The Wait After the SHRM Exam
After spending months preparing for and taking the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam, the wait for results can feel like the hardest part. Understanding the results timeline, how scores are calculated, and what to expect helps manage the anxiety that comes with this waiting period.
When to Expect Your Results
Computer Based Testing Results
For candidates who take the SHRM exam during a standard testing window at a Prometric testing center, results are typically released within three to four weeks after the close of the testing window. Note that results are released after the testing window closes, not after your individual exam date. This means candidates who test early in the window may wait longer than those who test near the end.
How Results Are Delivered
SHRM notifies candidates of their results via email. The email will direct you to log in to your SHRM certification portal to view your detailed score report. Results are not provided by phone, and testing center staff cannot provide preliminary results or indicate whether you passed.
Understanding Your Score Report
Pass or Did Not Pass
Your score report will indicate whether you passed or did not pass the exam. SHRM uses a scaled scoring methodology, which means your raw score (the number of questions you answered correctly) is converted to a scaled score that accounts for the difficulty of the specific exam form you received.
Scaled Scoring Explained
SHRM uses scaled scoring to ensure fairness across different exam forms. Because each exam administration uses a slightly different set of questions, some forms may be marginally more difficult than others. Scaled scoring adjusts for these differences so that a passing score represents the same level of competency regardless of which form a candidate received.
The scaled score range is 120 to 200, with a passing score of 200. A score of 200 does not mean you answered every question correctly. Rather, it indicates that you demonstrated the minimum level of competency required for certification. Scores above 200 are not reported; you simply receive a "pass" designation.
Domain Level Feedback
If you do not pass, your score report includes feedback on your performance across the major content areas. This information is presented as relative performance (such as "above proficient," "proficient," or "below proficient") rather than specific scores. This feedback helps you identify which areas need the most improvement if you choose to retake the exam.
What Happens If You Pass
Receiving Your Certification
If you pass, congratulations. SHRM will update your certification status in their system, and you can begin using your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential immediately. Your digital badge and certificate will become available through the SHRM certification portal within a few weeks.
Next Steps After Passing
- Update your resume, LinkedIn profile, and email signature with your new credential
- Notify your employer and request any certification related compensation or recognition
- Begin tracking PDCs for your three year renewal cycle
- Consider joining SHRM's certification community for ongoing professional development
- If you passed the SHRM-CP, begin planning for eventual SHRM-SCP certification when you are eligible
What Happens If You Do Not Pass
Processing the Result
Not passing the SHRM exam is disappointing but not uncommon. Many successful HR professionals needed more than one attempt. Give yourself time to process the result before making any decisions about retaking the exam.
Analyzing Your Performance
Review your domain level feedback carefully. Identify the areas where you were below proficient and develop a targeted study plan for those specific domains. Consider whether your study approach was effective or whether you need to try different methods.
Retaking the Exam
SHRM allows candidates to retake the exam during a subsequent testing window. There is no limit on the number of attempts, though you must pay the exam fee each time. Use the time between attempts to address your weak areas with focused study, additional practice exams, and possibly different study resources or a preparation course.
Common Questions About SHRM Exam Results
Can I See Which Questions I Got Wrong?
No. SHRM does not provide question level feedback. You will not see which specific questions you answered correctly or incorrectly. The domain level feedback is the most granular information provided.
Can I Contest My Score?
SHRM has a formal score review process for candidates who believe there was an error in scoring. However, because the exam is computer scored, errors are extremely rare. The score review process verifies that your exam was scored correctly but does not involve re-evaluating your answers.
Do Unscored Questions Affect My Result?
No. The 24 unscored pretest items on the exam are not included in your score calculation. Only the 110 scored items count toward your pass or fail determination.
Managing the Waiting Period
The weeks between taking the exam and receiving results can be anxiety inducing. Here are some tips for managing the wait:
- Avoid obsessively checking your email or the SHRM portal
- Do not try to reconstruct exam questions or second guess your answers
- Focus on your work and personal life rather than dwelling on the exam
- Connect with other candidates who are also waiting for support
- Remember that your preparation was thorough and your effort was genuine