SHRM-CP: Requirements & Exam Details
Informational only — not financial or career advice. Exam fees and certification requirements change, and the figures here are accurate only as of the listed verification date. Confirm the current fee and rules directly with the certifying body before you register or budget. We report the official-body exam fee for a single attempt; it excludes prep courses, materials and retakes, and is not the total cost of certifying.
The SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) is a professional certification issued by the Society for Human Resource Management. Candidates must meet published prerequisites that include holding an HR role and satisfying specified education and experience requirements organized in tier levels. Eligibility requirements, fees, and renewal rules are established and maintained by SHRM and are subject to change; individuals considering this certification should verify current prerequisites directly on SHRM's official website before registering.
The exam fee for a single attempt is $510 for non-members and $410 for SHRM members, as of June 2026; this fee is subject to change at any time. The SHRM-CP credential is valid for three years and requires 60 professional development credits (PDCs) to renew. Since certification requirements, renewal policies, and associated costs may be updated by the issuing body, prospective candidates should confirm all current requirements and fees through SHRM's official channels before proceeding with application or registration.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Prerequisites | HR role; education/experience tiers |
| Base exam fee | $510 |
| Fee notes | non-member $510 / member $410 (standard window) |
| Validity / renewal | 3 years (60 PDCs) |
Register with the issuer. Eligibility, fees and renewal rules are set by SHRM and can change — confirm on the official page.
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