As an HR professional, staying current with your SHRM certification isn’t just a box to check off; it’s a way to enhance your career and ensure you’re providing the best HR practices to your organization. So, how do you maintain your SHRM certification over the years?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about SHRM recertification in simple, easy-to-follow steps. Follow keenly to learn how how to maintain your SHRM certification
SHRM Recertification
Why do you get SHRM certified? Maintaining your SHRM certification is an essential step to ensure you continue being recognized as a highly qualified HR professional. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has established a recertification process to make sure that HR professionals are always up to date with the latest HR knowledge and practices.
Why Is SHRM Recertification Important?
For HR professionals, recertifying your SHRM certification is crucial for maintaining your credibility and enhancing your HR knowledge. The SHRM certification shows that you are committed to staying informed and continuously improving. By keeping your certification up to date, you continue to contribute to your organization’s growth, ensuring that your HR skills maintain relevance and maximize your impact on the business.
The Risks of Letting Your Certification Expire
Allowing your SHRM certification to lapse can lead to the loss of trust from employers, colleagues, and clients who rely on your qualifications. Without SHRM certification, you risk losing out on career advancement opportunities and potential job promotions. Plus, you may lose access to professional networks and resources that SHRM offers.
Maintain Your SHRM Credential with Recertification
Maintaining your credential through SHRM recertification ensures that you continue to demonstrate your dedication to advancing the HR profession. SHRM provides clear guidelines on the recertification process, which primarily revolves around earning professional development credits (PDCs) or retaking the certification exam.
The Role of Professional Development in Recertification
Professional development plays a vital role in keeping your certification current. Every HR professional is expected to remain engaged with ongoing learning, which helps expand HR knowledge identified in real-world HR situations. SHRM makes it easy to track your PDCs and gives you access to many learning opportunities, including conferences, courses, webinars, and eLearning.
Maintaining Your SHRM-SCP or SHRM-CP Certification
Whether you hold the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) or SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification, both certifications require careful maintenance through regular recertification. Though the process is similar, there are some specific differences between the two credentials.
SHRM CP or SHRM SCP: What’s the Difference?
SHRM-SCP is designed for senior HR professionals, while SHRM-CP targets early to mid-level professionals. Although both require earning PDCs or retaking the certification exam, the types of activities that qualify for PDCs may differ slightly based on your level of experience and career goals.
Both certifications, however, contribute significantly to enhancing your HR skills and promoting leadership in your HR and administrative chapter.
Getting Started with Recertification
Once you’ve earned your SHRM certification, the recertification process begins. It’s essential to track the milestones within your three-year recertification cycle to ensure you stay on top of your continuing professional development.
Whether you hold the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential, the basic recertification requirements remain the same. Both certifications require 60 PDCs over three years. The main difference lies in the level of activities that might interest you—SHRM-SCP holders might gravitate toward more strategic, high-level learning opportunities.
The recertification process helps maintain the integrity and value of both credentials. When employers see your active SHRM certification, they know you’re committed to excellence in your field and that your HR knowledge identified by SHRM is current.
Related Post: Best Ways to Earn SHRM Recertification Credits
Steps to Start Your Recertification Process:
- Know Your Responsibilities: As a certified HR professional, you’re responsible for ensuring that you meet all the necessary requirements for recertification.
- Key Dates and Deadlines: Keep track of your recertification cycle’s start and end dates. SHRM sends out reminders, but it’s always a good idea to set your own reminders to avoid missing deadlines. Mark your calendar with important dates:
- Your certification date
- Your recertification deadline
- The start of your 60-day grace period
- Track Your PDCs: Start planning your professional development activities early. Consider creating a PDC plan to organize your learning activities.
Recertification Processing Fee
You may wonder if there are any costs associated with recertification. Yes, there’s a recertification processing fee that’s required when submitting your PDCs or completing the exam retake.
The fee depends on your membership status with SHRM. If you’re a member, you receive a discount on the processing fee. Payment is typically made online, and SHRM offers multiple payment methods, making the process convenient.
For SHRM members, the regular fee is $165 USD, while nonmembers pay $210 USD. If you miss the submission deadline, a late fee of $240 USD for members and $285 USD for nonmembers applies, which covers records submitted during the 60-day grace period after your certification cycle ends.
To save on the recertification processing fee, consider becoming a SHRM member. Please note that these fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, so make sure to complete your recertification process on time to avoid additional costs.
Two Ways to Recertify
There are two primary ways to maintain your certification: earning 60 professional development credits within your three-year recertification cycle or retaking the certification exam. Here’s a breakdown of each option:
Earn 60 Professional Development Credits Within Your Three-Year Recertification Cycle
To maintain your SHRM certification, you need to earn 60 professional development credits (PDCs) over a three-year period. These credits can come from a variety of professional development activities. Some common ways to earn PDCs include:
- Attending conferences
- Enrolling in educational programs
- Becoming a SHRM member
- Listening to podcasts and webinars
- Earning additional credentials
It’s essential to keep a record of all your PDCs and submit them to SHRM before the deadline.
Retake the Certification Exam Within the Last Year of Your Recertification Cycle
If you prefer to demonstrate your HR knowledge through a more formal route, you can retake the SHRM certification exam. This option might be beneficial if you feel like you’ve lost touch with certain areas of HR knowledge or want to challenge yourself further.
If you choose to recertify by retaking the SHRM exam, you must do so during the final year of your three-year certification cycle. As of 2024, the retake fee is $375 for SHRM members and $475 for non-members, which is lower than the initial exam fee.
You must apply, schedule, and pass the exam before your current certification expires. The retake process requires the same application steps as first-time test-takers, including eligibility verification. You must take the same level exam as your current credential (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP).
If you pass, your new certification cycle begins immediately, extending your credential for another three years. If you fail, you can still recertify by submitting 60 PDCs before your cycle ends.
To prepare for a retake, candidates should review the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK), take practice exams, and consider enrolling in preparatory courses. Maintaining a positive mindset and adjusting study strategies based on feedback are crucial for success in subsequent attempts.
Ways to Earn PDCs
There are many creative and engaging ways to earn your PDCs. Let’s explore some of the most common opportunities:
- SHRM Conferences: Attending SHRM conferences is one of the best ways to earn PDCs. SHRM hosts major events throughout the year, offering you the chance to network with peers, attend informative workshops, and gain access to cutting-edge HR research.
- Educational Programs: Whether you’re attending a university program or an online course, educational programs count toward your PDCs. These programs can range from HR certification courses to leadership training, both online and in-person.
- SHRM Membership: SHRM members have exclusive access to webinars, online courses, and local chapter events, all of which qualify for PDCs. Maintaining a SHRM membership gives you an edge in earning PDCs while staying up to date with HR trends.
- Podcasts: Listening to HR-related podcasts is an easy and convenient way to earn PDCs. Many HR professionals take advantage of podcasts during their commutes or workout sessions. It’s a great way to keep learning while staying on the go.
- Specialty Credentials: Earning additional HR specialty credentials (like certifications in benefits, talent management, etc.) can contribute to your overall PDCs. These credentials not only count toward recertification but also add to your professional portfolio.
- eLearning and Webcasts: Online learning is another excellent way to earn PDCs. eLearning courses and SHRM-approved webcasts allow you to learn at your own pace while earning credits. The flexibility and convenience of online resources make it easier than ever to stay current in HR.
Recertifying with PDCs
If you choose to go the PDC route for recertification, it’s essential to track your credits carefully. Here’s a helpful tip: create your PDC plan at the start of your cycle to avoid scrambling at the last minute.
Advancing Your Education
Ongoing education is one of the most effective ways to keep your certification current. Enroll in advanced HR programs, master’s degree courses, or specialized certifications to enhance your knowledge and keep your skills sharp.
Advancing Your Organization
Recertifying your SHRM CP or SHRM SCP benefits you and your organization. The knowledge and skills you gain from the process can be implemented to improve HR practices and policies within your company.
Advancing Your Profession
SHRM recertification contributes to advancing the HR profession by promoting best practices and encouraging continuous learning. It helps HR professionals across the globe set standards and influence policies in the workplace.
Related Post: SHRM Certification Online
How to Prepare for the SHRM Retake Exam
If you’ve decided to retake the SHRM certification exam, here are some tips for success:
Practice Exams
Using SHRM practice exams is one of the most effective ways to prepare. Practice exams help you familiarize yourself with the format and timing of the real exam, hence SHRM recertification. Plus, they allow you to identify areas where your HR knowledge needs improvement. Prepsaret offers high-quality SHRM-CP practice exams and SHRM-SCP practice exams for exam prep.
Online SHRM Courses
Structured online courses can help refresh your knowledge systematically. Look for courses that:
- Cover the current SHRM Body of Competency and HR Knowledge identified.
- Include interactive elements to test your understanding
- Provide access to expert instructors
Enroll in SHRM-specific online courses to improve your exam readiness. Platforms like Prepsaret offer high-quality practice exams and study materials tailored for both SHRM CP and SHRM-SCP exams.
Study Strategies
Effective studying isn’t just about how much time you spend—it’s about how you use that time. Create a study plan that:
- Schedules regular study sessions
- Focuses more time on your weaker areas
- Includes both learning and practice testing
- Builds in review sessions to reinforce material
Develop a study plan and prioritize key competencies. Don’t forget to manage your time effectively, using a mix of practice tests, study guides, and HR books to pass the exam.
FAQs
How to Stay Certified in SHRM?
Track your PDCs and ensure they meet the required criteria. Always stay engaged with ongoing learning and attend events that qualify for PDCs.
How Long Is a SHRM Certification Good For?
SHRM certifications are valid for three years. After that three-year period, you have a 60-day grace period to complete your recertification requirements. You can either earn PDCs or retake the certification exam to maintain your certification.
Does the SHRM Learning System Expire?
The SHRM Learning System doesn’t have an expiration date, but it’s a good idea to keep your resources up to date to ensure you’re studying the latest HR trends. It has helpful study materials to help you pass the exam.
Start Preparing for Recertification Today!
SHRM recertification ensures that HR professionals stay current with industry trends and maintain their credentials. Completing your SHRM recertification requirements helps you continue to grow in your career while demonstrating a commitment to professional development.
Don’t wait until the last minute! Start your recertification journey now, stay on top of your professional development, and consider using Prepsaret’s comprehensive study materials for your exam preparation.