SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) Exam Exam Guide
At a glance
- Questions
- 134
- Time limit
- 3h 40m
- Exam fee
- $399
- Governing body
- Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) exam is an HR certification test administered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It's designed for HR practitioners who apply HR principles and knowledge in operational, tactical roles, and unlike many certifications, it doesn't require an HR degree or prior HR experience to sit for the exam.
Overview
The SHRM-CP exam measures both what candidates know and how they apply that knowledge on the job. It's built from 134 multiple-choice questions: 80 stand-alone knowledge questions and 54 scenario-based situational judgment items.
- 40% situational judgment items that test workplace decision-making
- 50% knowledge items covering 14 HR-specific functional areas
- 10% foundational knowledge items on the nine behavioral competencies
Cost and registration
SHRM members pay a $399 standard exam fee; non-members pay $499. Every candidate also owes a separate $50 nonrefundable application fee and a $49 nonrefundable standard deadline fee. Check the official SHRM fee schedule for current pricing and any deadline-based discounts.
Exam format
The exam totals 134 multiple-choice questions delivered over 3 hours and 40 minutes, split into two 110-minute sections. SHRM does not publish a fixed passing score; check the official SHRM Certification Handbook for the current scoring methodology.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the SHRM-CP exam?
The SHRM-CP exam has a total of 134 multiple-choice questions.
How long is the SHRM-CP exam?
Testing time is 3 hours and 40 minutes, divided into two 110-minute sections.
How much does the SHRM-CP exam cost?
SHRM members pay a $399 standard exam fee, while non-members pay $499. Both groups also owe a separate $50 nonrefundable application fee and a $49 nonrefundable standard deadline fee.
Do I need HR experience or a degree to take the SHRM-CP exam?
No. Candidates for the SHRM-CP are not required to hold an HR title and do not need a degree or previous HR experience to apply.
What topics does the SHRM-CP exam cover?
The exam tests 14 HR-specific functional areas through knowledge questions and the nine behavioral competencies through foundational and situational judgment items.
What do I need to do to keep my SHRM-CP certification active?
You must earn 60 professional development credits within your three-year recertification cycle to maintain the SHRM-CP credential.
Sources
- 1.Exam Options and Fees - SHRM Certification — Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 2.SHRM Recertification — Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 3.SHRM Certification Best Practices, Part 2: How to Use the SHRM BASK — Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 4.Eligibility Criteria - SHRM Certification — Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
Official sources
Every exam fact on this page traces to a primary document published by the body that administers the exam.
- Exam Options and Fees - SHRM CertificationSociety for Human Resource Management (SHRM)shrm.org
- SHRM Certification Best Practices, Part 2: How to Use the SHRM BASKSociety for Human Resource Management (SHRM)shrm.org
- Eligibility Criteria - SHRM CertificationSociety for Human Resource Management (SHRM)shrm.org
- SHRM RecertificationSociety for Human Resource Management (SHRM)shrm.org
Last verified against the official exam content outline: