning the SHRM-CP credential has its challenges. Think of the costs to earn it, as well as the eligibility requirements and exam preparation.
The challenges don’t stop with the initial certification either. Earning continuing education credits for renewal is a must to maintain it.
But look beyond these challenges and see the rewards. You’ll agree that it’s an excellent human resources certification for your career.
Related Articles:
- Are Executive and Leadership Certifications Worth It?
- Are Business Analytics – IIBA Agile Analysis (IIBA-AAC) Certifications Worth It?
- Are Strategic Management Certifications Worth It?
- Is an Organizational Psychology Degree Worth It?
What Is the SHRM-CP Certification?
The SHRM is a global organization of human resources professionals. It has more than 300,000 members in over 165 countries. The organization provides resources, education, and advocacy for its members.
As a membership organization, it also provides members with professional development opportunities. These include certifications, including the SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, and specialty credentials. Online courses and webinars are also available.
Members also have access to networking opportunities, such as conferences. The SHRM also plays a key role in policy development for the human resource industry. The A-Team engages with lawmakers as part of SHRM’s public policy initiatives.
The SHRM-CP credential is among its most popular certifications. Keep in mind that it isn’t an entry-level certification but a mid-level one. This is because earning it demands relevant human resource education and experience.
Professionals with the SHRM-CP credential have a combination of:
- Technical knowledge and skills (e.g., employee and labor relations)
- Behavioral skills (e.g., communication)
- Strategic mindset (e.g., strategic planning and execution)
Candidates should ideally contribute to human resource strategy or lead human resource functions. These can include:
- Implement policies and strategies
- Liaise between employees and stakeholders
- Deliver human resources services and operations
As stated above, you should be an early-to-mid-career human resource professional. You’ll be able to formalize your expertise and boost your career growth with the credential.
Costs and Requirements
When considering the credential, start with the SHRM exam cost. Remember that there’s no financial aid to cover the cost, and it’s a significant investment. But if you consider the increased earning potential, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Besides the exam cost, you must also consider your transportation and accommodation costs. The in-person SHRM-CP exam must be taken at an authorized Prometric testing center. You should find one nearby so you can save on the transportation and accommodation costs.
The exam fee varies depending on your SHRM membership status. Members pay $495 per test, while it’s $595 for non-members. There are separate exam fees for military and corporate test-takers.
If you fail on the first try, you can retake it, but wait for 45 days after your initial exam. There’s no limit on the number of exam retakes. But you’ll pay the full test fee for every retake.
The challenging SHRM-CP certification exam demands preparation to pass. Preparation usually means enrolling in preparation courses and buying official materials.
The SHRM Learning System, the official prep materials, costs between $800 and $1,000. If you enroll in instructor-led courses, prepare $1,000 to $2,000 for their entirety.
As for the eligibility requirements, there’s no specific academic degree required. In fact, the SHRM-CP certification is also intended for currently enrolled students and individuals pursuing human resource management careers. Candidates also don’t have to hold a human resource title or have experience.
But a basic working knowledge of human resources principles and practices or a bachelor’s degree is recommended. Why? The SHRM-CP certification exam tests your human resources competencies at the operational level.
The following are common examples of the recommended education and experience combo.
- A bachelor’s degree and one year of human resources experience
- A master’s degree and a job in human resources
The SHRM-CP credential takes less time and costs to earn than traditional human resources degrees. But remember that it’s a professional certification, not a degree. You can use it to supplement your degree and prove your readiness for leadership roles.
Benefits of SHRM-CP Certification
It’s possible to spend at least $4,000 on earning the SHRM-CP credential. However, the SHRM certification benefits more than make up for it.
Career Advancement
Earn it if you want to advance your career by:
- Boosting your professional credentials for leadership roles and promotions
- Validating your expertise in human resources to employers and clients
- Expanding your professional network worldwide
- Keeping updated on current human resources practices
You can also leverage the SHRM-CP credential if you’re a career changer. If you’re transitioning from:
- A general operations role into a more specialized human resources role
- The healthcare, education, or technology field in the corporate human resources sector
- Local roles in global management positions
Indeed, it’s a valuable credential that will take your career to the next level.
Higher Salary Potential
The potential SHRM-CP salary increase varies depending on the industry, location, and experience level. The retail, healthcare, and hospitality industries tend to pay more. Professionals in urban areas are more likely to earn more, too. More experience usually means higher salaries.
In general, professionals with the SHRM-CP credential earn about 23% more than those who aren’t certified. The average pay for SHRM-CP holders is $70,570 per year.
Industry Recognition
The SHRM-CP credential is recognized worldwide. Member Forums exist in 165+ countries, and there are Global Offices in China, India, and the UAE. As such, you’ll find that it’s a respected credential among diverse industries worldwide.
Is SHRM-CP Certification Worth It Without a College Degree?
The short answer: Yes, it is, but it brings even more value when combined with a college degree. Employers usually have a strong preference for formal education and certification. It’s also a recognized credential if you enter the workforce via non-traditional paths.
How It Complements or Substitutes an HR Degree
Again, the SHRM doesn’t require a college degree for its SHRM-CP credential. But it considers your education and experience for eligibility purposes.
Here’s how it works.
If you have a degree in human resources, you may qualify with less work experience. Even one year of relevant experience will do if you have a bachelor’s degree. You have foundational knowledge from your formal education. Earning the SHRM-CP credential validates your practical skills and complements your degree.
If you don’t have a degree in human resources, you may also qualify, but with more work experience. The SHRM usually accepts at least 3-5 years, depending on your level of education. The SHRM-CP credential substitutes for a college degree.
Value for Online Learners and Working Professionals
If you’re a working professional, the SHRM-CP credential can boost your career. This is true whether you’re already a human resources practitioner or a career changer.
You can also prepare for the SHRM-CP exam through online courses. As an online learner, you’ll love the flexible schedules and convenient access.
Affordable Ways to Earn HR Certification
The SHRM-CP credential isn’t exactly an affordable HR certification with its $4,000 total estimated cost. Fortunately, there are many ways to make earning it more affordable.
SHRM Member Discounts
Become a SHRM member and enjoy membership discounts. These include discounts on exam fees and preparation materials. You’ll also have access to free resources, such as webinars, articles, and templates.
The fees vary depending on membership status – Student, Professional, Executive, and Business. Student membership costs $75 per year. Professional membership costs $299 per year, but you can save 15% with a 3-year membership.
Employer Reimbursement or Sponsorship
Ask your employer about reimbursements or sponsorship for your SHRM-CP credential. Full or partial reimbursement is common. Earning the credential may also fall under professional development initiatives. Consider in-house training programs, too.
Scholarships and Tuition Assistance Options
Explore scholarship and tuition assistance options, too. The SHRM Foundation offers scholarships, grants, and awards to aspiring and current professionals. Students, professionals, and seasoned leaders are welcome to apply.
Ask local and regional SHRM chapters, too, for discounts, financial aid, and even free exam prep courses. Look for nonprofits that offer workforce development grants.
Community College and Online Program Partnerships
Go to your community college and ask about affordable SHRM-CP prep courses. Check out these institutions:
- Holmes Community College (Mississippi)
- Walsh College (Michigan)
- Harford Community College (Maryland)
Then, look into online learning platforms if you want flexibility. Coursera and edX are excellent sources. Consider HRCP or BenchPrep, too.
Explore universities that offer SHRM Learning System prep courses, including:
- Rutgers University
- University of Georgia
- University of Virginia
- University of Houston-Clear Lake
- University of Nebraska Omaha
You can also save for the SHRM-CP certification costs. Again, you’ll appreciate the returns on investment that it brings.
SHRM-CP vs. Other HR Certifications
Of course, the SHRM-CP credential isn’t the only one out there. Here’s a brief SHRM-CP vs PHR vs aPHR vs HRBP comparison:
| Certification | Offered By | Eligibility Requirements | Focus Area | Target Audience | Global Recognition |
| SHRM-CP | SHRM | No degree required; HR work experience required; Varies by education | Defined in SHRM BASK (Human resource knowledge and behavioral competencies) | Early- to mid-career HR professionals | High (both US and worldwide) |
| PHR | HRCI | At least 1–2 years of HR experience (varies based on education) | HR operations, compliance, and US labor laws | HR professionals with operational experience | Moderate |
| aPHR | HRCI | No experience or degree required | Basic HR concepts, principles, and practices | Entry-level professionals and career changers | Increasing |
| HRBP | HRCI | Bachelor’s degree and relevant HR experience (depends on position) | Business-focused HR strategy | HR professionals working in strategic and international roles | High |
In general:
- Choose SHRM-CP if you want broader applications of your skills. Go for the HRBP credential for more strategic roles or specialized positions.
- Consider SHRM-CP if you’re into strategic and behavioral skills with global applications. Go for the PHR certification if you want to focus on US-based operations and compliance.
- Choose the aPHR credential if you’re looking for respected HR certifications for beginners. The SHRM-CP, PHR, and HRBP credentials are for more experienced professionals.
Who Should Consider Getting Certified?
When considering between a college degree vs certification in HR, give it careful thought. Take your interests and career aspirations into account. Be sure to factor in your current experience, budget, and how fast you want to gain a competitive edge.
When does earning a degree make more sense? When you’re:
- Seeking to build a strong foundational knowledge of HR principles and practices
- Targeting executive roles that usually require formal education
- Planning to work abroad
Earning a certification makes more sense when you already have a degree, and you want to:
- Get involved in upskilling for promotions
- Transition to the HR industry
- Boost your professional reputation
With that said, everybody’s welcome to earn the SHRM-CP credential, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. Here are the ideal candidates for it.
- Career changers or switchers
- College students and recent college graduates
- Working professionals in the human resources field
Final Thoughts: Is SHRM-CP Worth It?
Yes, it is. Earning the SHRM-CP credential has more pros than cons, as follows:
Pros:
- Improve your career advancement prospects.
- Boost your earning potential.
- Increase your professional credibility.
- Access valuable resources, be part of networking events, and grab professional development opportunities.
Cons:
- Significant initial investment and time commitment (Return on investment more than makes up for it).
- Continuing education requirements (Standard practice in many industries) .
Of course, the SHRM-CP credential isn’t for everybody. But if you have a passion for human resources management, it’s a worthwhile investment. Whatever time and money you spend, you’ll enjoy high returns sooner than expected.