The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams consist of multiple-choice questions. There are two types of questions:
Key Facts
- Exam Format: The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams consist of multiple-choice questions. There are two types of questions:
- Stand-alone knowledge-based items: These assess a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of factual information[2].
- Scenario-based situational judgment items: These assess a candidate’s judgment and decision-making skills[2].
- Question Allocation: Approximately half of the items on each exam are allocated across three behavioral competency clusters, and the other half are allocated across three HR knowledge domains.
- Behavioral Competency Clusters: The SHRM exams assess candidates’ proficiency in nine behavioral competencies. These competencies include:
- Leadership & Navigation
- Ethical Practice
- Business Acumen
- Relationship Management
- Consultation
- Critical Evaluation
- Global & Cultural Effectiveness
- Communication
- HR Expertise (HR Technical Knowledge)
- HR Knowledge Domains: The exams also evaluate candidates’ knowledge in three HR knowledge domains:
- People
- Organization
- Workplace
- Stand-alone knowledge-based items: These assess a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of factual information [2].
- Scenario-based situational judgment items: These assess a candidate’s judgment and decision-making skills [2].
Question Allocation
Approximately half of the items on each exam are allocated across three behavioral competency clusters, and the other half are allocated across three HR knowledge domains.
Behavioral Competency Clusters
The SHRM exams assess candidates’ proficiency in nine behavioral competencies. These competencies include:
- Leadership & Navigation
- Ethical Practice
- Business Acumen
- Relationship Management
- Consultation
- Critical Evaluation
- Global & Cultural Effectiveness
- Communication
- HR Expertise (HR Technical Knowledge)
HR Knowledge Domains
The exams also evaluate candidates’ knowledge in three HR knowledge domains:
- People
- Organization
- Workplace
References:
- SHRM. (2023). Exam Options and Fees – SHRM Certification. Retrieved from https://www.shrm.org/credentials/certification/exam-options-fees
- SHRM. (2023). SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). Retrieved from https://www.shrm.org/credentials/certification/shrm-cp
- SHRM. (2023). Official SHRM Exam Preparation – Pass Your Exam. Retrieved from https://www.shrm.org/credentials/certification/exam-preparation
FAQs
What is the format of the SHRM exam?
The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams consist of multiple-choice questions. There are two types of questions: stand-alone knowledge-based items and scenario-based situational judgment items.
How are the questions allocated on the SHRM exam?
Approximately half of the items on each exam are allocated across three behavioral competency clusters, and the other half are allocated across three HR knowledge domains.
What are the behavioral competency clusters assessed on the SHRM exam?
The SHRM exams assess candidates’ proficiency in nine behavioral competencies: Leadership & Navigation, Ethical Practice, Business Acumen, Relationship Management, Consultation, Critical Evaluation, Global & Cultural Effectiveness, Communication, and HR Expertise (HR Technical Knowledge).
What are the HR knowledge domains assessed on the SHRM exam?
The exams also evaluate candidates’ knowledge in three HR knowledge domains: People, Organization, and Workplace.
How long is the SHRM exam?
The SHRM exam is four hours in length, including 3 hours and 40 minutes of testing time.
How many questions are on the SHRM exam?
There are 134 questions on the SHRM exam, including 80 knowledge items and 54 situational-judgment items.
What is the passing score for the SHRM exam?
The passing score for the SHRM exam is a scaled score of 200.
What is the best way to prepare for the SHRM exam?
The best way to prepare for the SHRM exam is to use a combination of resources, including the SHRM Learning System, SHRM BASK, and practice exams.