Our certification preparation course is designed primarily for individuals seeking SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification.

Certification is a great choice for HR professionals who want to:

• Increase their knowledge
• Advance their skills
• Earn recognition from the global community

You can find more information about how SHRM defines eligibility to take the Certification exam here.

Typically, individuals who are new to HR, looking to join the HR field, and/or who have not held an HR title but are looking to expand their human resources knowledge will take the SHRM-CP exam. Here is some additional information:

• • FAQ: I’ve never held an HR title but I’ve been involved in HR-related activities; am I still eligible for the exam?
  • Details about the SHRM-Certified Professional (CP) Certification
  • Details about the SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SCP) Certification

More questions? If you have specific questions about your eligibility, reach out to SHRM directly here.

Yes! UW-Madison SBDC is offering a partial-hybrid option to bring you the best of both worlds. This includes two in-person sessions (with a hybrid option for those who can’t make it to campus) to help you meet your cohort members at the beginning and celebrate your hard work on the last day. The remaining sessions are online and recorded to provide you with maximum flexibility and the benefit of live instruction and interaction with peers.

• Gain one-on-one guidance to help you comprehend and learn to apply your new HR knowledge.
• Acquire the knowledge and understand the behavioral competencies you need to prepare to pass the exam.
• Network and collaborate with peers to share real-life examples and bring HR knowledge and competencies to life.
• Stay on track to earn your certification with a structured learning experience and support.

This course combines expert instruction with the most comprehensive and effective way to prepare for success on your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam. The interactive SHRM Certification Prep System is a personalized roadmap to help you master the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK) and prepare you for the SHRM certification exams.

• Customized Study Plan: As you progress through the SHRM BASK and complete your learning activities, you’ll see your study plan update in real time and get motivating reminders to keep you on track for success.
• Online Topic Cards: Visualize your study plan through a series of course topic cards depicting SHRM BASK topics. As you move through the course materials, click on a card to access a topic overview or more in-depth study activities. As you complete a topic, another will take its place in your study plan. To sync your personal studies with the course syllabus, simply drag and drop topic cards on and off your study plan.
• Online Learning: Fill your knowledge and competency gaps with interactive online reading content (with optional audio segments) that teaches the entire SHRM BASK. Then, assess your understanding with flashcards and periodic quizzes. Based on your results, the Learning System will either guide you forward to the next topic or provide you with suggested content for further review.
• Practice Questions: Test your knowledge and increase exam day confidence with 2,700+ practice questions presented through online quizzes and a practice exam that includes questions previously used on actual SHRM Certification exams.
• Bonus Resources: Throughout our course, you’ll have support from your SHRM-certified instructor who can provide a broad range of guidance to prepare you for exam day. Additionally, your SHRM Certification Prep System includes a digital copy of Ace Your SHRM Certification Exam study guide, which includes study guidance, test-taking tips, as well as additional practice questions.

In addition to all of these resources, you will also have access to recorded class sessions, scenario questions, and instructor quizzes, giving you additional flexibility and a chance to practice on your own!

This is an exciting and pivotal time in the HR profession.  Now, more than ever, HR teams are required to assume a greater leadership role, contributing to the strategic direction of their organizations.  The profession is no longer just about what you know – but how you do your job.  SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP℠) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP℠) are poised to become the new standard for all HR professionals around the globe, as it is among the first HR certifications that is focused on teaching and testing the practical, real-life information HR professionals need to excel in their careers today, including behavioral competencies, knowledge and skills.

Test Windows

Window 1 (May 1 – July 15)
Window 2 (December 1 – February 15)

The testing windows are the dates during which the exams are administered.

Recertification

All credentials are valid for 3 years. Recertification is required every three years through demonstrated professional development (preferred method) or by retaking the exam. The UW-Madison SBDC offers a variety of course options for recertification.

On average, based on our experience, students will spend about 80-100 hours preparing for the exam. Included in this estimate is the time spent:

• reading the materials
• participating in class
• using the online review tools, final exam review, and preparations

There are students who do this in as little as 60 hours, and some need 120, depending upon their experience and breadth of knowledge when entering the class. Read more tips for preparation and test success from the SHRM website.

There are many reasons why you should pursue SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification. Once you set your certification or professional development goal, it’s time to talk to your manager. Help your manager understand the value of certification and build a business case for certification and training as a worthwhile investment. Schedule a meeting with your manager and arrive prepared with the powerful talking points provided below. They demonstrate why your organization should support your efforts to prepare for and attain SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification.

1. My Knowledge Will be Current and Relevant
   
   Now, more than ever, HR teams are required to assume a greater leadership role, contributing to and advancing their organizations’ strategic direction. The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP credentials recognize this trend and take a fresh and current look at what HR professionals need to know—and how to put that knowledge to work. The certification program covers behavioral competencies and functional knowledge areas within the themes of HR Competencies, People, Organization, and Workplace. Attaining and maintaining my credentials means I’ll be ready to take on new roles and responsibilities.
2. I will learn practical skills that will impact my job immediately
   
   SHRM certification is the new standard for HR professionals around the globe, as it is among the first to focus on practical, real-life HR information, teaching, and testing competencies and knowledge. Preparing for the certification exam with the SHRM Learning System lets you apply concepts, use behavioral judgment and understanding of best practices for handling day-to-day business and unexpected scenarios, and learn from the experiences of other HR professionals.
3. These certifications were developed with employers in mind
   
   SHRM conducted global research, including outreach to major corporations, universities, and over 35,000 members of the profession worldwide. Based on its findings, SHRM determined that, in addition to technical knowledge, a successful HR career will also be determined by behavioral competencies—the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP include both of these essential elements.
4. My knowledge will be globally applicable and universally recognized
   
   We live and work in a global economy, and my skills need to be globally applicable and accepted. Based on one single SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK), the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP credentials are relevant and applicable worldwide.
5. My certification and training are provided by the leading advocate for HR professionals
   
   SHRM has represented the HR community for nearly seven decades, and has more than 300,000 members in 165 countries. It is a well-respected organization at the forefront of HR trends and emerging professional knowledge. The SHRM BASK, the foundation of the SHRM credential and recertification, is supported by SHRM, is kept current and relevant, and encourages lifelong learning. Training of this caliber and reliability cannot be replicated, and it provides an opportunity for our entire HR team, benefiting our whole organization—ultimately saving our organization time and money on training and professional development.