How Many Questions Can I Get Wrong on SHRM?

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers two primary certification exams: the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). These certifications are designed to validate the knowledge and skills of HR professionals, providing them with a competitive edge in the job market.

Understanding how these exams work, including the scoring system and the number of questions you can get wrong, is crucial for candidates preparing to take the exams. This article delves into various aspects of SHRM certification, including preparation steps, exam structure, and scoring criteria.

What is SHRM: SHRM Exams & SHRM Certification Details

The SHRM is the world’s largest HR professional membership organization, founded in 1948. With over 300,000 members, SHRM is dedicated to promoting the HR profession and providing resources for HR practitioners. The organization offers two main certifications: the SHRM-CP and the SHRM-SCP, which cater to different levels of HR professionals.

SHRM Certification Overview

The SHRM-CP is aimed at HR professionals who perform operational HR functions, while the SHRM-SCP is designed for senior HR professionals who are involved in strategic decision-making. Both certifications are competency-based, focusing on the knowledge and behaviors necessary for effective HR practice.

The SHRM certification exams consist of multiple-choice questions that assess a candidate’s understanding of HR principles and their ability to apply these principles in real-world scenarios. The exams are structured to evaluate both knowledge-based and situational judgment skills, ensuring that certified professionals are well-equipped to handle the complexities of HR roles.

Exam Composition

The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams contain a total of 134 questions, which include:

• Knowledge-Based Questions: These questions assess factual knowledge and understanding of HR concepts.
• Situational Judgment Items: These scenario-based questions evaluate a candidate’s judgment and decision-making skills in HR-related situations.

The exams are computer-based and allow candidates a total of 3 hours and 40 minutes to complete them. Candidates can choose to take the exams in person at designated testing centers or remotely through live proctoring.

6 Essential Steps to Get a SHRM Certification

Achieving SHRM certification involves several critical steps that ensure candidates are adequately prepared for the exams. Below are the essential steps to obtain SHRM certification:

1. Determine Eligibility

Before applying for SHRM certification, candidates must verify their eligibility based on their education and professional experience and register for the SHRM exam of your choice. The eligibility criteria for SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP differ slightly:

• SHRM-CP: Candidates should have at least a bachelor’s degree and at least one year of HR experience. Alternatively, candidates with a master’s degree in HR or a related field can qualify with less experience.
• SHRM-SCP: Candidates must have at least a bachelor’s degree and at least three years of HR experience, or a master’s degree with at least two years of experience in a strategic HR role.

2. Select the Appropriate Certification

Candidates must decide which certification aligns with their career goals. If they are early in their HR careers or primarily involved in operational roles, the SHRM-CP may be the right choice. Conversely, those in senior HR positions focusing on strategic initiatives should consider the SHRM-SCP.

3. Prepare for the Exam

Preparation plays a vital role in achieving success on the SHRM exams. Candidates can enhance their readiness by utilizing online SHRM-CP test prep and SHRM-SCP test prep resources, which provide comprehensive outlines of the competencies and knowledge areas evaluated in the exams.

These structured materials help candidates familiarize themselves with the exam content, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle the questions effectively. In addition to these resources, practicing with SHRM exam practice questions is an excellent way to reinforce learning and build confidence.

Engaging with practice questions allows candidates to assess their understanding of key concepts and identify areas that may require further study.

Candidates can choose from various study methods, including:

• Self-Study: Utilizing the SHRM Learning System, which includes study materials, practice questions, and online resources.
• Instructor-Led Courses: Participating in classes led by certified instructors, either in-person or online.
• Study Groups: Joining local SHRM chapters or study groups to collaborate with peers and share insights.
• Practice with Sample Questions: Taking practice exams is an effective way to gauge readiness. Candidates should familiarize themselves with the format and types of questions they will encounter on the actual exam. You can access SHRM-CP exam practice test questions.

4. Schedule the Exam

Once candidates feel prepared, they can schedule their exams during designated testing windows. The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams are offered twice a year, typically in the spring and fall. Candidates should ensure they register during the open application window. Check SHRM Exam Dates 2024

5. Take the Exam

On the exam day, candidates should arrive at the testing center or log in for remote proctoring with ample time to spare. The exams are timed, and candidates must manage their time effectively to complete all questions.

6. Maintain Certification

After passing the exam, certified professionals must recertify every three years to maintain their credentials. This can be achieved by earning Professional Development Credits (PDCs) or retaking the exam. Staying engaged in ongoing education and professional development is essential for long-term success in the HR field.

How Does SHRM Scoring Work?

The scoring process for SHRM certification exams is designed to ensure that candidates are evaluated fairly and accurately. Here’s how the scoring works:

• Scoring Methodology: The SHRM exams use a criterion-referenced scoring system, which means that candidates are measured against a predetermined standard rather than against one another. The passing score for both the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams is set at 200 points.
• Question Weighting: The 134 questions on the exams are divided into two categories: knowledge-based and situational judgment items. Each question contributes equally to the overall score, with no specific weighting assigned to either category. Candidates must demonstrate competency across both knowledge and situational judgment areas to pass the exam.
• Field-Test Items: Additionally, each exam includes 24 field-test items that are not counted toward the candidate’s score. These items are used to gather data on question effectiveness and are randomly mixed with scored items. Candidates will not know which questions are field-test items during the exam.

What is the Passing Score of the SHRM?

The passing score for the SHRM certification exams is set at 200 points. It is important to note that candidates do not need to achieve the maximum score to pass. The exams are designed to assess a candidate’s knowledge and skills in HR, and the passing score reflects the minimum competency required to demonstrate proficiency.

The SHRM exams consist of 134 questions, but the scoring is not a simple percentage of correct answers. The passing score of 200 is based on a scaled scoring system that takes into account the difficulty of the questions. This means that not all questions are equal in terms of their contribution to the overall score.

The scaled score allows for a consistent passing standard, regardless of variations in exam difficulty from one testing window to another. This approach ensures that candidates are evaluated fairly, even if they take different versions of the exam.

What is the Number of Questions I Must Answer Correctly to Pass the SHRM Exam? 

Minimum Correct Answers Required

While the exact number of questions that must be answered correctly to pass the SHRM exams can vary, candidates can generally expect that they need to answer approximately 65-75% of the questions correctly. Given that there are 134 questions on the exam, this translates to needing around 87 to 100 correct answers to achieve a passing score.

Do I Have to Answer All Questions Correctly to Pass?

No, candidates do not need to answer all questions correctly to pass the SHRM exams. The number of questions that must be answered correctly varies depending on the exam’s difficulty and the specific scoring criteria set by SHRM. However, candidates should aim to answer as many questions correctly as possible to ensure they meet the passing standard.

How Many SHRM Exam Questions Can I Get Wrong?

Using the estimated range of correct answers needed to pass, candidates can determine how many questions they can afford to get wrong. If a candidate needs to answer at least 87 questions correctly to pass, they can get around 47 questions wrong. Conversely, if aiming for a higher score, the number of allowable incorrect answers decreases.

Understanding this margin can help candidates manage their expectations and focus their study efforts on the most challenging areas of the exam content. If you get many questions wrong, definitely you will not pass the exam and hence, you will have to think about retaking your SHRM exam. 

How to Pass the SHRM Exams

Preparation is crucial for success on the SHRM certification exams. Here are some effective strategies for how you should study for your SHRM certification:

1. Develop a Study Plan: Creating a structured study plan is essential for effective preparation. Candidates should allocate time each week to review the SHRM BASK and study materials. Setting specific goals for each study session can help maintain focus and motivation.
2. Utilize Online SHRM Study Materials: Online resources can significantly enhance the study experience. The SHRM Learning System offers a comprehensive suite of study materials, including: Interactive Learning Modules: These modules provide engaging content that covers key HR concepts and competencies. Access to practice questions allows candidates to familiarize themselves with the exam format and question types. Detailed SHRM study guides outline the content areas covered in the exams, helping candidates prioritize their study efforts. Taking practice tests is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the SHRM exams. Candidates can assess their knowledge and identify areas where they need additional study. Practice tests also help candidates become comfortable with the exam format and time constraints.

1. Join a Study Group: Collaborating with peers can enhance the learning experience. Joining a local SHRM chapter or forming a study group with fellow candidates allows for discussion of challenging topics and sharing of study resources. Group study can provide motivation and accountability.
2. Focus on Behavioral Competencies: Both the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams assess candidates on behavioral competencies in addition to HR knowledge. Candidates should familiarize themselves with these competencies and practice applying them in various scenarios. Understanding how to demonstrate these competencies can be crucial for success on the exams.
3. Manage Test Anxiety: Test anxiety can affect performance, so candidates should develop strategies to manage stress. Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and positive visualization can help candidates remain calm and focused during the exam.

Use Prepsaret for Comprehensive Preparation

Prepsaret is recognized as one of the best online resources for SHRM exam preparation. It offers a variety of study materials tailored specifically for SHRM certification, including:

• Comprehensive Study Guides: Prepsaret provides in-depth SHRM-CP test Prep that cover all aspects of the SHRM BASK.
• Practice Questions and Explanations: Candidates can access a wide range of practice questions, along with detailed explanations for each answer. This helps reinforce learning and clarify any misunderstandings.
• Flexible Learning Options: Prepsaret offers both self-paced and instructor-led courses, allowing candidates to choose the format that best suits their learning style.
• Performance Tracking: The platform includes tools to track progress, enabling candidates to monitor their strengths and weaknesses as they prepare for the exam.

By following these preparation strategies and utilizing resources like Prepsaret, candidates can increase their chances of passing the SHRM exams and achieving their certification goals. 

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