HR Certification Renewal Requirements

Renewing your HR certification is essential for maintaining your professional credentials, staying updated with industry changes, and demonstrating ongoing commitment to excellence in HR practice. Both SHRM and HRCI require recertification every three years through continuing education or re-examination.

If you’re preparing to recertify or working on professional development hours, Prepsaret offers the best study materials, including practice exams and study notes, to help you meet your SHRM and HRCI requirements with confidence.

What Is HR Certification Renewal?

HR certification renewal is the process of maintaining your professional HR credentials after you’ve initially earned them. Think of it like keeping your driver’s license current – you need to meet specific HR certification renewal requirements to keep it valid.

Credential maintenance shows employers and colleagues that you’re committed to growing as an HR professional. Both major certification bodies – the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) – have specific HR credential maintenance systems in place.

For both organizations, the renewal cycle is three years. This means you have 36 months from the date you earn your certification to complete all necessary HR certification renewal requirements before your credential expires. Missing these deadlines can result in your certification becoming inactive, requiring more work (and money) to reinstate.

SHRM Recertification Requirements

SHRM recertification follows a straightforward process for both SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) and SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) credentials. Here’s what you need to know:

To maintain your SHRM certification, you must earn 60 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) within your three-year certification period. These credits demonstrate your ongoing commitment to developing your HR knowledge and skills.

SHRM divides these credits into three HR recertification options:

• Advance Your Education (no maximum limit)
  • Attending conferences and seminars
  • Completing college/university courses
  • Participating in workshops
  • Taking SHRM-approved online courses
• Advance Your Organization (maximum 20 PDCs)
  • Work projects that advance HR practices
  • Leading HR initiatives
  • Professional achievements
• Advance Your Profession (maximum 30 PDCs)
  • Volunteer leadership roles
  • Research and publishing
  • Speaking at conferences
  • Mentoring HR professionals

The SHRM certification portal makes tracking your progress simple. Through the SHRM recertification login, you can record activities, upload documentation, and monitor your progress toward the 60 PDCs.

In addition to PDCs, Professional Development Units (PDUs) HR are also commonly used for activities like training programs, webinars, and conferences, and are a key part of maintaining HR certifications.

The SHRM recertification handbook provides detailed information about qualifying activities and how many credits each is worth. For example, one hour of instructor-led training typically equals one PDC, while serving as a volunteer leader might earn you multiple credits.

Related post: SHRM-SCP recertification

HRCI Recertification Process

The HRCI renewal process parallels SHRM’s system but has its own specific requirements. HRCI offers several certifications, including the popular Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).

Similar to SHRM, HRCI requires 60 recertification credits every three years. PHR certification renewal follows a similar framework, requiring 60 recertification credits every three years.  The PHR recertification requirements and SPHR renewal guidelines follow the same credit structure, though the specific content areas may differ slightly based on certification level.

HRCI credits fall into these categories:

• Continuing Education: Attending seminars, webinars, workshops, or college courses
• Professional Achievement: Publishing articles or books, or speaking at conferences
• Professional Development: On-the-job activities that enhance HR skills
• Leadership: Volunteering with HR organizations or mentoring other professionals
• Instruction: Teaching HR-related courses

The HRCI system is designed to encourage well-rounded professional development. At least 15 credits must come from HRCI pre-approved providers to ensure quality, but the remaining credits offer flexibility in how you earn them.

How To Maintain HR Certification Credentials

Maintaining your HR certification doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step guide to renewing HR certification:

1. Create a plan – Map out how you’ll earn credits over your three-year cycle. Don’t wait until the last minute!
2. Set up tracking – Use the certification platforms to record activities as you complete them. Both SHRM and HRCI provide online tracking tools.
3. Diversify your activities – Mix educational events with volunteer work and professional contributions.
4. Document everything – Save certificates, attendance records, and other proof of participation in case of an audit.
5. Submit on time – Complete your submission before your expiration date to avoid late fees or certification lapse.

The Best Ways to Earn HR Recertification Credits

• Webinars and virtual conferences – Many offer credits without requiring travel
• Local chapter meetings – These often provide credits while building your network
• Work projects – Major HR initiatives at your workplace may qualify
• Volunteer roles – Serving on HR-related committees or boards
• Online courses – Self-paced learning that fits your schedule

Does volunteering count toward HR recertification? Absolutely! Both SHRM and HRCI recognize volunteer leadership in professional organizations. For example, serving on a local SHRM chapter board can earn you valuable PDCs while building your professional network.

For busy professionals looking to track HR recertification credits effectively, try these approaches:

• Set calendar reminders for regular credit-earning activities
• Create a spreadsheet with activities, dates, and credit values
• Use the certification body’s mobile apps for on-the-go tracking
• Dedicate time monthly to update your records

Online and Flexible Recertification Options

For today’s busy HR professionals, finding time for professional development can be challenging. Thankfully, there are plenty of flexible options for earning credits:

Online courses for SHRM certification renewal have exploded in popularity, especially since 2020. These courses allow you to:

• Learn at your own pace
• Avoid travel expenses
• Fit professional development around your schedule
• Focus on specific areas of interest

Many providers offer on-demand webinars, virtual conferences, and self-paced courses specifically designed for HR certification renewal for busy professionals. Some platforms even track completion automatically and report directly to SHRM or HRCI.

Small business HR teams face unique challenges with limited resources. Flexible options include:

• Shared webinar subscriptions
• Group discounts for online learning
• Cross-training opportunities that qualify for credit
• Free industry webinars (many vendors offer educational content)

Continuing education for HR professionals has never been more accessible, with options ranging from podcasts to virtual reality training experiences.

Why Choose Prepsaret for HR Certification Exam Prep

Whether you’re pursuing initial certification or preparing to recertify through examination, Prepsaret offers comprehensive resources to ensure success:

• Complete study guides aligned with current SHRM and HRCI exam content outlines
• Over 300+ practice questions for each certification, mimicking the actual exam format
• Detailed explanations for all practice questions to reinforce learning
• Structured study notes organized by topic with quizzes at the end of each lesson

Prepsaret’s materials are designed by experienced HR professionals who understand the certification processes inside and out. The practice questions reflect the cognitive complexity and application focus of the actual exams.

For those looking to recertify SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP through examination rather than PDCs, Prepsaret’s targeted preparation materials can help you refresh your knowledge and prepare for success.

Cost and Fees for HR Certification Renewal

Understanding the financial aspect of certification renewal helps with budgeting. Here’s what you can expect:

The standard SHRM recertification fee structure is:

• $100 for SHRM members
• $150 for non-members
• $180 for late submissions (up to 60 days past expiration)

HRCI renewal costs vary by certification level:

• PHR: $100 for HRCI members, $150 for non-members
• SPHR: $150 for HRCI members, $200 for non-members
• Additional fees apply for late submissions or reinstatements

Budget-friendly tips include:

• Join the certifying organization for member discounts
• Submit early to avoid late fees
• Ask your employer about professional development reimbursement
• Look for free SHRM recertification credits through volunteer activities
• Check if your local SHRM chapter offers discounted or free events

Both organizations occasionally offer promotions or discount codes, so watch for special offers in their newsletters or member communications.

Related post: SPHR Certification Cost Breakdown 

Tips for Successful Recertification

Planning ahead is crucial for stress-free recertification. Here are some proven strategies:

1. Start early – Begin earning credits immediately after receiving your certification
2. Create a schedule – Plan to earn about 20 credits per year
3. Set reminders – Mark key deadlines on your calendar
4. Keep files organized – Create digital folders for certificates and documentation
5. Review HR certification renewal requirements annually – Requirements occasionally change, so stay informed

For documentation, maintain:

• Certificates of completion
• Registration confirmations
• Program agendas
• Speaker biographies
• Content descriptions

How often do you renew SHRM certification? Every three years. Mark your certification expiration date and aim to complete HR certification renewal requirements at least a month early.

Many professionals wonder, “What qualifies for HRCI recertification credits?” The answer includes a wide range of activities, from formal education to professional achievements. The key is ensuring activities relate to the HRCI Body of Knowledge and demonstrate professional growth.

For those wondering about continuing education hours needed for HR renewal, remember that both SHRM and HRCI require 60 hours/credits over three years, averaging about 20 per year.

Related post: SHRM-CP Certification Requirements

FAQs

Start Your HR Certification Renewal Journey Today!

Renewing your HR certification demonstrates your commitment to professional growth and industry excellence. Whether maintaining a SHRM or HRCI credential, staying compliant is key to advancing your career and staying current with best practices in the dynamic HR field.

Start preparing today with Prepsaret’s trusted exam prep tools, practice tests, and expert-designed study materials. From initial certification to recertification, Prepsaret is your go-to resource for HR career success.