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SHRM Frequently Asked Questions

About Certifications | Certification Prep+ Course at CSUDH | Exam Scheduling with SHRM

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About Certifications

What is SHRM certification?

SHRM certification is a global professional designation awarded by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It demonstrates mastery of HR competencies, validates professional capability, and signals to employers that you have current and relevant HR knowledge and practical skills.

Why should I pursue SHRM certification?

SHRM certification:

• Demonstrates up-to-date HR skills and competencies
• Provides a globally recognized professional standard
• Strengthens practical HR knowledge you can apply immediately
• Validates proficiency as a business leader who uses HR expertise effectively

Which SHRM exam is right for me?

• SHRM-CP is for professionals performing operational HR tasks such as implementing policies, supporting daily HR functions, and serving as a point of contact for staff.
• SHRM-SCP is for those working in strategic senior-level HP positions, including developing policies, overseeing integrated HR operations, or aligning HR strategies with organizational goals.

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What are the eligibility requirements for the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams?

SHRM sets the eligibility criteria for both exams.

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What is the difference between SHRM (SHRM-CP/SCP) and PHR/SPHR certifications?

• PHR/SPHR: Offered by HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute)
• SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP: Offered by SHRM

They are separate organizations with separate exams. Many HR professionals choose to pursue SHRM certification even after earning the PHR.

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Exam Prep at CSUDH

Which SHRM exam does the CSUDH SHRM Certification Prep+ Course prepare someone for?

The CSUDH SHRM Certification Prep+ Course prepares individuals for both SHRM certifications鈥攖he SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) and the SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional). Both exams are based on the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK), which outlines the competencies and knowledge HR professionals are expected to demonstrate. The BASK includes nine behavioral competencies and one technical competency and serves as the foundation for both certification exams.

What does the SHRM Certification Prep+ Course at CSUDH include?

The 12-week instructor-led prep course provides:

• An interactive learning environment
• The online SHRM Certification Prep System
• Printed SHRM materials, shipped directly to enrolled participants
• A detailed syllabus outlining course and certificate requirements

Our exam pass rates consistently exceed the national average (58鈥�67%), with CSUDH typically reporting 70% and above.

How does CSUDH鈥檚 SHRM Prep Course differ from SHRM鈥檚 online self-study course?

CSUDH鈥檚 course uses the same SHRM-approved materials and practice questions as the self-study option. The difference is that CSUDH鈥檚 course is live-online and instructor-led, giving you real-time guidance, the chance to ask questions, and opportunities to form study groups with fellow participants. Many students find this interactive approach helps improve exam readiness compared to self-study alone.

Is this course a general introduction to HR?

No. This course is designed specifically to prepare participants to pass the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification exam. It is not intended to teach HR fundamentals from the beginning.

The course focuses specifically on preparing participants for SHRM exam success through practice questions, case studies, and application of HR concepts in a certification-testing context. Participants may learn new concepts, but the primary goal is exam preparation.

Do I need to have PDCs before enrolling in the SHRM Prep Course or before registering for the SHRM exam?

No. You do not need any Professional Development Credits (PDCs) to enroll in the SHRM Prep Course or to register for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam. PDCs are only required after you become certified, as part of SHRM鈥檚 recertification process.

CSUDH has various programs that offer PDCs for SHRM recertification听to help you keep your credential up to date.

Can I take the SHRM Exam Prep course without prior HR coursework?

To be best prepared for the pace and depth of the prep course, individuals should have familiarity with HR concepts, terminology, and practices through work experience or an academically aligned program. The course is structured to help participants prepare to pass the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification exam and is not designed to teach HR fundamentals.

How do I purchase the book/materials for the SHRM Certification Prep+ Course?

You don鈥檛 need to purchase anything separately. All required SHRM Prep learning materials鈥攊ncluding the hard-copy SHRM Certification Prep System book and full electronic access鈥攁re included in the course registration cost. All course materials are provided as part of your enrollment, with no additional material fees or purchases required.

Hard-copy materials are shipped to the mailing address you have on file with the Registration Office, and your electronic access to the SHRM Certification Prep System is sent directly to the personal email address associated with your registration.

Please note: The course registration fee covers the course fee and prep materials only. The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exam fees are not included and must be paid directly to SHRM when you apply for your exam. Visit the .

Does the course fee include the SHRM certification exam?

No. The course fee covers the SHRM Exam Prep course only. Registration and payment for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam must be completed directly through shrm.org.

Is SHRM membership included in the cost of the SHRM Certification Prep program?

No. SHRM membership is not required and is not included in the course fee.

Do I need to be a SHRM member to take the SHRM Certification Prep+ Course?

No. SHRM membership is not required to enroll in the course or to sit for the SHRM exam.

When is the course offered?

The course is offered in fall and spring, aligning with SHRM鈥檚 testing windows.

When should I register for the SHRM Certification Prep+ Course?

This is a very popular program with limited space, so we recommend registering as soon as you decide to commit. Registering early gives you a better chance of securing a spot and allows enough time to access SHRM鈥檚 online system and receive printed materials before the course begins.

Do I need to apply for admission to the university to take the SHRM Certification Prep+ Course?

No. You do not need to apply for admission to the university. You can register for the course directly through our online shopping cart system on the course website.

How do I register for the SHRM Certification Prep+ Course at CSUDH?

To register for the SHRM Certification Prep+ Course, simply visit the CSUDH SHRM webpage, review the upcoming schedule, add the course to your cart, and complete the checkout process/make your payment.

Is financial aid available for this program?

Federal student financial aid (FAFSA) is not available for this program. As a professional development offering that does not require admission to the university, it does not meet federal financial aid eligibility criteria.

For financial assistance, individuals may explore private student loan options. To learn more, search online for 鈥減rivate student loan providers鈥� and review specific lender requirements and terms.

Additionally, if your organization offers professional development or tuition assistance benefits, you may be able to request support for this program.

Are payment plans available?

Payment plans are not available for this program. You may consider other financial assistance options listed above.

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Exam Scheduling with SHRM

Do I take the SHRM exam at the end of the course?

No. The exam is not administered as part of the course.

Students apply for and schedule their testing date for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam directly through shrm.org. Our program is scheduled to align with SHRM鈥檚 official testing windows to support your preparation timeline.

Do I need to have a SHRM exam test date scheduled to register for the course?

No, but the course is intended for individuals who meet SHRM鈥檚 eligibility requirements and are preparing to sit for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam.

When do I schedule to take the SHRM Exam?

You may register for and schedule your exam before, during, or after the prep course.

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Is there a time frame in which I need to take the SHRM exam after completing the prep course?

No. There is no required time frame for taking the SHRM exam after completing the prep course. You may apply for and schedule your exam whenever you鈥檙e ready, as long as it falls within SHRM鈥檚 official testing windows.