SHRM-SCP

The SHRM-CP is tailored to HR professionals in operational roles, focused on HR operations, policy execution, and employee support. The SHRM-SCP is designed for senior professionals leading strategic initiatives and aligning HR strategy with organizational goals, with a focus on strategic HR, policy development, and enterprise planning. Choosing the exam that matches your actual work is the strongest predictor of success.

SHRM lists eligibility as three or more years in strategic HR, or holding the SHRM-CP for three years. Requirements must be met at the time you apply, and SHRM may request job descriptions to determine eligibility. A percentage of applications are audited each window; selected candidates are notified by email and have 10 business days to respond with documentation.

Early bird pricing is $350 for SHRM members and $450 for nonmembers, and standard pricing is $399 for members and $499 for nonmembers. Early bird rates include a $50 nonrefundable application fee; standard rates include that $50 fee plus a $49 nonrefundable standard deadline fee. Membership is not required, but must be active at application to get member pricing.

The exams are administered via computer-based testing by SHRM's test delivery vendor, Prometric, at one of their testing centers. After your application is complete you receive an Authorization to Test letter with the Eligibility ID needed to schedule at prometric.com/shrm or by phone. Testing accommodations for documented disabilities can be requested on the application.

Passing scores are reported as scaled scores, with a possible range of 120 to 200. All candidates who pass either exam receive a maximum score of 200. The pass standard is set in advance using methods common to prominent testing programs, and reflects the expected competency level for strategic HR work rather than a fixed percentage of correct answers.

SHRM reports global exam pass rates of 69% for the SHRM-CP and 52% for the SHRM-SCP, so roughly half of SCP candidates pass. The SCP standard is set at the expected level of competency and knowledge for HR professionals performing strategic work, which is a higher bar than the operational standard applied to the CP.

SHRM lists the retest fee as the full exam fee. Other published fees include a $150 exam transfer fee, a $100 reset fee, and a $100 results review fee. A transfer may also carry a separate $45 or $60 appointment cancellation fee payable to Prometric when applicable, so confirm timing before moving an appointment.

Two windows are offered each year, and you must apply during the application period that matches your window. For 2026 Test Window 2, running Dec. 1, 2026 through Feb. 15, 2027, the early bird period is June 3 to Aug. 31, 2026 and the standard period is Sept. 1 to Dec. 24, 2026. 2027 Test Window 1 opens Jan. 4, 2027.

Yes. The exams are also available in Arabic and Korean, but translated forms are offered only in person at a Prometric test center. SHRM has also translated the SHRM BASK into Arabic and Korean. Arabic testing requires residing in one of SHRM's designated Arabic-speaking countries, and candidates in those countries or South Korea may request the English form in writing.

Studying without first confirming the exam level. SHRM advises starting with the SHRM BASK, which doubles as the exam blueprint, then using exam previews to check whether the operational CP or strategic SCP matches your experience. Candidates who prepare for the wrong standard, or skip the BASK outline and study scattered topics, waste the most time.