SHRM-SCP eligibility requirements
You qualify for the SHRM-SCP through one of two paths, and neither requires a degree or an HR job title.
- Strategic experience pathAt least three years performing strategic-level HR or HR-related duties.
- SHRM-CP pathHeld the SHRM-CP for at least three years and currently working in, or moving into, a strategic-level role.
What counts as a year
- You need at least 1,000 hours of strategic-level HR work per calendar year (January to December).
- Working more than 1,000 hours in one year still counts as only one year.
- Part-time, salaried, and hourly work all qualify if they meet the 1,000-hour standard.
- HR consultants can count the HR work they perform for clients, as long as contracted hours meet the standard.
What "strategic" means to SHRM
SHRM describes strategic work as developing HR policies or procedures, overseeing integrated HR operations, directing an entire HR enterprise, or leading the alignment of HR strategy with organizational goals. Implementing policy and running day-to-day HR functions is the operational level the SHRM-CP is designed for.
Quick eligibility check
A self-check based on SHRM's published criteria. SHRM makes the final determination.
SHRM audits a percentage of applications each window. If you're selected, you'll have 10 business days to document your experience and any degree. SHRM doesn't contact employers for you, and missing the deadline forfeits your fees.
SHRM-SCP exam fees for 2026
The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP cost the same. Every rate includes a nonrefundable $50 application fee, and standard rates also include a $49 standard deadline fee.
| Fee type | SHRM member | Nonmember |
|---|---|---|
| Early bird | $350 | $450 |
| Standard | $399 | $499 |
| Military early bird / standard | $320 / $369 | $420 / $469 |
| Student early bird / standard | $150 / $199 | $250 / $299 |
Source: SHRM Exam Options and Fees; 2026 SHRM Certification Handbook. To get member pricing, you must be a member when you submit the application.
Student pricing requires enrollment in an HR degree program, and students must still meet the SCP experience criteria.
Estimate your total cost
Fees people forget to budget for
| Fee | Amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Reschedule or cancel (paid to Prometric) | $45 or $60 | $45 if 30+ days out, $60 if 5–29 days out. Not allowed within 5 days. |
| Transfer to next window | $150 | One time per application, plus any Prometric cancellation fee |
| Reset fee | $100 | One time per testing window |
| Results review | $100 | Optional, for candidates who don't pass |
| Retake | Full exam fee | You reapply for a future window |
All SHRM certification fees are nonrefundable, apart from case-by-case reviews for documented medical or personal emergencies. No-shows forfeit all fees, including arriving more than 30 minutes late or without acceptable ID.
2026–2027 testing windows and deadlines
| Window | Early-bird applications | Standard applications | Testing dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| First 2026 window | Jan. 5 – Apr. 30, 2026 | May 1 – May 26, 2026 | May 1 – July 15, 2026 |
| Second window (open now) | June 3 – Aug. 31, 2026 (closed) | Sept. 1 – Dec. 24, 2026 | Dec. 1, 2026 – Feb. 15, 2027 |
Deadlines close at 11:59 p.m. ET. SHRM's exam page lists May 29 as the standard deadline for the first window, while the handbook lists May 26; that window has passed.
Planning for spring 2027? SHRM has opened early-bird applications for the first window in January in recent years. Watch SHRM's exam page for the official 2027 dates.
After you apply and pay, SHRM emails your Authorization to Test. SHRM advises scheduling your Prometric appointment right away and searching a 7–10 day date range to find open seats. If you can't get an appointment because you waited, your fees are forfeited.
Keeping your SHRM-SCP
Certification lasts three years. To recertify, earn 60 professional development credits (PDCs) in that period or retake the exam. PDCs come from three categories: Advance Your Education (no cap), Advance Your Organization (up to 30), and Advance Your Profession (up to 30). Check SHRM's recertification handbook for the current processing fee.
Getting your employer to pay
Many employers cover certification costs. Tie your request to business outcomes, such as stronger policy work, lower compliance risk, and better workforce planning, and propose sharing what you learn with your team.
Frequently asked questions
No. SHRM doesn't require a degree or an HR title. You need at least three years of strategic-level HR or HR-related work, or three years holding the SHRM-CP while in or moving into a strategic role.
Early-bird pricing is $350 for SHRM members and $450 for nonmembers. Standard pricing is $399 and $499. Military and student rates are lower.
Standard applications are accepted September 1 through December 24, 2026, closing at 11:59 p.m. ET. Testing runs December 1, 2026 through February 15, 2027.
Yes, as long as you performed at least 1,000 hours of strategic-level HR work in each calendar year you count.
SHRM fees are nonrefundable. SHRM reviews documented medical or personal emergencies that occur within five days of your appointment case by case. A one-time transfer to the next window costs $150.
No. Membership isn't required to apply. Members pay $100 less on each exam fee tier.
Exam facts on this page come from SHRM's published exam details, the 2026 SHRM Certification Handbook, and the 2026 SHRM BASK. Fees, dates and policies can change, so confirm them at shrm.org before you apply. Practice questions here are original and are not actual exam content.