Your SHRM certification represents years of study, professional experience, and a significant financial investment. But earning your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP was just the beginning. To maintain your credential and stay current in the rapidly evolving HR field, you need to navigate SHRM's recertification requirements—a process that can cost $500-$1,000+ if you're not strategic about earning Professional Development Credits (PDCs).
Here's the good news: SHRM recertification doesn't have to drain your budget or overwhelm your schedule. In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover exactly what you need to recertify, how the PDC system works, and proven strategies to earn free credits through resources like RecertifyHR's approved course library.
Why SHRM Recertification Matters in 2025
SHRM recertification isn't just about maintaining letters after your name—it's your commitment to staying relevant in an HR landscape transformed by AI integration, remote work evolution, and constantly shifting employment law. The Society for Human Resource Management requires all SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP holders to recertify every three years.
Did you know? Research shows that certified HR professionals earn 26% more than their non-certified peers, but that advantage diminishes if your knowledge becomes outdated.
In 2025, SHRM has maintained its 60 PDC requirement over a three-year cycle, but the landscape of how you earn those credits has expanded significantly. Free webinars, course-based learning (like RecertifyHR's SHRM-approved courses), and virtual volunteering opportunities have made recertification more accessible than ever before.
Understanding SHRM's PDC System
What Are Professional Development Credits (PDCs)?
SHRM uses Professional Development Credits (PDCs) rather than the recertification credit hours used by HRCI. One PDC typically equals one hour of professional development activity, but SHRM's system is more flexible than a simple hour-for-hour calculation.
Both SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certifications require 60 PDCs over a three-year recertification cycle. Your three-year cycle begins on your certification date (not the calendar year), which means tracking your personal anniversary date is essential.
The Four PDC Categories
| PDC Category | Description | Credit Calculation | Example Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education | Structured learning experiences | 1 PDC per contact hour | Webinars, conferences, workshops, courses |
| Leadership | Development through professional activities | Varies by role and duration | Committee membership, board service, mentoring |
| Contribution | Sharing expertise with HR community | 1-10 PDCs per activity | Publishing articles, speaking at events |
| Instruction | Teaching others about HR topics | 1 PDC per teaching hour | Training delivery, workshop facilitation |
SHRM-CP vs SHRM-SCP Recertification Requirements
Both SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certifications follow identical recertification requirements: 60 PDCs over three years. The distinction between these certifications doesn't create different recertification pathways.
Your certification level also doesn't affect your recertification fee. SHRM charges $100 for members ($150 for non-members) to process your recertification.
Tracking Your Anniversary Date and Deadline
Your SHRM recertification cycle begins on the date you passed your certification exam—this is your anniversary date. You have three years from this date to earn and submit 60 PDCs.
To find your specific anniversary date:
- Log into your SHRM account at my.shrm.org
- Navigate to "My Certifications"
- Select your active certification (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP)
- Your anniversary date and renewal deadline appear on your dashboard
Activities That Qualify for SHRM Recertification Credits
Education PDCs
- • SHRM-approved webinars and virtual conferences (1 PDC per hour)
- • RecertifyHR courses (1 PDC per course)
- • SHRM Annual Conference & Specialty Conferences
- • University courses in HR-related subjects
- • In-house training and development programs
Leadership PDCs
- • SHRM chapter board membership (10 PDCs per year)
- • Committee participation (5 PDCs per year)
- • Mentoring programs (1 PDC per 10 hours)
- • Professional association leadership roles
- • Volunteer work with HR relevance
Contribution PDCs
- • Published articles in HR publications (5 PDCs per article)
- • Blog posts (3 PDCs per post)
- • Speaking at conferences or chapter events (1 PDC per hour)
- • Creating HR-related content (courses, videos, training)
- • Research and white paper development
Instruction PDCs
- • Delivering workplace training (1 PDC per hour)
- • Teaching academic courses
- • Workshop facilitation (1 PDC per hour)
- • Corporate university instruction
Free Ways to Earn SHRM Recertification Credits
RecertifyHR Courses Library (60+ Free PDCs Available)
The RecertifyHR courses are SHRM-approved and offer one of the most convenient ways to earn free PDCs. Each course provides 1 PDC, covers current HR topics, and includes automatic documentation.
- Subscribe and take courses covering topics relevant to your HR challenges
- Download the completion certificate for each course
- Submit certificates through the SHRM recertification portal
- Earn 20+ free PDCs annually through regular learning
SHRM Chapter Events (10-15 PDCs/Year)
- • Monthly chapter meetings with guest speakers (1-2 PDCs)
- • Specialty workshops and roundtable discussions
- • Chapter-sponsored webinars and virtual events
- • Annual chapter conferences (4-8 PDCs)
Find your local chapter at shrm.org/chapters
Free SHRM Member Webinars (12-24 PDCs/Year)
SHRM membership ($229 annually) includes access to free member webinars. SHRM typically offers 2-4 free member webinars monthly, creating opportunities for 24-48 PDCs annually.
Volunteering (5-10 PDCs)
- • Serving on non-profit boards with HR responsibilities
- • Mentoring emerging HR professionals
- • Participating in HR research studies
- • Supporting HR credential exam preparation groups
Self-Directed Learning (5-10 PDCs)
- • Reading HR-related books (max 5 PDCs annually)
- • Reviewing industry research reports
- • Following HR-related online courses
- • Participating in online HR communities
SHRM vs HRCI Recertification: Key Differences
| Feature | SHRM Recertification | HRCI Recertification |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Terminology | Professional Development Credits (PDCs) | Recertification Credit Hours |
| Total Credits Required | 60 PDCs over 3 years | 60 credits over 3 years |
| Credit Categories | 4 categories (Education, Leadership, Contribution, Instruction) | Business (45 min) + General (15 max) |
| Anniversary Date | Individual certification date | Universal December 31 cycle |
| Recertification Fee | $100 members, $150 non-members | $80-$100 depending on certification |
Good news: Many activities qualify for both SHRM and HRCI credits, including RecertifyHR courses. However, you must submit separately to each organization's portal.
Building Your 3-Year Recertification Plan
Year 1: Foundation Building (Target: 20 PDCs)
- 1. Join your local SHRM chapter (10-12 PDCs available annually)
- 2. Subscribe to RecertifyHR courses (60+ courses available)
- 3. Attend at least one conference (8-15 PDCs per event)
- 4. Set up PDC tracking system
Year 2: Diversification (Target: 20 PDCs)
- 1. Add contribution or instruction PDCs
- 2. Leverage free SHRM member webinars (2 monthly = 24 PDCs)
- 3. Consider volunteer leadership (join chapter committee)
- 4. Explore specialized topics (AI, remote work, analytics)
Year 3: Completion and Submission (Target: 20 PDCs)
- 1. Earn remaining PDCs 2-3 months before deadline
- 2. Organize all documentation
- 3. Submit for recertification
- 4. Pay recertification fee ($100 members, $150 non-members)
Budget-Conscious Strategy
- • RecertifyHR courses: 30 PDCs over 3 years (FREE)
- • SHRM chapter events: 18 PDCs over 3 years ($300-450 total)
- • Free SHRM member webinars: 12 PDCs (included in membership)
Total: 60 PDCs for $300-450 over 3 years
Frequently Asked Questions
How many PDCs do I need for SHRM recertification?
Both SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP require 60 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) over a three-year recertification cycle. There is no option to carry over excess PDCs to your next cycle.
What happens if I miss my SHRM recertification deadline?
Missing your deadline results in immediate loss of your certification. SHRM provides a six-month grace period during which you can still recertify by paying a $50 late fee. After the grace period, you must retake the full certification exam ($400+).
Can I use the same activity for both SHRM and HRCI recertification?
Yes, many activities qualify for both SHRM PDCs and HRCI credits, including RecertifyHR courses. However, you must submit separately to each organization's portal.
How much does SHRM recertification cost?
SHRM charges $100 for members ($150 for non-members) to process your recertification. Your total cost depends on how you earn credits—a budget-conscious approach can keep total three-year costs under $400.
Do RecertifyHR courses count for SHRM recertification?
Yes, RecertifyHR courses are SHRM-approved and each course earns 1 PDC in the Education category.
What is my SHRM recertification anniversary date?
Your anniversary date is the date you originally passed your certification exam. Find it by logging into my.shrm.org.
What's the difference between SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP recertification?
There is no difference. Both require 60 PDCs over three years, follow the same category structure, and charge the same recertification fee.
Take Control of Your SHRM Recertification Journey
SHRM recertification doesn't have to be overwhelming or expensive. By understanding the PDC system, leveraging free credit opportunities, and building a strategic three-year plan, you can maintain your certification while advancing your HR expertise.
Key Takeaways:
- Start early: Earning 20 PDCs annually is manageable
- Leverage free resources: RecertifyHR courses, chapter events, and member webinars can provide 50+ PDCs at minimal cost
- Diversify your PDC categories: Include Education, Leadership, Contribution, and Instruction
- Track meticulously: Use the SHRM portal or maintain parallel records
- Submit early: Complete PDCs 2-3 months before your deadline
Ready to Start Earning Your SHRM PDCs?
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