© 2017 SHRM

5 Steps to

Successful SHRM

Certification

Preparation

Presenters:

Elizabeth Moore, SHRM-SCP

VP, Development

Tom O’Connor, SHRM-SCP

Global HR Director, Aptus Health

Feb 1, 2017

© 2017 SHRM

5 Steps to Success

1. Review Certification

Value & Requirements

2. Identify a Preparation

Program to Increase

Success

3. Enhance your

Experience with

Instructor-Led

Guidance

4. Define a Solid Study

Plan

5. Prepare for the Exam

2

© 2017 SHRM

Demonstrates to

employers an HR

professional has

current and

relevant skills and

competencies

Provides a

universal

standard that is

recognized

around the globe

Delivers an

opportunity to

learn practical

skills and

competencies to

impact your job

immediately

Validates

proficiency as a

business leader

by testing

knowledge and

how you use that

knowledge

Step 1: Review Value and Requirements

3

© 2017 SHRM

SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP Credentials

4

Managed by SHRM

Certification

Commission

Supported by

world’s largest HR

organization

Over 96,000 current

SHRM-CP and

SHRM-SCP

credential holders

© 2017 SHRM

SHRM Body of Competency & Knowledge

(SHRM BoCK)

5

Defines knowledge,

strategies, and

competencies

required of global

HR professionals

Industry-leading

level of excellence

and relevancy

© 2017 SHRM

Sample BoCK Excerpt

6

© 2017 SHRM

Eligibility Requirements

The SHRM certification program recognizes the value of formal HR education,

makes certification accessible to professionals with less-than-full-time work arrangements,

and provides a pathway from SHRM-CP to SHRM-SCP.

7

© 2017 SHRM

Exam Overview

EXAM FORMAT AND LENGTH

Computer-based testing (CBT)

160 questions (knowledge-based items and situational judgment

test items)

4 hours for exam

TEST WINDOWS AND REGISTRATION DATES

CERTIFICATION CYCLE

All certifications are valid for three years.

Spring Exam Winter Exam

Exam Window May 1 – July 15, 2017 December 1, 2017 –

February 15, 2018

Regular Application

Deadline

January 3 – March 24,

2017

May 15 – October 20,

2017

Late Application

Deadline

March 25 – April 14,

2017

October 21 – November

10, 2017

8

© 2017 SHRM

Step 2: Identify a Program to Increase Success

Right Content

Includes Practice &

Feedback

Easy Way To Learn

9

© 2017 SHRM

Recommended Program

Based on the SHRM

BoCK tested on SHRM-

CP and SHRM-SCP

exams

Comprehensive learning

modules available in

embedded e-reader and

printed formats

Interactive online media

resources with over 1,500

practice questions

Designed for adult

learners

Proven system

10

2017 SHRM Learning System

© 2017 SHRM

Incorporates the SHRM BoCK

Exam

Content

SHRM

Learning

System

SHRM BoCK

11

© 2017 SHRM

Welcome

TOOLBAR

Resource Center

Glossary

Reports

Certificate

Help

Choose SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP study path–

encouraged to use both

12

© 2017 SHRM

Online Learning Center: Assess

• Assessment

• Eligibility

• SmartStudy Tool

13

© 2017 SHRM

Online Learning Center: Study

• Access to Learning Modules

• Quickstart Videos

• Flashcards

14

© 2017 SHRM

Embedded E-reader

15

© 2017 SHRM

Download e-book version

16

© 2017 SHRM

Quickstarts / Resource Center

Quickstarts are high-level

overview videos that cover the

8 behavioral competencies.

17

Resource Center

© 2017 SHRM

Glossary / Flashcards

Glossary:

Pick a letter or

search for a term Flashcards:

Available online or in

print format.

18

© 2017 SHRM

Online Learning Center: Apply

• Knowledge Tests

• Situational Judgment Tests

• Competencies in Action

2

2

2

19

© 2017 SHRM

Knowledge Question Example

Knowledge tests are multiple choice and test understanding of

factual information.

20

© 2017 SHRM

Situational Judgment Question Example

The situational judgment tests assess judgment and decision making skills. Full credit

is awarded for selecting the preferred answer. Zero credit is awarded for an incorrect

answer selection.

21

© 2017 SHRM

• Meet Joan, the HRD for E-Tail Corporation. Joan’s

been contacted by the CEO for HR’s help in dealing

with some challenging situations that have come up

due to a strategic alliance upon which they are

embarking.

• Follow Joan through 5 situations and apply your

competencies to make choices for successful

outcomes.

• Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to read and

review helpful documents, test your knowledge of

key HR concepts, and help Joan make decisions.

Apply your competencies to demonstrate

your judgment and decision-making ability.

Review helpful

information that will

assist you in making

effective decisions.

Competencies in Action Sample

22

© 2017 SHRM

Online Learning Center: Pass

• Post-Test

• Certification Handbook

• Test taking Tips

• Bonus Knowledge Test

23

© 2017 SHRM

Post-Test

Timer

Strike-through

Mark / Review

See all answers/rationales

via this report

24

© 2017 SHRM

Learner Reports

Reports Include:

Exam

Comparison

Best Test

Scores (for

knowledge and

SJ tests)

Assessment

Breakdown

Post-Test

Breakdown

25

© 2017 SHRM

Step 3: Enhance Your Experience

26

Instructor-Led GuidanceSHRM Learning System &

© 2017 SHRM

Instructor-Led Learning Options

Prepare for the certification exams through a variety of course formats to fit your needs:

Traditional classroom

Online and interactive

Hybrid of classroom and online

3-Day In-Person and Virtual

Seminars

27

© 2017 SHRM

Which Format is Right For You?

Instructor Led

Offerings

WORLDWIDE PARTNER OR

VIRTUAL COURSE

OFFERING

3-DAY IN-PERSON

SHRM SEMINAR AND VIRTUAL

COURSE OFFERINGS

Description Local or virtual courses based

on SHRM Learning System

materials and curriculum

Intensive preparation seminars in-

person or virtual with a

comprehensive review of the SHRM

BoCK

Course Length 36+/- classroom hours (multiple

week sessions) as determined

by partner

3 consecutive days in person or 7-

week and 9-week virtual sessions

Format Live, virtual or a hybrid of the

two class sessions as

determined by partner

In-person sessions delivered over a

shortened timeframe. Virtual sessions

held over multiple weeks, featuring

live instructor.

SHRM-Certified

Instructor

Networking Opportunities

Tuition Reimbursement Available if employer supported Available if employer supported

SHRM Learning System Incorporated into course Included with course for reference and

individual study 28

© 2017 SHRM

Benefits of an Instructor-Led Course

Expert instruction

Learn from your

classmates

Stay on track with your

studies

Take advantage of

funding options

29

© 2017 SHRM

Expert Instruction

Learn from experienced HR

practitioners and

SHRM-certified instructors.

Share practical experience.

Facilitate interactive activities to

bring competencies to life.

Focus on the SHRM BoCK

content to help you prepare for

the exam.

30

© 2017 SHRM

Learn from Your Classmates

Discuss topics and share real-life

experiences with peers from diverse

backgrounds:

Support from professionals who

deal with the same challenges you

do.

Examples shared by peers provide

practical application of the HR

content.

31

© 2017 SHRM

Stay on Track with Your Studies

Structured classroom environment

accelerates learning and improves

retention:

Course helps students to complete

studies.

Learn the appropriate timing to take

the exam.

32

© 2017 SHRM

Take Advantage of Funding Options

Take advantage of possible ways

to offset the cost of your

preparation:

Employer’s tuition reimbursement

program

Workforce Innovation & Opportunity

Act (WIOA)

Sallie Mae financing

33

© 2017 SHRM

Testimonials

“The SHRM Learning System instructors were very knowledgeable and were

interested in my success - not just passing the exam, but retaining the information

for the future.”

SHRM Learning System Course Participant

“The SHRM Learning System is an outstanding certification prep program! My

outstanding instructor brought the material alive with his 30+ years as a successful

HR practitioner. The classroom discussions were always lively, and the opportunity

to network with HR peers was wonderful. I highly recommend the SHRM Education

Partner Program to anyone contemplating the certification exam. I am thrilled to be

a SHRM-SCP, and I credit the course for my success.”

SHRM Learning System Course Participant

“My instructor was well-prepared and had many stories and experiences

applicable to the topics covered in class. His knowledge and real world experience

combined with the class discussions gave us so much more insight into the

material.”

SHRM Learning System Course Participant

34

© 2017 SHRM

275+ Education Partners offering

courses worldwide

shrmcertification.org/partners

Access to Courses Around the World

3-Day In-Person and

Virtual Seminars

35

shrmcertification.org/learning/seminars

© 2017 SHRM

Step 4: Define a Study Plan

Identify

Which

exam to

take–

SHRM-CP

or SHRM-

SCP

Determine

Time you

can commit

and when to

take exam

Assess

Your current

knowledge and

competencies

Evaluate

Exam

weighting

versus your

skills

Plan

Appropriate

resources

and map for

success

36

© 2017 SHRM

SmartStudy Available In Learning System

Students enter

assessment and

comfort level to set up

custom study plan

37

© 2017 SHRM

SHRM BoCK Score Weightings

38

© 2017 SHRM 39

Trust your first impressions/avoid over-

analyzing.

If uncertain, mark and return to question.

Budget your time and don’t rush.

Identify your answer before reading the

choices.

Eliminate obvious distractors.

Step 5: Prepare for the Exam

© 2017 SHRM

Additional Information

Preparing for certification—next steps:

Understand SHRM BoCK

Eligibility

Exam

Tools available:

Certification Handbook

SHRM BoCK

SHRMCertification.org website

40