Earning your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential offers a significant advantage for HR professionals seeking to enhance their careers and demonstrate their expertise in the field. The certification validates advanced knowledge and skills in HR management, leadership, and strategic planning, positioning individuals as capable, high-level professionals who can effectively drive organizational success. Achieving SHRM-SCP or CP certification shows a commitment to career growth, while enabling professionals to make a more substantial impact on their organizations by aligning human resources strategies with business goals. For HR leaders, the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP act as powerful tools for professional differentiation in a competitive job market.

Want information on certification? Use the links below for helpful information:

About SHRM Certification

Exam Prep

Or contact INSHRM Certification Directors via email at [email protected].

INSHRM CERTIFICATION STUDY GROUPS

The Spring 2026 Study Group Sign Up has now begun. Please check back in August when we will begin to kick off for Fall Study Group. 

  • INSHRM facilitates a study group for INSHRM Members interested in taking the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams.
  • There are typically two study group sessions per year (spring and fall). 
  • There is no cost for the study group; however, participants are highly encouraged to purchase the SHRM Certification Prep System through the local study group, as the study group is based around these modules. Normally, the cost of the SHRM Certification Prep System for SHRM members is $1020 for the online access & printed books plus tax and shipping or $820 plus tax for the online only access. Participants of the INSHRM study group can purchase the SHRM Certification Prep System at significant discount for $615.00 plus tax and shipping. 
  • Study group sessions include a review and discussion of the SHRM Certification Prep System modules, provide you with general information about the exam, various ways to prepare for the exam, what to expect, practice exams, useful websites/tools, etc.
  • Study group sessions are typically held virtually on a weekday evening, ex: Wednesdays from 5:30PM-7:30PM. Participants come to each meeting prepared, having read and studied the material to be discussed beforehand.


Class Schedule: Spring 2026 SCHEDULE 

Date
5:30 PM
- 7:30 PM

Instructors

INSHRM Spring Certification Prep Course / Study Group

Outline

03/04/2026

Location

Virtual

Details will be emailed

Ian Graves & Russ Bowen

  • SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP Introduction
    • SHRM Certification Prep System
    • Test Applications- First Test Window: May 1 - July 15, 2026. Deadline closes @ 11:59 PM, ET.
    • Body of Competency & Knowledge (BOcK)
  • Areas for review, topics, and study areas.
  • Format of the study sessions
  • Q&A

03/11/2026

Location

Virtual

Russ Bowen

  • Leadership & Navigation (Competencies)
  • Ethical Practice Competency (Competencies)
  • Inclusive Mindset Competency (Competencies)

03/18/2026

Location:  

Virtual

Ian Graves

  • Relationship Management Competency (Competencies)
  • Communication Competency (Competencies) 
  • Business Acumen Competency (Competencies) 

03/25/2026

Location:  

Virtual 

Russ Bowen

  • Consultation Competency (Competencies)
  • Analytical Aptitude Competency (Competencies)
  • HR Strategy (People)

 04/01/2026

Location:  

Virtual

Ian Graves

  • Talent Acquisition (People)
  • Employee Engagement & Retention (People) 
  • Learning and Development (People)

04/8/2026

 Location:  

Virtual 

Russ Bowen

  • Total Rewards (People) 
  • Structure of the HR Function (Organization) 
  • Organizational Effectiveness & Development (Organization)

04/15/2026

Location:  

Virtual 

Ian Graves

  • Workforce Management (Organization) 
  • Employee and Labor Relations (Organization) 
  • Technology Management (Organization)

04/22/2026

Location

Virtual

Russ Bowen

  • Managing a Global Workforce (Workplace)
  • Risk Management (Workplace) 
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (Workplace)
  • US Employment Law Regulations

 

Distribute final paper exam for take home

04/29/2026

Location

TBD/In Person

Ian Graves & Russ Bowen

  • Review final exam / answers w/ discussion
  • Celebrate!

Please note the Testing Window runs May 1, 2026- July 15, 2026 with a early bird registration deadline of March 30, 2026 and regular registration deadline of May 26, 2026.

Full Schedule to be released soon: it will run Wednesdays 5:30-7:30 from March 4- April 22, 2026

INSHRM Certification Scholarships

INSHRM Certification Scholarships will be available twice per year proceeding the study group sessions. INSHRM scholarships are intended for members without employer financial support for obtaining their SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certificaiton and include purchase of the SHRM Certification Prep System and Certification Testing Fee. For a scholarship recipient, INSHRM will purchase the SHRM Certification Prep System up front and reimburse the testing fee upon passing of the exam with proof of passing and payment. 

The Spring 2026 scholarship application window has closed. Please check back in August when we will open our Fall 2026 Scholarship Application.