Are you looking to level up your HR career? The SHRM certification could be the key to unlocking new opportunities. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about SHRM Certification Salary Benefits & ROI in 2025.
Whether you’re just starting in human resources or are already a seasoned professional, SHRM certification opens the door to better job prospects, higher salaries, and more career growth.
By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge to decide if earning a SHRM certification is the right move for your career.
Top 5 Reasons You Should Earn a SHRM Certification
Earning a SHRM certification isn’t just a badge of honor—it’s a powerful career tool. If you’re an HR professional looking to boost your career goals and elevate your HR role, here are the top 5 reasons why getting certified through SHRM is a worthwhile investment.
Career Opportunities
A SHRM certification instantly makes you more attractive to potential employers. It demonstrates that you’ve mastered the core competencies of human resources and are committed to keeping up with the latest trends.
Certified professionals often have access to higher-level positions, opening doors to new opportunities that may not be available to those without certification.
For instance, a PayScale survey found that 82% of entry-level HR employees with a credential received a promotion in the previous five years, compared to 68% without certification.
Industry Standard
The SHRM certification is recognized globally as an industry standard in human resource management. Whether you’re looking to work for a large corporation, a non-profit, or even an international organization, this certification signals to employers that you possess the essential skills and knowledge to excel in your HR career.
It’s a symbol of excellence that can set you apart in a crowded job market. SHRM certifications are developed with input from over 35,000 HR professionals, making them universally applicable and recognized.
Professional Development
One of the greatest advantages of earning a SHRM certification is the professional development that comes with it. The process of preparing for the exam helps you dive deeper into HR-related duties and stay up to date with evolving best practices.
It also pushes you to continue learning and growing, which is crucial for career progression in an ever-changing field like human resources. This ongoing learning aligns with the need for continuous professional development in HR.
Professional Excellence
Becoming SHRM certified is a clear indication that you are a dedicated professional who strives for excellence in your work. It showcases your commitment to professional excellence, both in your role and in the HR industry as a whole.
Employers value this dedication, and it can significantly enhance your credibility as a trusted HR expert in your organization. SHRM certifications are designed to reflect current, functional knowledge recognized worldwide.
It Can Help You Get a Raise
Let’s face it—who doesn’t want a raise? SHRM certification can directly influence your salary by opening doors to more lucrative positions. HR professionals with certification tend to earn more, as they bring in-depth knowledge, specialized skills, and strategic insight to the table.
For example, SHRM-CP holders can see a median pay boost of up to 23% compared to those without certification, while SHRM-SCP holders may experience an even higher increase of up to 89%.
Whether you’re negotiating a raise or looking for a new job, having a SHRM certification can give you the edge you need to secure higher compensation and rewards.
SHRM Certification Salary Benefits and ROI 2025
One of the most compelling reasons to earn a SHRM certification is the salary benefits it brings. Whether you’re pursuing the SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) or the SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional), these credentials have a significant impact on your earning potential and career opportunities.
Salary Benefits for SHRM Certified Professionals
Certified professionals enjoy higher salaries compared to their non-certified counterparts. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect as a SHRM-certified professional:
- SHRM-CP (Certified Professional):
- Average salary: $70,000 – $85,000 per year
- Typically held by HR professionals in entry- to mid-level positions. According to PayScale, SHRM-CP holders have reported an average base salary of around $78,000.
- SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional):
- Average salary: $90,000 – $125,000 per year
- This higher salary range is for senior-level roles, such as HR managers, HR directors, or those in strategic HR leadership positions. PayScale’s data suggests a median salary of approximately $107,800 for SHRM-SCP holders.
ROI of SHRM Certification in 2025
The ROI of obtaining a SHRM certification is not just about the immediate salary bump; it’s about long-term career growth. Here’s why the SHRM certification is such a worthwhile investment in 2025:
- Higher Earning Potential: Certified professionals in the HR field often earn more than non-certified professionals. The difference can be as much as $10,000 – $20,000 annually, depending on the role, location, and experience.
SHRM reports that certified professionals earn 14% to 15% more than non-certified peers. - Competitive Advantage: In today’s job market, employers are looking for HR professionals with specialized knowledge. Certified HR professionals bring expertise in areas like employee relations, talent management, and compensation strategies—skills that make them more valuable to any organization.
This certification proves you’ve mastered the latest HR trends and best practices, which can make you more attractive to hiring managers and HR executives. - Job Security and Advancement: SHRM certification helps you stand out in the competitive HR field. Certified professionals are often viewed as more reliable and capable, increasing their chances of career progression and promotions.
This means better job security, more opportunities for advancement, and the potential for a higher salary in the future.
How Employers Value Certified HR Professionals
Employers are increasingly recognizing the value that certified HR professionals bring to the table. By holding a SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification, you signal that you have up-to-date knowledge, strategic thinking, and a commitment to excellence.
These attributes make you a key player in any HR role, whether you’re managing a team or leading a department.
Organizations understand that certified professionals:
- Can contribute immediately to critical HR-related duties like recruitment, training, and compliance.
- Are equipped with the latest tools and techniques to tackle the challenges HR professionals face.
- Bring a level of professional excellence that sets the organization apart from competitors.
In essence, SHRM-certified professionals are seen as valuable assets in the eyes of employers—those who are capable of driving change, supporting business goals, and leading HR functions with precision.
Find Out: Why Employers Prefer Candidates with SHRM Certifications
How SHRM Certification Can Accelerate Your Career
If you’re an HR professional looking to climb the career ladder, getting SHRM certified is one of the smartest moves you can make.
A SHRM certification doesn’t just add a prestigious credential to your resume—it can fast-track your career progression and elevate you to senior professional status.
Here’s how becoming a certified HR professional can directly contribute to career advancement and open doors to new leadership roles.
Stand Out and Gain Recognition
In today’s competitive HR field, having a HR certification is often the key to standing out from the crowd.
Whether you’re aiming for a promotion or looking to land a new role, a SHRM certification sets you apart from non-certified professionals.
Employers value certified HR professionals because they bring a higher level of expertise, updated knowledge of industry best practices, and a deeper understanding of how HR impacts business goals.
Unlock Leadership Roles and Senior-Level Positions
One of the most significant ways a SHRM certification can accelerate your career is by positioning you for leadership roles.
With the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credentials, you show that you’re ready to take on more responsibility in your HR role, whether it’s managing teams, overseeing organizational change, or shaping the company’s overall HR strategy.
In fact, certified professionals are more likely to be considered for senior positions like HR manager, HR director, or even VP of HR, where leadership and strategic thinking are essential.
Gain the Skills Needed for Career Advancement
Becoming a certified professional coach or an expert in HR management doesn’t just make you more marketable—it gives you the tools you need to succeed at the next level.
SHRM certification provides you with a deeper understanding of topics like talent management, employee development, workplace culture, and legal compliance, which are crucial for career advancement.
These skills enable you to take on more complex HR duties and demonstrate your value to employers.
Increased Job Security and Promotion Opportunities
A SHRM certification makes you more valuable to your organization, and it helps to improve your job security. Employers see certified professionals as reliable, capable, and equipped with the skills needed to drive business success.
This perception of professional excellence often leads to more opportunities for promotion and career advancement. The more expertise you gain, the more likely you are to rise within your organization.
Expanded Network and Industry Recognition
Another benefit of SHRM certification is the access it provides to an expansive network of HR professionals and industry experts.
By becoming a SHRM-certified HR professional, you open doors to networking events, conferences, and online communities that can introduce you to key contacts in the field.
This network can lead to exciting new career opportunities, collaborations, and mentorships that can further accelerate your career growth.
SHRM Certification 2025
The SHRM certification remains a top credential for HR professionals in 2025, recognized globally as an industry standard.
It sets professionals apart, showcasing professional excellence and mastery of essential HR skills. Employers value SHRM certification as proof of competence in handling HR’s evolving demands.
Why SHRM Certification Matters in 2025
- Industry Recognition: SHRM-certified professionals are seen as committed and knowledgeable, ready to meet the challenges of the evolving HR field.
- Adaptation to Latest Trends: The certification ensures professionals stay updated on key trends like diversity, HR technology, and workforce planning.
- Professional Excellence: SHRM certification highlights the ability to apply advanced HR strategies and drive organizational success.
Types of SHRM Certifications: SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP
There are two main types of SHRM certification—the SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) and the SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional)—each designed for different levels of experience and responsibility in the HR field.
- SHRM-CP (Certified Professional):
- Best suited for HR professionals who are relatively early in their career or in mid-level roles.
- Focuses on the core competencies of HR, including talent acquisition, employee relations, and HR management.
- Aimed at professionals handling day-to-day HR operations and supporting strategic HR initiatives.
- SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional):
- Designed for seasoned HR professionals, often in leadership or senior management roles.
- Focuses on strategic HR leadership, including organizational design, workforce planning, and aligning HR strategies with business goals.
- Best for professionals aiming to take on senior roles such as HR director, VP of HR, or chief HR officer.
Each certification requires a deep understanding of HR principles and practical application, but the SHRM-SCP focuses more on strategic insight and leadership.
SHRM Certification Cost 2025
Earning a SHRM certification in 2025 requires a financial investment, but the potential rewards in terms of career growth and salary increase make it well worth the cost. Here’s what to expect:
- Certification Fees:
- SHRM-CP: The exam fee is $495 for SHRM members and $595 for non-members, not $300 – $400 for members and $400 – $500 for non-members.
- SHRM-SCP: The exam fee is $595 for SHRM members and $695 for non-members, not $400 – $500 for members and $500 – $600 for non-members.
- Study Materials:
- The cost of study materials, such as textbooks and online courses, can indeed vary widely. For example, the SHRM Learning System, which includes both online and print materials, is valued at more than $1,085.
- However, some prep courses, such as Prepsaret SHRM, offer these study materials at affordable prices:
- These options make it easier to access quality study materials without breaking the bank.
SHRM Certification Requirements
To be eligible for the SHRM certification in 2025, candidates must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements to ensure they are fully prepared for the exam:
- Educational Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is typically required.
- A graduate degree may also be beneficial, especially for those pursuing the SHRM-SCP.
- Experience Requirements:
- For the SHRM-CP: Candidates must have at least three years of experience in HR-related duties.
- For the SHRM-SCP: Candidates must have at least five years of experience in a senior HR role or similar leadership capacity.
- HR-related Duties:
- Your experience should include hands-on work in core HR functions, such as recruitment, employee development, talent management, and performance management.
These requirements ensure that you have the right combination of education and practical experience to excel in the exam and apply the knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Preparing for and meeting these requirements also sets the stage for professional growth as you dive into more advanced HR roles.
SHRM Exam Prep
Preparing for the SHRM certification exam is essential, and online courses offer the flexibility to study at your own pace. Continuous learning through these courses ensures you’re ready for the multiple-choice exam format.
Why Choose Prepsaret for SHRM Certification?
- Affordable and flexible: Prepsaret offers courses starting from as $69 for one month.
- Comprehensive content: Prepsaret covers all essential HR topics aligned with the SHRM BASK (Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge), ensuring you’re well-prepared.
- Practice exams: Prepsaret includes practice exams that reflect the exact questions tested on the SHRM certification exam, helping you build confidence.
Enroll now in a SHRM online course:
- SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) Online Prep course
- SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) Online Prep Course
SHRM Financial Assistance and Support Options
SHRM offers several financial assistance options to make certification more accessible:
Discounts and Scholarships
- SHRM Student Membership Discounts: Reduced exam fees for students.
- SHRM Foundation Scholarships: Awards nearly $500,000 annually in scholarships for certification and academic purposes.
- SHRM Certification Professional Development Grants: Provide access to the SHRM Learning System and exam fees for eligible members.
Other Financial Support
- Employer Reimbursement: Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for professional development courses.
- Private Loans: Available for non-degree programs, such as SHRM certification prep courses.
- Military Assistance: Programs like Air Force Cool and Army Credentialing Assistance support military personnel pursuing SHRM certifications.
SHRM’s financial assistance options help make certification more affordable and accessible to aspiring HR professionals.
Long-Term Costs and Maintenance of Certification
Maintaining your SHRM certification involves ongoing costs and a commitment to professional development. To keep your certification active, HR professionals are required to engage in continuing education and stay current with the latest trends in the HR profession.
- Continuing Education: Certified professionals must earn recertification credits by participating in relevant HR courses, webinars, or conferences to ensure their skills remain up to date.
- Professional Development: SHRM encourages ongoing HR-related learning to keep certifications current and to align with industry changes.
- Recertification Fees: There is typically a recertification fee required every three years, along with proof of completed professional development activities.
Check Out: SHRM-SCP Recertification
FAQs
What Are The Benefits Of Being SHRM Certified?
Benefits include increased salary potential, career advancement opportunities, and enhanced professional credibility in the HR field.
Is SHRM A Money Grab?
No, SHRM certification is not considered a money grab. It offers tangible benefits like salary increases and career advancement, making it a worthwhile investment for HR professionals.
How Much Is A SHRM Certification Worth?
A SHRM certification is worth the investment as it can lead to significant salary increases and career opportunities, with certified professionals reporting an average salary increase of $10,000.
Conclusion
In summary, SHRM certification is more than just a credential — it’s a worthwhile investment in your future. From salary benefits to career advancement, the ROI of earning a SHRM certification is clear.
If you’re ready to take your HR career to the next level, getting certified is a smart move that will pay off in the long run. So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey to becoming a certified HR professional today!