Have questions about the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credentials? In every issue, the SHRM Certification team will answer some of your most frequently asked questions. Have additional questions? Send them to SHRMCertNews@shrm.org.
Q: Can I earn professional development credits (PDCs) for coursework completed toward the achievement of another HR organization's credential?
A: Yes, provided the coursework aligns with the SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge® (SHRM BoCK). Consult the SHRM Recertification Requirements Handbook for additional details.
Q: Can I earn PDCs for the Continuing Education Units (CEU) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits that I earn?
A: Yes, provided the courses for which you earn those credits are focused on HR-related topics aligned with the SHRM BoCK. SHRM credential-holders can earn 10 PDCs for every 1 CEU credit awarded and 1 PDC for every 1 CLE credit awarded.
Q: In addition to my SHRM certification, I have a credential issued by HRCI. Will the PDCs that I enter into the SHRM portal for my SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP also automatically update my PHR or SPHR?
A: No. These are separate credentials backed by two different organizations. The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP are the only HR credentials backed by SHRM. When you enter your PDCs into the SHRM portal, they are applied only toward SHRM recertification. To maintain a different certification, you will need to check with that organization to see if the same credits are applicable and then enter them into that organization's system.
Q: I hold another organization's credential. Will the credits I submitted toward recertification of that credential also apply toward the recertification of my SHRM credential?
A: Possibly, but only if the activities you participated in align with the SHRM BoCK and were completed within the dates of your three-year SHRM recertification cycle.
Want to learn more about how to obtain or maintain your SHRM certification? Visit shrmcertification.org.