Elevate Your HR Career and Organization with SHRM Certification

At CiHRG, we believe in empowering HR professionals through continuous learning and certification. Earning your SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) or SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) certification can be a transformative step in your career, enhancing your knowledge, credibility, and professional network. 

SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certifications are recognized globally as the leading credentials for HR professionals, grounded in behavioral and technical competencies that reflect real-world responsibilities. Whether you're advancing your career or validating your expertise, SHRM certification demonstrates your ability to lead effectively and strategically in today’s evolving workplace.

Benefits of SHRM Certification

• Career Advancement | Certification shows your commitment to the HR profession and can lead to increased earning potential and career progression.
  
• Enhanced Knowledge | The SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK®) provides a comprehensive framework that reflects the skills and knowledge needed for successful HR practice.
  
• Professional Credibility | Being SHRM certified demonstrates your expertise to employers, peers, and the HR profession.
  
• Networking Opportunities | Join a community of certified professionals, share best practices, and gain insights that can help you in your career.

SHRM Certification Preparation Options

• SHRM Certification Prep System®| Available in self-study, instructor-led, and team learning formats.  Order direct from SHRM or through the Study Group at a discount.
• Study Groups | CiHRG has partnered with the Illinois Fox Valley chapter to offer virtual study groups at no cost to members (subject to applicable material fees) to collaborate with peers, share resources, and discuss key concepts. These virtual sessions are designed to support HR professionals preparing for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exams, while also reinforcing practical, on-the-job application of SHRM competencies. 
• • Participants benefit from:
  • • Structured review of the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK)
    • Improved confidence with situational judgment and exam strategy
    • Practical insights that can be applied immediately in the workplace
    • Meaningful connection with HR professionals across Illinois and Wisconsin
  • Details:
  • • The 2026 Spring Session will be held on Tuesdays from 5:30pm-8:00pm, Feb 17 to May 5.
    • A Fall Session will also be held for 13 weeks.
    • The SHRM Certification Prep System® is not provided but recommended and offered at a discount. The total cost with books and prep system is $660, if interested.
    • View full details and register here.
    • Email us at cihrg1@gmail.com if you have questions or are interested to facilitate a future study session and earn PDC credits!  As a benefit of facilitating, CiHRG members may participate at no cost.
• Exam Previews | Designed from previous exams, these practice tools are tailored to the globally recognized SHRM BASK® framework, providing a comprehensive approach to mastering HR knowledge, competencies, and situational judgment.
• ILSHRM Certification Prep Course | Members of ILSHRM (including all SHRM chapter members) can get a 10% discount on the course along with a 30-minute planning call with the facilitator. 
• • Typically held in the fall, virtually, on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30pm CST. 
  • The total cost of the course after discount is $995 which includes the classes, access to recordings, practice exams, reference books and more.
  • Use “ILSHRM” when checking out.  
• Northwestern Illinois University SHRM-CP/SCP Certification Prep Course | Offered remotely in April and September. This intensive 36-hour program combines expert instruction with the SHRM Certification Prep System®.  Costs $1,575 and includes the SHRM Certification Prep System.

Success Tips & Other Helpful Resources

• How to Prepare for and Take the SHRM Certification Exam | The top 20 tips from SHRM coaching sessions
• HR Exam Prep with Angela YouTube Videos
• SHRM Exam Tips & Tricks
• How to Pass the SHRM Exam: The Three Things You Need to Know
• The 3 Reasons Test Takers Fail the SHRM Exam… and How to Fix It!
• Struggling With SHRM Exam Questions? Start Here.
• The Shift from SHRM Knowledge to SHRM Judgment: Your Last 30 Days
• Know Your Role:  Why You’re Failing SHRM Situational Questions
• How To Easily Master SHRM Situational Questions
• SHRM-CP Pocket Prep App
• SHRM-SCP Pocket Prep App
• Facebook Study Groups
• Boost Confidence and Effectively Manage Test Anxiety
• Books to identify and challenge negative thought patterns
• The Feeling Good Handbook by David D Burns
• Mind Over Mood by Dennis Greenberger and Christine A. Padesky
• Mindfulness & Relaxation Techniques
• Headspace & Calm Apps
• Box Breathing
• Journaling
• Energy Management, Physical Health & Well-being
• Regular exercise – aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days
• Nutrition – consume a balanced, nutrient-dense diet and hydrate
• Sleep – establish a consistent sleep routine, wind down and limit screen time before bed, create an ideal sleep environment 
• Relationships – spend quality time with others to enhance emotional support, re-energize, and support social wellness
• Study and Preparation Strategies
• Active Learning | engage with materials through summarization, teaching others and practice exams
• Time Management | break study sessions into manageable blocks using techniques like the Pomodoro Technique
• Books – Make it Stick: The Science of Successful Learning by Peter Ce. Brown, et al. and How to Study Smarter, Not Harder by Kevin Paul