OneDigital$109k median pay
9 postings
View jobs ↗ at OneDigital matching SHRM-CP
SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
Validates knowledge of operational HR across people, organization and workplace topics, plus situational judgment.
Summary
SHRM-CP is SHRM's credential for HR professionals in operational roles, such as carrying out policy and acting as the HR contact for staff. The exam mixes HR knowledge with situational judgment questions built on the SHRM BASK.
Good fit if
- You work in or are moving into HR generalist roles
- You want a recognised HR credential without an experience requirement
- HR job postings you target name SHRM-CP or PHR
Salary & jobs
1,587 US job postings ask for SHRM-CP, with HR Generalist as the most common job title. The median pay is $96k a year; most fall between $79k and $125k.
Top-paying job titles
Most common job titles
| Job title | ||
|---|---|---|
| Manager Human Resources | $124k | 17 |
| HR Manager | $118k | 26 |
| Director Of Human Resources | $115k | 18 |
| Human Resources Business Partner | $112k | 85 |
| HR Business Partner | $108k | 59 |
| Human Resources Manager | $95k | 69 |
| Human Resources Generalist | $80k | 86 |
| HR Generalist | $74k | 94 |
| Human Resources Coordinator | $58k | 16 |
| HR Coordinator | $53k | 18 |
Top-paying employers
OneDigital
Western Governors University$103k median pay
8 postings
View jobs ↗ at Western Governors University matching SHRM-CP
DHL$93k median pay
12 postings
View jobs ↗ at DHL matching SHRM-CP
Penske Truck Leasing$82k median pay
14 postings
View jobs ↗ at Penske Truck Leasing matching SHRM-CP
MRA Recruiting Services$74k median pay
13 postings
View jobs ↗ at MRA Recruiting Services matching SHRM-CP| Job title | ||
|---|---|---|
| HR Generalist | $74k | 94 |
| Human Resources Generalist | $80k | 86 |
| Human Resources Business Partner | $112k | 85 |
| Human Resources Manager | $95k | 69 |
| HR Business Partner | $108k | 59 |
| HR Manager | $118k | 26 |
| Director Of Human Resources | $115k | 18 |
| HR Coordinator | $53k | 18 |
| Manager Human Resources | $124k | 17 |
| Human Resources Coordinator | $58k | 16 |
| Recruiter | $87k | 16 |
| Human Resource Generalist | - | 12 |
| Talent Acquisition Partner | $76k | 12 |
| Benefits Manager | $108k | 11 |
| Employee Relations Specialist | $83k | 11 |
Top employers
Penske Truck Leasing14 postings
$82k median pay
Most common title: District Human Resources Manager
View jobs ↗ at Penske Truck Leasing matching SHRM-CPMRA Recruiting Services13 postings
$74k median pay
Most common title: Human Resources Generalist
View jobs ↗ at MRA Recruiting Services matching SHRM-CPDHL12 postings
$93k median pay
Most common title: HR Representative
View jobs ↗ at DHL matching SHRM-CP
Community Health Systems10 postings
Most common title: Director Of Human Resources
View jobs ↗ at Community Health Systems matching SHRM-CP
Kimley-Horn10 postings
Most common title: Human Resources Partner
View jobs ↗ at Kimley-Horn matching SHRM-CPOneDigital9 postings
$109k median pay
Most common title: HR Consultant Remote
View jobs ↗ at OneDigital matching SHRM-CPWestern Governors University8 postings
$103k median pay
Most common title: People Talent Generalist
View jobs ↗ at Western Governors University matching SHRM-CP
Adventist Health7 postings
Most common title: Human Resources Business Partner
View jobs ↗ at Adventist Health matching SHRM-CPPrerequisites
Cost
What holders say
Employers usually accept SHRM-CP or PHR
HR professionals report that most job postings list both credentials and treat them as interchangeable for hiring.
Opinion of SHRM itself is divided
Many practitioners would now choose HRCI, citing SHRM's December 2025 jury verdict in a discrimination case. Others say employers are not concerned, and one holder went from no interviews to twelve.
Rarely an automatic raise
Holders say passing does not usually change pay on its own. It helps most when a role or promotion asks for a credential.
Certification path
SHRM-CP is the operational level and SHRM-SCP the strategic level. Three years holding SHRM-CP in a strategic role qualifies you for SHRM-SCP.
Renewal
SHRM-CP is valid for 3 years, ending on the last day of your birth month.
- Validity
- 3 years
- Renewal requirement
- 60 professional development credits
- Renewal fee
- $165 member / $210 non-member $75 more in the 60-day grace period
Credits come from learning and work linked to the SHRM BASK. You can also recertify by retaking the exam. If you do not recertify by the end of the 60-day grace period, the credential is revoked.
SHRM recertification ↗Alternatives
PHR$495 required · Intermediate
HRCI's operational credential, tested year-round online or at a test center, with an experience requirement.
aPHR$400 required · Entry
HRCI's entry credential: shorter, cheaper and also open without HR experience.
SHRM-SCP$499 required · Advanced
SHRM's senior credential for strategic HR work.
FAQ
Do I need HR experience for the SHRM-CP?
No. You do not need HR experience, an HR title or a degree to apply.
How much does the SHRM-CP cost?
$499 for non-members and $399 for members in the standard application period, including the $50 application fee. Early-bird applications cost $450 or $350.
Can I take the SHRM-CP online?
No. SHRM-CP is taken in person at Prometric test centers during the two testing windows.
How long is the SHRM-CP exam?
134 questions in 3 hours 40 minutes, split into two sections. The appointment lasts about 4 hours.
What is the SHRM-CP pass rate?
SHRM reported a 68% pass rate for the May to July 2025 window. Recent windows have ranged from 67% to 71%.
SHRM-CP or PHR?
Most employers accept either. SHRM-CP has no experience requirement but is tested only at test centers in two windows a year. PHR needs professional-level HR experience and is tested year-round, online or in person.
Last updated October 2026