Free SHRM & HRCI Recertification Credits(2026 Directory)
A curated, neutral directory of legitimate free SHRM PDC and HRCI recertification credit sources. Updated weekly so you know exactly where to earn credits without guesswork or expired links.
Both SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP and PHR/SPHR certifications require 60 credits (or PDCs) over a three-year cycle. Your deadline falls on the last day of your birth month in year 3, which means many HR professionals face a December crunch.
This directory lists verified, legitimate free sources where you can earn SHRM PDC credits and HRCI recertification credits. We check every link weekly, note the last-verified date, and remove expired offers. No fluff, no generic listicles—just sources you can use today.
Important context:
Free credits are legitimate, but earning all 60 for free typically requires SHRM membership ($299/year), attending 2-4 webinars monthly, and coordinating live event schedules. Most HR professionals find that a mix of free resources plus an affordable self-paced option like RecertifyHR's $250/yearAnnual Pass offers better value per hour invested.
Earn Your First Credit in 45 Minutes
Start with RecertifyHR's free Change Management course. 1 HRCI credit or 1 SHRM PDC. Email signup, instant access, certificate included.
What You Get:
- 1 HRCI General credit + 1 SHRM PDC
- 45-60 minute self-paced course
- Certificate with HRCI Activity ID
- No credit card, instant access
After Your Free Course:
Access all 88 courses and 121 credit hours with the $250/year Annual Pass. Cancel anytime.
View Annual Pass pricing →Last verified: 2026-10-14 •Learn more about this course
Free SHRM & HRCI Credit Sources
All sources verified as of October 2026. We check links weekly and update credit amounts, formats, and availability. No guesswork.
Good Morning, HR Podcast Episodes
Good Morning, HR (Imperative)
Weekly podcast/webcast episodes. Code given during episode.
HR Summer School 2026 Event Library
HR Summer School (LHRA)
Annual event. 7.5 total HRCI & SHRM general credits. On-demand access.
Webcasts & Virtual Events
HR.com
Free account required. Up to 5 credits/month on free plan. Unlimited credits require paid plan. SHRM credits self-entered.
Free Webcasts & On-Demand Library
Human Capital Institute
Recurring live webcasts plus on-demand library. 1 hr each.
Upcoming & On-Demand Webinars
BizLibrary
Only webinars labeled "Approved for HRCI & SHRM" qualify. Check each listing.
Webinar Library
Equifax Workforce Solutions
Recurring live + on-demand. SHRM recognized provider + HRCI pre-approved. 1 credit typical.
On-Demand Webinars
Paycom
On-demand webinar library. 1.0 HRCI General credit per webinar. No SHRM credit stated.
Alchemizing HR Webinar Series
HRCI
Free recurring webinar series covering Future of Work topics. Check site for upcoming sessions.
How to Humanize AI Communication in HR
WorldatWork
Free. Available on-demand until September 22, 2027. 1 HRCI General + 1 SHRM PDC.
Finding AI Use Cases in Your HR & Total Rewards Role
WorldatWork
Free. 1 HRCI General + 1 SHRM PDC.
Events and Webinars
ADP
Free live webinars. 1 HRCI + 1 SHRM + 1 CPE per session. Credits only for live attendance, not on-demand.
The HR Checkup: Common Gaps That Put Your Small Business at Risk
iHire
Free recurring weekly webinar. 1 SHRM + 1 HRCI credit. Recording sent afterward. Activity IDs valid through April 30, 2028.
Compliance Without the Chaos: Updates, Risks & Readiness for 2026
iHire
Free on-demand webinar. 1 SHRM + 1 HRCI credit.
10 Tactics to Transform Your Workplace From Toxic to Thriving
iHire
Free on-demand webinar. 1 SHRM + 1 HRCI credit. Activity IDs valid through April 30, 2028.
E-Verify and Form I-9 Trainings
E-Verify (DHS)
Free federal trainings. Multiple sessions available (E-Verify+, Form I-9, etc.). 1 SHRM PDC + 1 HRCI credit per session.
Local SHRM Chapter Events & Webinars
SHRM Local Chapters
Most SHRM chapters offer free or low-cost monthly meetings with PDC credits. Find your local chapter.
Free with SHRM Membership
SHRM membership costs $299/year and includes access to 2-4 free member webinars monthly (typically 1 PDC each). Members can potentially earn 24-48 PDCs per year from free webinars alone. Non-members pay $75-$149 per webinar.
Learn about SHRM membership →Unwritten Rules, Real Risk: AI's Legal Exposure in HR
SHRM
SHRM membership required ($299/year). Non-members: $149.
Ask an HR Advisor: Hiring Right - Recruitment, Interviews & Background Checks
SHRM
SHRM membership required ($299/year). Interactive Ask an HR Advisor series.
How to Curb Leave Misuse and Reduce FMLA Risk
SHRM
SHRM membership required ($299/year). 30-minute session on FMLA compliance.
Top Compliance Trends of 2026: Tips, Tricks, and Traps That HR Must Know
SHRM
SHRM membership required ($299/year). On-demand webinar covering 2026 compliance.
2026 Employment Law Update: Preparing Your Organization for Compliance
SHRM
SHRM membership required ($299/year). On-demand with live Q&A option for members.
How to Use This Directory
For SHRM Recertification:
- Register for free webinars or complete courses
- Note the program code (provided at end of webinar)
- Log into my.shrm.org
- Add activity with program code and documentation
- Track your progress toward 60 PDCs
For HRCI Recertification:
- Complete approved activities or webinars
- Note the Activity ID (HRCI pre-approval number)
- Log into my.hrci.org
- Enter Activity ID to auto-populate credit details
- Upload documentation and track toward 60 credits
Need All 60 Credits in One Place?
Free sources are great for starting, but coordinating 60 credits across live webinars and chapter events takes significant time. RecertifyHR's $250/year Annual Pass gives you 88 courses, 121 credit hours, and completion certificates—all self-paced, all in one library.
Cancel anytime • Certificates included • HRCI pre-approved + SHRM PDC eligible
Frequently Asked Questions
Are free SHRM PDC credits legitimate?
Yes. Free SHRM PDC credits from SHRM member webinars, approved provider courses, chapter events, and volunteer activities are fully legitimate and count toward your 60-PDC requirement. You log them the same way as paid credits in the SHRM recertification portal at my.shrm.org.
How do I log free credits in the SHRM recertification portal?
Log into my.shrm.org, navigate to your certification dashboard, and select 'Add Activity.' Enter the webinar or course details, PDC amount, and any program code provided. Upload your certificate or attendance record. SHRM tracks all credits in your portal toward your 60-PDC requirement.
How do I log free credits in the HRCI recertification portal?
Log into my.hrci.org and add activities to your profile. For HRCI pre-approved programs, enter the Activity ID (program code) and your credit hours auto-populate. For other activities, manually enter the details with documentation. All credits count toward your 60-credit requirement.
Do free webinars count for business credits?
Some do. Check the webinar description before registering. SPHR and SPHRi holders need at least 15 Business credits. If a webinar covers strategic HR topics like workforce planning, organizational development, or HR metrics, it may qualify as a Business credit. General HR webinars count as General credits.
Can I complete my entire 60-credit cycle with free resources?
Theoretically yes, but it requires significant time investment. SHRM members can earn 24-48 PDCs per year from free member webinars, plus 10-15 from local chapter events. However, most HR professionals find a mix of free and affordable paid resources (like RecertifyHR's $250/year Annual Pass) more practical for completing 60 credits over three years.