HR Certification Organizations There are two certifying organizations in the U.S. for HR professionals to receive their certifications from, the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) which is accredited, and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Determining whether to pursue the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Profession (SHRM-SCP) or the HRCI credentials is an important decision. Both organizations’ certifications test knowledge that the profession requires as their baseline.
While they both test knowledge, the SHRM certifications focus as much as 50 percent of their test content on applying that knowledge and the importance of behavioral competency even as they include a more expansive global perspective. The eligibility requirements are more inclusive (as of this writing) for the SHRM exams, and the cost is slightly less than the HRCI exams. They both have their merits, which is why we hold both certifications.
This figure illustrates SHRM’s Body of Competency and Knowledge3 building blocks of proficiency for the HR professional.
Figure: SHRM Body of Competency & Knowledge
SHRM has established two competency-based certifications, the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP®) for early - and mid-career HR professionals and the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP®) for senior-level practitioners.
SHRM syllabus
The SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK) is the foundation for these certifications. The SHRM BASK - the product of rigorous research involving thousands of HR professionals organizes eight behavioral competencies into three clusters: Leadership (Leadership & Navigation, Ethical Practice), Interpersonal (Relationship Management, Communication, Global & Cultural Effectiveness), and Business (Business Acumen, Consultation, Critical Evaluation). Additionally there are 15 HR knowledge areas that are critical to the success of any HR professional.
The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) credential is for individuals who perform general HR and HR-related duties at work; or for those pursuing a career in Human Resource Management. SHRM certification is the only HR certification offered by the world's largest HR membership organization.
What is the passing score for SHRM? The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams have 134 questions, and 110 of them are used to calculate your score. After you take the test, you will have a raw score of 0-110 correctly selected keys; but the score we report to you is on a scale of 120-200, with "passing" set at 200—this is known as your scaled score
Who should consider SHRM Certification Prep? Middle and senior level operational positions such as Generalists, Managers, and Directors should consider preparing for the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) Exam.
Senior and executive level strategic HR positions such as Senior Managers, Directors, VPs, and CHROs should consider preparing for the SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) Exam.
The Exam
The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams are neither simple multiple-choice nor memory-recall exams. You will be sitting for a 4-hour, 160-question exam with 60 percent of it individual knowledge-based multiple-choice questions and 40 percent of it “situational judgment” scenario-based questions. There will be complex situational questions, short situational questions, formula-based questions, knowledge-based questions, and interpretive questions. Knowing how to get the most out of each question is crucial.
The questions will come in clusters; you’ll see 40 knowledge questions and then 40 scenario-based situational judgment questions, in that pattern until all 160 questions have been delivered. When the scenario questions begin, a second page will display like a book. The scenario stays on the left side of the screen, and the questions will be on the right side of the screen, one at a time.
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