SHRM-CP Certification Cost

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification, which is designed for HR professionals who perform operational HR functions or those who are aiming to build a career in Human Resource Management.

The SHRM-CP exam features two types of multiple-choice questions: stand-alone knowledge-based questions that test your factual knowledge and understanding, and scenario-based situational judgment questions that evaluate your decision-making and judgment skills.

Understanding the costs associated with obtaining and maintaining this certification is important for prospective candidates. In this article, we will examine the different expenses involved in pursuing the SHRM-CP certification, such as exam fees, study materials, and recertification costs.

SHRM-CP Application Fee

The application processing fee for the SHRM-CP certification is a non-refundable charge of $50 that is included in the overall exam fees. This fee is essential for covering the administrative costs associated with processing your application, verifying eligibility, and managing exam logistics. 

Once you submit your application and pay this fee, it cannot be refunded, regardless of whether you choose to proceed with the exam or if unforeseen circumstances prevent you from taking it.

This fee applies to all candidates, both SHRM members and non-members, and is automatically included when you register for the exam. It ensures that SHRM can maintain the integrity and quality of its certification process.

Find out: How to Register for SHRM

SHRM-CP Exam Fees

The first major cost associated with obtaining SHRM-CP certification is the exam fee. The pricing structure varies based on your SHRM membership status.

For SHRM members, the early-bird exam fee is $335, while non-members pay $435 if they register before the specified deadline. This early-bird registration allows candidates to save money by applying ahead of time. After this early registration period, the standard exam fees apply. For SHRM members, the standard fee is $410, whereas non-members will incur a cost of $510.

Check Out: How much is SHRM Membership

Students also benefit from reduced fees; student members pay $149 for the exam, while non-member students are charged $209. 

SHRM-CP Corporate Exam Fee

The SHRM-CP corporate exam fee is set at $270 for both SHRM members and non-members. This fee is specifically designed for organizations that wish to certify multiple employees at once, making it a cost-effective option for companies investing in the professional development of their HR teams.

By opting for the corporate exam fee, organizations can streamline the certification process for their employees, ensuring that they all meet the necessary qualifications to enhance their HR capabilities. This fee includes the application processing costs, which are non-refundable and cover administrative expenses related to managing the examination process.

In addition to the corporate exam fee, organizations should be aware of potential additional costs. For instance, if any employee needs to transfer their exam date, a transfer fee of $100 applies. If an employee does not pass the exam on their first attempt, they will need to pay the full exam fee again to retake it.

Overall, the corporate exam fee presents a valuable opportunity for organizations to invest in their HR professionals while ensuring they comply with industry standards and best practices through SHRM certification.

SHRM-CP Results Review Fee

If you wish to review your results after completing the SHRM-CP exam, there is an additional results review fee of $50, applicable to both members and non-members. This fee allows candidates who do not achieve a passing score to request a formal review of their exam results. The review process provides an opportunity to understand performance better and identify areas for improvement.

Candidates must submit their request for a results review within a specified timeframe, within 30 days of receiving their exam results. If the request is made more than 30 days in advance, the fee is reduced to $35. However, if the request is submitted between 29 and 5 days before the exam date, the fee increases to $53.

Find Out: What Are SHRM-CP Scores?

Additionally, candidates who opt for a results review will receive a $50 coupon off the exam rate for an application to retake the exam during the next testing window. This incentive encourages candidates to continue pursuing certification despite initial setbacks, reinforcing SHRM’s commitment to supporting professional development in human resources. 

SHRM-CP Transfer and Rescheduling Fees

When pursuing the SHRM-CP certification, candidates may encounter situations that necessitate transferring their exam date or rescheduling. In such cases, additional fees apply to manage the administrative processes involved. 

The transfer fee is $100, which is charged when you request to change your exam date after your initial registration. This fee helps cover the costs associated with updating your registration and ensuring that your new exam date is properly processed.

Furthermore, if you decide to cancel your exam entirely rather than reschedule, you may incur a cancellation fee that ranges from $35 to $53. The exact amount depends on how close to the exam date you make your cancellation request.

 It’s important to note that these fees are in addition to the original exam fees and are non-refundable.

To avoid incurring these fees, it’s advisable to confirm your availability before registering for the exam and to keep track of any deadlines related to transfers or cancellations. Understanding these fees can help you budget more effectively and minimize unexpected expenses during your certification journey.

Check out: SHRM Exam Dates 2024

SHRM-CP Retake Fee 

If you do not pass the SHRM-CP exam on your first attempt, you will need to pay the full exam fee again to retake the test. This retake fee applies to both SHRM members and non-members alike.

The full exam fee for retaking the test is the same as the initial registration fee, which varies based on your membership status and the registration deadline. For SHRM members, the early-bird retake fee is $335, while non-members pay $435. 

After the early-bird period, the standard retake fee increases to $410 for members and $510 for non-members.

It’s important to note that the retake fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether you pass the exam on your second attempt. If you do not pass the second time, you will need to pay the full retake fee again for each subsequent attempt.

Preparing thoroughly for the exam by utilizing SHRM study materials, attending workshops, enrolling in a SHRM-CP test prep course and practicing sample questions can help increase the chances of passing on the first attempt, thereby avoiding the need to pay the retake fee.

Read More: Retaking the SHRM Exam

SHRM-CP Recertification Costs

To maintain your SHRM-CP certification, you must earn 60 professional development credits (PDCs) every three years or choose to retake the exam. This requirement ensures that HR professionals stay current with industry trends and practices, enhancing their skills and knowledge.

The recertification processing fee is $135 for SHRM members and $175 for non-members. This fee is non-refundable, meaning that once you submit your application along with the fee, you will not receive a refund, regardless of whether your application is approved.

The recertification cycle begins the day you pass the exam and ends three years later on the last day of your birth month. If you do not meet the PDC requirement by this deadline, you enter a 60-day grace period during which you can still complete your PDCs. However, if you submit your application during this grace period, the fees increase to $185 for members and $225 for non-members.

Engaging in various professional development activities—such as attending workshops, webinars, or conferences—can help accumulate the necessary PDCs.

Can I Get SHRM-CP Scholarship? 

Yes, the SHRM Foundation offers several scholarships to support HR professionals pursuing SHRM certification:

Individual Certification Scholarships

The SHRM Foundation awards $750 scholarships toward the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam and/or preparation. Members who plan to take the exam within the next 12 months, or who took the exam in 2017 even if they didn’t pass, may apply. Twenty of the 220 scholarships available are reserved for members engaged in issues involving veterans or the aging workforce.

Chapter or State Council Certification Scholarships

The SHRM Foundation also provides grants to chapters and state councils to support their efforts in promoting SHRM certification. The award decision is based on the chapter’s or council’s plan for using the funds, financial need, and available matching funds.

2024 Fall Certification Professional Grant

This grant awards one SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification exam as well as SHRM’s online Learning System to eligible SHRM members. To qualify, applicants must be current members, meet the certification eligibility requirements, and plan to test in the Winter 2024-2025 or Spring 2025 exam window.

Read More: How Do I Get SHRM Scholarship

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