SHRM Exam Cost Calculator
Calculate the total cost of SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification, including exam fees, study materials, travel, and potential retake costs.
Certified Professional: operational and generalist HR roles
Cost Breakdown
SHRM-CP Exam Fee
SHRM member rate
$375
Study Materials
Select a provider or enter a custom amount
Travel / Testing Center Fees
Gas, parking, hotel if needed (optional)
Budget for a Retake?
$275 member retake fee
Estimated Total
$375
Important notes
- ●Both SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP have the same exam fee structure. The difference is in eligibility requirements and content focus.
- ●SHRM exams are administered at Prometric testing centers. Locate your nearest center at prometric.com.
- ●Recertification is required every three years. The fee is $100 for members and $150 for non-members, plus 60 professional development credits (PDCs).
- ●Some employers reimburse certification costs. Check with your HR department before paying out of pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam cost?
Both the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams cost $375 for SHRM members and $475 for non-members. This fee covers the exam registration and one attempt. Additional costs include study materials, travel to the testing center, and potential retake fees.
What happens if I fail the SHRM exam? How much does a retake cost?
If you do not pass, you can retake the exam during a future testing window. Retake fees are $100 lower than the initial exam fee: $275 for SHRM members and $375 for non-members. You must wait until the next testing window to retest.
Is SHRM membership worth it just for the exam discount?
SHRM professional membership costs around $244 per year. Since members save $100 on exam fees and $100 on retake fees, membership pays for itself if you plan to take the exam. You also get access to HR resources, templates, networking events, and continuing education credits.
What study materials do I need for the SHRM exam?
The official SHRM Learning System ($820 to $1,330) is the most comprehensive option, covering all content domains with interactive modules and practice questions. Budget-friendly alternatives include Mometrix ($30 to $60), HR Certification Prep ($20 to $50), and Arteura ($39.99/mo) for practice exams and flashcards. Many candidates combine multiple resources.
Are there any hidden costs when getting SHRM certified?
Beyond the exam fee, common costs include study materials ($20 to $1,330 depending on provider), travel to a Prometric testing center (varies by location), and potential retake fees if you do not pass on the first attempt. After certification, SHRM charges a recertification fee every three years ($100 for members, $150 for non-members).
Start studying for the SHRM exam today
Pass on your first try and save hundreds on retake fees. 500+ practice questions, flashcards, and full-length simulations for SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP.