SHRM

(the Society for Human Resource Management)

For over 70 years, SHRM has served the human resource profession and strived to advance
the practice of human resource management. HR professionals worldwide look to SHRM for
comprehensive resources to help them contribute more effectively in the workplace,
accelerate their careers, and develop strategic perspectives on human resource
management.

1- SHRM CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL (SHRM-CP)

For HR professionals functioning at the operational level performing duties such as
implementing HR policies, supporting day-to-day HR functions, or serving as an HR point of
contact for staff and/or stakeholders.

2- SHRM SENIOR CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL (SHRM-SCP)

For HR professionals functioning at the strategic level performing duties such as developing
HR policies and strategies, overseeing the execution of integrated HR operations, or
directing an entire HR enterprise.

SHRM Certification Eligibility Criteria: Individuals applying for SHRM certification must meet
specific education and work experience criteria at the time they submit their application.
These requirements are outlined below.
CREDENTIAL Less than a bachelor's Bachelor’s Degree Graduate Degree
degree
HR-Related Non-HR HR-Related non-HR HR-Related non-HR
Program Program degree Degree degree Degree
SHRM-CP 3 years in 4 years in HR 1 year in 2 years in Currently in 1 year in
HR role role HR role HR role HR role HR role
SHRM-SCP 6 years in 7 years in HR 4 years in 5 years in 3 years in 4 years in
HR role role HR role HR role HR role HR role

Exam Composition: The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams consist of 160 multiple-choice
questions, of which approximately 95 are stand-alone knowledge-based questions and
approximately 65 are situational judgment items. The distribution of items with respect to
content and item type is the same for both the SHRM-CP exam and the SHRM-SCP exam.
Approximately half of the items on each exam are allocated across the three Behavioral
Competency Clusters (Leadership, Business, Interpersonal) and the other half are allocated
across the three HR Knowledge Domains (People, Organization, Workplace).
The exams are computer-based and are delivered at authorized testing centers or through a
remote proctoring process administered by Prometric, SHRM’s test delivery vendor.

Preparation for the exam: The SHRM Learning System is the preferred resource for SHRM
certification exam preparation. Whether you prefer to learn through self-study or under the
guidance of an instructor, they have a program for you.

Earning The Credential: Upon completion of the exam, results are provided to candidates,
followed by an official Candidate Score and Feedback Report several weeks later. Those who
pass the exam are awarded the designated credential and permitted to display the
corresponding registered trademark credential letters (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP) after their
name. And they are required to recertify every three years by either earning 60 professional
development credits or retesting.

 CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development)

CIPD is the professional body for experts in people at work. For more than 100 years, they've
been championing better work and working lives by setting professional standards for HR
and people development, as well as driving positive change in the world of work

CIPD qualifications are available at three levels:

1- Foundation - Level 3:
- Foundation Certificate in People Practice: Perfect for HR and L&D beginners starting their
career. A Foundation Certificate typically takes between 8-12 months to complete. And
you’ll study 4 core units.

2- Associate – Level 5:
- Associate Diploma in People Management: Perfect for HR professionals keen to develop
their skills and drive change within their organization.
- Associate Diploma in Organizational Learning and Development: Perfect for L&D
professionals keen to develop their skills and drive change within their organization.
An Associate Diploma typically takes between 12-16 months to complete. And you’ll study 3
core units + 3 specialist units + the choice of 1 optional unit.

3- Advanced – Level 7:
- Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management: Perfect for HR professionals keen to
lead, work strategically, and shape the future of the profession.
- Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development: Perfect for L&D professionals
keen to lead, work strategically, and shape the future of the profession.
An Advanced Diploma typically takes between 16-24 months to complete. And you’ll study 4
core units + 3 specialist units + the choice of 1 optional unit.

Study options: CIPD Study Centers offer flexible programs to suit your timescales, budget
and home or work commitments. You can choose from online, face to face, and blended
study modes, with the option to study part-time (2-20 hours per week) or full-time
(21+hours per week).

Assessment: The CIPD will set assignments for all core units. For the specialist and optional
units, centers will be required to set their own assignments, based on guidance provided by
the CIPD. Centers will be required to mark the assignments and internally moderate the
marks. The CIPD will conduct moderation sampling and validate center marking before the
release of results to learners. The qualification is not graded. Learners will receive either a
Pass or Fail. All assessments for the qualification are criterion referenced, based on the
achievement of specified learning outcomes. To achieve a Pass for a unit, a learner must
have met all learning outcomes for that unit.

CIPD membership: When you successfully complete a CIPD qualification, you’ll become
either a Foundation or Associate Member, meaning you can use the designation Foundation
CIPD or Associate CIPD after your name. If you complete the Advanced Diploma, you can
apply to upgrade to Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow depending on your experience.

References:
- SHRM official website: https://www.shrm.org/
- CIPD official website: https://www.cipd.co.uk/