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: How do I calculate professional development credits (PDCs) for educational programs that qualify in the Advance Your Education recertification category?
A: One hour is equivalent to 1 PDC. Once the one-hour minimum is met, SHRM calculates PDCs in 15-minute increments (0.25 PDC), based on the actual amount of instruction/educational time spent. Other fractions of time are rounded up or down as appropriate (e.g., for a program that lasts 1 hour and 5 minutes, enter it as 1 PDC; for a program that lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes, 1.25 PDCs; for a program that lasts 1 hour and 25 minutes, 1.5 PDCs).
Q: Does SHRM award PDCs for courses in degree programs?
A: SHRM awards credit for undergraduate and graduate courses from accredited college or university degree programs whose content aligns with the SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge (SHRM BoCK) and relates to behavioral or technical competencies. The hour-for-hour principle applies (e.g., a one-credit course equals 15 contact hours of instruction, or 15 PDCs; a three-credit course equals 45 contact hours of instruction, or 45 PDCs). You must complete the course with a grade of "C" or better. Consult the SHRM Recertification Requirements Handbook for details.
Q: Does SHRM accept audited courses?
A: SHRM awards PDCs for audited (ungraded or noncredit) courses whose content aligns to the SHRM BoCK, for a maximum of 10 PDCs per three-year certification cycle.
Want to learn more about how to obtain or maintain your SHRM certification? Visit shrmcertification.org.