Human Resources Manager, Daniel Poussart understands that receiving your Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certification is a mark of excellence. The SHRM certification shows the passion and commitment you have for your career.

Daniel hopes the following explanation of the Human Resources Certification process will help ease you through the certification process.

SHRM Exam Overview Explained by Daniel Poussart

SHRM aims to empower HR professionals through education and certification exams. SHRM offers two exams for human resource applicants. The exam you take depends on your job responsibilities.

SHRM CP

Take this exam if you’re engaged in operational roles, such as performing daily HR functions, enforcing policies, or communicating with the staff and stakeholders.

SHRM SCP

If you’re a senior-level HR professional, select this exam. Take this exam if you create policies and strategies, oversee HR operations, analyze performance, and contribute to organizational goals.

SHRM Certification Eligibility Requirements

According to Daniel Poussart, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the SHRM certification eligibility requirements before preparing for the exam.

Both exams base eligibility on your education and career experience. It doesn’t matter what your title is. Eligibility focuses on the work you do.

Here are the requirements you need for each of the exams:

SHRM CP HR Program

• 3 years HR experience if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree
• 1 year HR experience if you have a bachelor’s degree
• Currently working in HR if you have a graduate degree

SHRM SCP HR Program

• 6 years HR experience without a bachelor’s degree
• 4 years HR experience with a bachelor’s degree
• 3 years HR experience with a graduate degree

After selecting which exam you’re eligible for, check the SHRM exam schedule. SHRM offers these exams twice per year. Also, when preparing for the exam, you can choose self-study, find an instructor, or work as a team if your business offers SHRM learning.

Recommended Steps to Prepare for the SHRM Certification Exams

The following exam preparation strategies are based on Daniel Poussart’s knowledge and experience.

1. Create a Study Time Schedule

For the best success, set aside up to 100 hours of study time to prepare for the exam. The time you need depends on your HR training.

2. Use an SHRM Certification Study Book

There are several SHRM Certification study books available online or in bookstores. These are invaluable resources for exam preparation. Answering the practice questions from all the knowledge sections and situational questions will increase your confidence when taking the exam.

Other helpful study resources and apps, such as flashcards and Quizlet also help you prepare.

3. Consider an Instructor Led Class

Finding the time and discipline for self-study is difficult, especially when you’re working. Even though study books help, attending a class allows you to ask questions and keeps you motivated.

If you decide to attend a class, take notes, study the material, and discuss the SHRM topics with other members of the class.

4. Join a Study Group

Daniel Poussart says that joining a study group for SHRM Certification preparation allows you to gain knowledge from others’ experiences. You’ll learn how group members handle HR problems. This is very helpful for the situational judgment section of the exam.

On exam day, try to pace yourself. Keep an eye on the timer and don’t spend too much time on one question. The SHRM Certification exam lasts for four hours and has 160 questions.

Daniel Poussart is a SHRM Certified HR professional. He’s experienced in all aspects of Human Resource Management.