SHRM Recertification

As an HR professional, staying current with industry trends, regulations, and best practices is essential for career growth and compliance. SHRM Recertification ensures that your skills remain relevant and up-to-date, helping you stay competitive in the ever-evolving HR field. 

Whether you’re just beginning your HR career or are an experienced professional, maintaining your certification proves your commitment to professional growth and excellence. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about SHRM Recertification, from the requirements to the best study resources.

What is SHRM Recertification?

SHRM recertification is a process that allows certified HR professionals to maintain their certification status. This process ensures that your skills remain sharp and up-to-date, which is crucial in the fast-evolving HR field. 

It’s your proof that you’re continuing to develop professionally and staying compliant with the latest HR industry standards.

For HR professionals holding a SHRM CP (Certified Professional) or SHRM SCP (Senior Certified Professional) certification, recertification is essential for demonstrating ongoing competence. 

This helps validate your expertise, supports industry compliance, and ultimately boosts your career prospects. 

Check Out: How Do I Get SHRM Certified?

SHRM Recertification Requirements

To recertify, both SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) and SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) holders must earn 60 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) every three years. These credits cover a range of competencies, including:

• Employee Relations: Understanding labor laws and managing workplace conflicts.
• HR Development: Training and development strategies for employees.
• Organizational Effectiveness: Aligning HR practices with business goals.

SHRM Certification Renewal/Recertification Fee

The recertification fee varies based on your SHRM membership status. Members typically pay less than non-members. 

• SHRM CP Recertification Fee: $165 for members, $210 for non-members.
• SHRM SCP Recertification Fee: $165 for members, $210 for non-members.

These fees apply to regular recertification processing. If a candidate submits their recertification during the 60-day grace period after their cycle ends, higher late fees apply: $240 for members and $285 for non-members .

If you’re not a SHRM member yet, becoming one could save you money on recertification fees. Plus, you get access to a host of other benefits, including exclusive learning opportunities and discounts on resources.

Check Out: How Much Is SHRM Membership

SHRM Recertification Cost Comparison

Recertification Processing Fee:

• Member: $165 USD
• Nonmember: $210 USD
• Late Fee: Additional $75 for members ($240 total) and $75 for nonmembers ($285 total) if submitted during the 60-day grace period.

How to Recertify SHRM

SHRM certification maintenance is essential for demonstrating your expertise and staying current in the ever-evolving field of human resources. Here are the key steps involved in SHRM certification maintenance:

• Earn Professional Development Credits (PDCs)
• Track and Record PDCs
• Submit Recertification Application
• Alternative Option – Retake the Exam
• Carryover Credits

These steps are the SHRM Recertification checklist for HR professionals, designed to ensure that you continue to grow professionally while maintaining your certification. Ensure you check them to stay on track with your recertification process.

Step1:SHRM Recertification through Continuing Education

SHRM recertification through continuing education involves earning 60 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) within a three-year cycle. 

SHRM recertification credits, also known as Professional Development Credits (PDCs), are essential for maintaining your SHRM certification. These credits demonstrate your ongoing commitment to professional development and ensure that you stay updated with the latest HR practices and standards. 

To maintain your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification, you must earn 60 PDCs within a three-year recertification cycle.

Types of Activities That Earn SHRM Recertification Credits

Earning SHRM PDCs can be achieved through a variety of activities, categorized into three main areas:

Advance Your Education

This includes continuing education activities such as:

• Conferences
• Seminars and workshops
• College or university courses (both instructor-led and self-paced)
• Virtual learning programs
• Reading books and completing quizzes (up to 10 books per cycle for 3 PDCs each).

Advance Your Organization

This involves supervisor-endorsed work projects that contribute to organizational success, with a maximum of 30 PDCs per cycle.

Advance Your Profession

Activities include:

• Presenting HR-related courses or serving as a subject matter expert in panel discussions
• Volunteering for HR associations or membership organizations without compensation.

SHRM Recertification Activities

• Workshops and Seminars: These can be attended in person or virtually and offer flexible ways to earn credits. There is no maximum limit for credits earned from these activities.
• Online Courses: Engage in self-paced or instructor-led courses that align with the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK).
• Seminars: Similar to workshops, seminars provide opportunities to earn credits based on the time spent in sessions.

By engaging in these activities and tracking your credits effectively, you can ensure a smooth recertification process and maintain your SHRM certification.

Step 2: How to Track and Report Your SHRM Recertification Credits

Once you participate in qualifying activities, it’s essential to track and record them accurately. You can use your SHRM Certification Portal to log all PDCs. 

• Log into Your SHRM Account: Access your SHRM certification portal using your login credentials.
• Enter Your Credits: Manually input each PDC you earn, ensuring you have documentation to support your entries.

Step 3: Submit SHRM Recertification Application

Once you’ve accumulated 60 PDCs, it’s time to submit your recertification application. Before doing so, review all the activities you’ve logged to make sure everything is accurate and complete.

You will also need to pay a recertification application fee, which varies based on your SHRM membership status. Members generally pay a lower fee than nonmembers. Be sure to submit your application on time to avoid any late fees.

Lastly, keep records of your activities, such as certificates of completion or detailed agendas, in case you’re selected for an audit.

Step 4: Alternative Option – Retake the Exam

If you prefer not to accumulate PDCs or if you’re nearing the end of your recertification cycle, you have the option to retake the certification exam. This can be done within the last year of your cycle. 

However, if you fail the exam, you cannot pursue recertification with PDCs until you pass the exam again. Retaking the exam is a good choice if you feel your knowledge needs refreshing or if you prefer a more structured approach to recertification.

Step 5: Carryover Credits

If you earn more than 60 PDCs during your cycle, you can carry over up to 20 credits in the Advance Your Education category to your next recertification cycle. 

This is beneficial as it allows you to get a head start on your next cycle and reduces the number of credits you need to earn in the future.

Timeline and Grace Period

Your recertification cycle begins the day you pass the exam and ends three years later on the last day of your birth month. If you miss this deadline, you have a 60-day grace period to complete your recertification. 

However, during this grace period, a late fee applies, so it’s advisable to plan ahead and complete your recertification before the cycle ends

How Many Credits Do You Get for SHRM Membership?

Becoming a SHRM member can contribute towards your recertification credits by providing you with opportunities to earn Professional Development Credits (PDCs). 

For national SHRM membership, you automatically receive 3 SHRM PDCs per year in the “Advance Your Profession” category. These credits are entered automatically into your account for national SHRM membership, while for other eligible associations, you need to manually enter them.

SHRM membership not only provides these credits but also offers access to a wide range of resources, including webinars, conferences, and networking opportunities, which can help you earn additional credits and stay updated with industry trends.

Free SHRM Recertification Credits

Obtaining free SHRM recertification credits is possible through various methods:

• Online Webinars: Platforms like HR.com offer free webinars that provide 1 PDC each. You can also find free webinars listed in SHRM newsletters and through other HRIS platforms like Bamboo HR and Paycor.
• HR-Related Volunteering: Volunteering for HR-related activities can earn you credits. Serving as a leader or officer in SHRM or its affiliates can provide additional credits beyond the standard membership credits.
• Partnerships and Discounts: SHRM partners with various organizations to provide discounted or free resources. For example, HR Jetpack offers a subscription service with pre-approved courses for SHRM and HRCI credits, though this is not entirely free, it provides a convenient way to earn credits efficiently.

SHRM Recertification Online

Completing your SHRM recertification online offers flexibility and convenience, especially for busy professionals. 

SHRM Recertification Online Study Materials and Courses

• Prepsaret: This platform provides comprehensive study materials and courses specifically designed for SHRM exam preparation. It offers structured learning paths and practice exams to help you prepare effectively for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exams.

Check out: SHRM-CP Test Prep and SHRM-SCP Test Prep

• SHRM Learning System: SHRM offers its own learning system, which includes online courses and study materials aligned with the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK). These resources help you understand the competencies required for recertification.
• Online webinars for SHRM Recertification credits: Participate in virtual webinars and seminars that provide Professional Development Credits (PDCs). These events cover a wide range of HR topics and can be attended from anywhere, making them ideal for those with tight schedules.

How to Earn SHRM Recertification Credits Online

Earning SHRM recertification credits online is convenient and accessible through various platforms. Here are some ways to earn these credits online:

• HR.com Webinars

HR.com offers free webinars that provide SHRM recertification credits. Each webinar typically earns one credit, and they cover various HR topics. Podcasts are also available, offering 0.5 credits per episode with a code. This flexibility allows you to earn credits at your convenience.

• SHRM Newsletters and Local Chapters

SHRM newsletters list free webinars for credits. Local chapters host events that provide credits and networking opportunities. Membership may be required for some events.

• HRIS Platforms

HRIS platforms like Bamboo HR and Paycor offer free webinars in their resources section. These webinars help you stay updated on HR trends and technologies while earning credits.

• On-Demand Webinars

Platforms like HCI and BizLibrary offer on-demand webinars, allowing you to earn credits at your own pace. This flexibility is ideal for busy professionals.

• Subscription Services

Services like HR Jetpack provide over 120 pre-approved SHRM credits. Courses are self-paced and offer high-quality content, making them a cost-effective option.

Affordable SHRM Recertification Courses

Here are some affordable options for SHRM recertification courses:

• HR.com Webinars: Offers free webinars that can be watched while working, each worth 1 credit. Podcasts also provide 0.5 credits per episode with a code.
• Tools 2 Succeed e-Learning Package: Provides 105 pre-approved HRCI and SHRM credits for $249. This package covers all recertification needs for a year and includes various HR topics.
• Local SHRM Chapters and HRIS Platforms: Many local SHRM chapters offer free or low-cost webinars for members. HRIS platforms like Bamboo HR and Paycor also provide free webinars in their resources section.
• HR Summer School: A free virtual conference that offers credits for attending sessions. It’s a cost-effective way to earn credits while learning from industry experts.

Flexibility of Online Recertification

Online recertification options offer several benefits for busy professionals:

• Flexibility in Timing
• Accessible
• Self-Paced Learning

SHRM Recertification Handbook 2025

The SHRM Recertification Handbook for 2025 serves as a comprehensive guide for HR professionals seeking to maintain their SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification. Here’s what you can expect from the handbook and how to use it effectively:

• Recertification Requirements
• SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK)
• Recertification Cycle: The handbook explains how your recertification cycle begins the day you pass the exam and ends three years later, on the last day of your birth month.

Guidance for Efficient Planning

To use the handbook effectively for planning and meeting recertification requirements, follow these steps:

• Review the Handbook Thoroughly: Understand the recertification process, including the types of activities that earn PDCs and any updates to the requirements.
• Plan Your PDCs: Identify the PDCs you need and plan your activities accordingly, ensuring a balance across the three categories.
• Track Your Progress: Use the SHRM portal to track your PDCs and ensure you meet the requirements before your cycle ends.
• Submit Your Recertification Application: Once you have completed your PDCs, submit your application and pay the recertification fee by the deadline to avoid late fees.

Four Simple Steps to Recertification Success

• Identify Your Needs: Determine the PDCs you need to earn.
• Plan Your Activities: Choose workshops, courses, or projects that align with the SHRM BASK.
• Track Your Credits: Use the SHRM portal to log your PDCs.
• Apply for Recertification: Submit your application and pay the fee before your cycle ends.

By following these steps and using the SHRM Recertification Handbook as your guide, you can efficiently manage your recertification process and maintain your SHRM certification.

SHRM Recertification Login

Logging into the SHRM portal is a straightforward process that allows you to manage your recertification activities efficiently. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sign up for SHRM Recertification Through SHRM Portal:
   • Go to the SHRM Certification Portal at portal.shrm.org.
   • Ensure you have a mySHRM account, as this is required for login.
2. Log In:
   • Enter your SHRM login email address and password.
   • If you have forgotten your password, use the “Forgot Password” option to reset it.
3. Navigate to Recertification:
   • Once logged in, you will see your dashboard.
   • Click on the relevant sections to view your PDCs, add new activities, or submit your recertification application.
4. Add PDCs:
   • To log your Professional Development Credits (PDCs), click on “Add PDCs.”
   • Enter the activity code if you have one, or select the appropriate PDC category and provide activity details.
5. Submit Your Recertification Application:
   • When you have earned 60 PDCs, you will be prompted to submit your recertification application.
   • Review your activities and pay the recertification fee to complete the process.

Find Out: How Much Does it Cost to Get SHRM Certified?

How to Verify SHRM Recertification Status

To verify the status of your SHRM recertification, you can follow these steps:

1. Access the SHRM Certification Portal:
   • Visit the SHRM website and navigate to the certification section.
   • Log in to your account if you have one, or create a new account if necessary.
2. Check Your Recertification Status:
   • Once logged in, you can view your certification status, including any pending or completed recertification activities.
   • Ensure that you have met the required 60 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) within your three-year cycle.
3. Use the SHRM Certification Directory:
   • If you need to verify someone else’s certification status, use the SHRM Certification Directory.
   • Search by name and certification type to confirm the status of their SHRM certification.
4. Documentation:
   • Keep records of your verification process for future reference.
   • If selected for a verification review, be prepared to provide documentation supporting your PDCs.

If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, you can contact SHRM directly through their support channels.

SHRM Recertification vs HRCI Recertification

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