Preparing for the SHRM Exam on a Budget
While premium study materials can improve your chances of passing the SHRM exam, not every candidate has hundreds or thousands of dollars to spend on preparation resources. The good news is that a wealth of free resources exists, and with the right strategy, you can build an effective study plan without spending a fortune.
The key to using free resources effectively is being intentional about which ones you use and how you combine them. No single free resource covers everything, but a curated collection can provide surprisingly comprehensive coverage.
Official SHRM Resources
SHRM Website Content
SHRM's own website is one of the best free resources available. It publishes thousands of articles, toolkits, and how-to guides covering virtually every HR topic that appears on the exam. While this content is not organized as a study guide, you can use the BASk as a roadmap and search for SHRM articles on each topic.
SHRM Webcasts and Virtual Events
SHRM regularly hosts free webcasts on current HR topics. Many of these directly relate to exam content areas such as employment law updates, talent management trends, and HR technology. Watching these webcasts also earns professional development credits if you are already certified.
SHRM Foundation Resources
The SHRM Foundation publishes research reports and effective practice guidelines on topics including diversity and inclusion, workplace mental health, and employee engagement. These publications provide depth on topics that frequently appear on the exam.
Government and Legal Resources
- The Department of Labor website provides comprehensive information on federal employment laws, wage and hour regulations, and workplace safety standards
- The EEOC website offers detailed guidance on anti-discrimination laws, which are heavily tested on the SHRM exam
- The NLRB website covers labor relations topics including unfair labor practices and collective bargaining
- The IRS website provides information on benefits, compensation, and tax-related HR topics
- OSHA's website covers workplace safety and health regulations in detail
Community and Social Learning
SHRM Chapter Meetings
Local SHRM chapters often host monthly meetings with presentations on HR topics. Many chapters welcome non-members to attend, and some organize specific exam preparation study groups. Check your local chapter's website for upcoming events.
Online Study Communities
Several online communities bring together SHRM exam candidates for mutual support and learning. These communities share study tips, practice questions, and encouragement. Platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn groups, and Facebook groups all have active SHRM preparation communities.
Study Groups
Forming or joining a study group is completely free and highly effective. Partners keep you accountable, discussion deepens understanding, and teaching concepts to others reinforces your own knowledge. Look for study partners through your local SHRM chapter, professional network, or online communities.
Open Educational Resources
University Course Materials
Some universities make their HR course materials available online through open courseware initiatives. These materials, developed by HR professors, often align well with SHRM exam content because many programs follow SHRM's curriculum guidelines.
YouTube and Podcast Content
Several HR professionals and educators produce free video and audio content specifically designed for SHRM exam preparation. Look for channels and podcasts that systematically cover exam topics rather than those offering only general HR advice.
HR Industry Blogs and Publications
Industry publications cover current HR trends and issues that may appear on the exam. Reading these regularly builds contextual knowledge that helps with situational judgment questions. Sources include HR trade publications, employment law firm blogs, and HR consulting firm research reports.
Creating a Free Study Plan
To make the most of free resources, follow this structured approach.
- Download the SHRM BASk document (available free from SHRM's website) and use it as your content outline
- For each topic in the BASk, identify two or three free resources that cover it
- Create a study schedule that systematically works through every topic
- Supplement reading with practice questions (some free practice questions are available online, though paid question banks offer more)
- Join a study group for discussion, accountability, and shared resources
- Track your progress and adjust your focus based on self-assessed weak areas
When to Consider Paid Resources
Free resources can take you far, but they have limitations. If you find that free materials leave significant gaps in your knowledge, consider investing in at least a quality practice question bank. Practice questions that mirror the exam format are among the most valuable preparation tools, and quality options are available at moderate price points. Think of it as targeted spending rather than an all-or-nothing choice between free and premium options.