Missing your SHRM or HRCI recertification deadline is stressful, but it is not the end. SHRM provides a 60-day grace period with a late fee, while HRCI moves your certification to Suspended status for up to 12 months. Both give you time to catch up, but the rules, fees, and consequences differ significantly.
This guide explains exactly what happens when you miss your deadline, how much it costs, what you need to do, and the fastest way to complete your credits. Whether your status is SHRM grace period, HRCI Suspended, or fully Expired, this page will help you understand your options and get back on track.
Missed Your Deadline? Find Your Status in 30 Seconds (SHRM vs HRCI)
| Feature | SHRM (SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP) | HRCI (PHR/SPHR/GPHR) |
|---|---|---|
| Deadline date | Last day of birth month, year 3 | Last day of birth month, year 3 |
| Grace period | 60 days with $75 late fee | No grace period—goes straight to Suspended |
| Status after deadline | In grace period | Suspended for up to 12 months |
| Late fee | $240 member / $285 non-member (includes $75 late fee) | $100 suspended fee + $169 recertification fee |
| Can you use your designation? | Yes, during the 60-day grace period | No, while Suspended |
| Can you earn credits? | Yes, during the 60-day grace period | Yes, while Suspended (up to 12 months) |
| After grace/Suspended window | Certification expires—must reapply | Certification expires—must retake exam |
Check your exact status:
- • SHRM: Log into my.shrm.org and check your certification dashboard
- • HRCI: Log into my.hrci.org or check your digital badge
How many credits do you still need?
Free Gap Planner — your credential's exact gap, category by category, in about 60 seconds. No signup.
SHRM: 60-Day Grace Period, Late Fees, and Hardship Extensions
Per the current SHRM Recertification Handbook, SHRM provides a 60-day grace period after your recertification deadline (the last day of your birth month in year 3). During the grace period, you can complete your 60 PDCs and submit your recertification application, but you must pay a late fee:
- Regular fee during cycle: $165 (members) / $210 (non-members)
- Late fee during grace period: $240 (members) / $285 (non-members) — a $75 increase
During the 60-day grace period, you can still use your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP designation and your certification remains active. However, if you do not complete your recertification by the end of the grace period, your certification expires and you must reapply for the certification (including retaking the exam).
SHRM Hardship Extensions (Up to 12 Months)
SHRM offers hardship extensions of up to 12 months for qualifying circumstances such as medical issues, military deployment, or personal emergencies. Contact SHRM's certification department to request a hardship extension. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and require documentation.
HRCI: Suspended Status, the $100 Fee, and the 12-Month Window
HRCI does not have a grace period. If you miss your deadline, your certification status immediately becomes Suspended for up to 12 months. While Suspended:
- You cannot use your designation (PHR, SPHR, GPHR, etc.)
- HRCI will not verify your certification during the Suspended period
- You can still earn credits and complete your recertification requirements
- You pay a $100 suspended fee on top of the regular $169 recertification fee (total $269 for one designation)
Per the HRCI recertification fee page (checked 2026-09-15), the suspended fee is $100 in addition to the regular application fee of $169 for one designation, plus $50 for each additional designation you hold. If you successfully recertify during the 12-month Suspended window, your certification returns to Active status.
If you do not successfully recertify during the 12-month Suspended window, your certification becomes irrevocably Expired. Once Expired, you must reapply, meet current eligibility requirements, and pass the current exam (PHR $495, SPHR $595).
HRCI Does Not Offer Hardship Extensions
Unlike SHRM, HRCI does not offer hardship extensions. The 12-month Suspended window is your only opportunity to recertify without retaking the exam. Plan accordingly and prioritize completing your credits during the Suspended period.
When It's Fully Expired: Retest and Reapplication
If your certification is fully expired—after SHRM's 60-day grace period or after HRCI's 12-month Suspended window—you cannot recertify by earning credits alone. You must reapply for the certification and, in most cases, retake the exam.
SHRM Expired (After 60-Day Grace Period)
If your SHRM certification expires after the 60-day grace period, you must reapply for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification. This typically includes retaking the exam (about $300-400 depending on membership status). Contact SHRM's certification department for specific reapplication requirements.
HRCI Expired (After 12-Month Suspended Window)
If your HRCI certification expires after the 12-month Suspended window, you must reapply, meet current eligibility requirements, and pass the current exam. Per the HRCI exam fee page, exam fees are:
- PHR: $495
- SPHR: $595
- GPHR: $595
- aPHR: $300
- PHRca: $495
Once your certification is Expired, there is no shortcut. You must retest to regain your credential. This is why catching up during the grace period (SHRM) or Suspended window (HRCI) is so important.
How Many Credits You Still Need, and the Fastest Way to Get Them Online
If you are in SHRM's grace period or HRCI's Suspended status, you still need the full 45 or 60 credits for your recertification cycle (minus any credits you have already earned and logged). The fastest way to catch up is through self-paced online courses that let you complete multiple credits per week.
Catch Up Fast: 121 credit hours for $250/year
RecertifyHR's Annual Pass provides 88 courses with 121 credit hours covering both SHRM PDCs and HRCI credits. This is the fastest way to complete many credits in a short time:
- Self-paced learning: Complete courses on your own schedule, as fast or slow as you need
- 121 credit hours: Enough to complete most or all of your 60-credit cycle
- Certificates included: Download completion certificates for your SHRM or HRCI records
- Covers both SHRM and HRCI: Use the same courses for dual recertification
- $250/year: Significantly less expensive than many conference-based options
Realistic Catch-Up Timeline
If you need 60 credits and can dedicate 2-3 hours per week to coursework, you can complete 4-6 credits per week through RecertifyHR. That means you could catch up on 60 credits in about 10-15 weeks (2.5-3.5 months). If you are in a time crunch, dedicate more hours per week and you can complete it faster.
Compare this to traditional conference-based recertification, where you might earn 8-12 credits per conference (requiring travel, registration fees of $500+, and specific event dates). Online courses let you work at your own pace and complete credits on your schedule.
What It Costs to Catch Up (Certifying-Body Fee Plus Credits)
The total cost to catch up includes the certifying body's recertification fee (plus any late/suspended fees) and the cost of earning your credits.
SHRM Catch-Up Costs
- • Regular recertification fee: $165 (member) / $210 (non-member)
- • Late fee (grace period): $240 (member) / $285 (non-member)
- • RecertifyHR Annual Pass: $250/year for 121 credit hours
Total catch-up cost (grace period): About $490-535 (late fee + Annual Pass), depending on membership status.
HRCI Catch-Up Costs (Suspended)
- • Regular recertification fee: $169 (one designation), +$50 each additional
- • Suspended fee: $100 (on top of the $169)
- • RecertifyHR Annual Pass: $250/year for 121 credit hours
Total catch-up cost (Suspended): About $519 (suspended fee + recertification fee + Annual Pass) for one designation.
Expired (must retake exam):
- • SHRM: Exam retake fee about $300-400 (depending on membership)
- • HRCI: PHR $495, SPHR $595, GPHR $595
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss my SHRM recertification deadline?
Your SHRM recertification cycle ends on the last day of your birth month in year 3. SHRM provides a 60-day grace period, but you must pay the late fee ($240 for members, $285 for non-members—a $75 increase over the regular fee). If you do not complete recertification by the end of the grace period, your certification expires and you must reapply.
What happens if I miss my HRCI recertification deadline?
If you miss your HRCI deadline, your certification status becomes Suspended for up to 12 months. You pay a $100 suspended fee on top of the regular $169 recertification fee, cannot use your designation, and HRCI will not verify your certification. If you do not recertify during the 12-month Suspended window, your certification becomes irrevocably Expired and you must reapply and pass the current exam.
Can I still earn credits while my HRCI certification is Suspended?
Yes. You can earn credits while your HRCI certification is Suspended. However, you cannot use your designation (PHR, SPHR, etc.), and HRCI will not verify your certification during the Suspended period. You have up to 12 months to earn the required credits and submit your recertification application.
How many credits do I need if my certification is expired?
If your SHRM certification expired (after the 60-day grace period), you must reapply for the certification. If your HRCI certification is Suspended (within 12 months), you still need the full 45 or 60 credits for your recertification cycle. If your HRCI certification is Expired (after the 12-month Suspended window), you must reapply and pass the current exam.
What's the fastest way to catch up on credits?
RecertifyHR's Annual Pass ($250/year) provides 88 courses and 121 credit hours, covering both SHRM PDCs and HRCI credits. This is significantly faster than attending individual conferences or webinars, and you can complete courses on your own schedule.
How much does it cost to reinstate an expired HR certification?
For SHRM: during the 60-day grace period, the late fee is $240 (member) or $285 (non-member). After that, your certification expires and you must pay the exam retake fee (about $300-400). For HRCI: Suspended status costs $100 on top of the $169 recertification fee. After 12 months, you must retake the exam (PHR $495, SPHR $595).
Related Recertification Resources
SHRM Recertification Guide
SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP 60-PDC requirements, categories, deadlines, and portal guide.
HRCI Recertification Guide
HRCI recertification requirements, credit types, deadlines, and portal guide for PHR/SPHR/GPHR.
PHR Recertification Guide
PHR-specific requirements, 60-credit cycle planning, and free credit options.
SPHR Recertification Guide
SPHR requirements including the 15 Business credit minimum, deadlines, and portal guide.
Catch Up Fast: 121 Credit Hours for $250
Missed your deadline? Get back on track with 88 courses, 121 credit hours, and completion certificates on the $250/year Annual Pass.