Shrm Prep Course Online Free

Yes, you can find free SHRM prep courses online—though they are limited in scope and depth compared to paid options. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) offers the SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) and SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) certifications, which are highly respected in the HR field. While comprehensive, accredited SHRM prep programs typically come with a cost, several free or low-cost online resources exist to help you begin your preparation. These include free trial modules from major providers, open educational platforms, and community college offerings. This article explores the best free and affordable online SHRM prep courses, compares their features, discusses certification outcomes, and evaluates the return on investment for aspiring HR professionals.

What Is the SHRM Certification and Why Is It Valuable?

The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certifications are the gold standard for HR professionals in the United States and increasingly recognized globally. Administered by the Society for Human Resource Management, these credentials validate your expertise in human resource management, strategic planning, employee engagement, compliance, and leadership. Earning a SHRM certification demonstrates to employers that you possess up-to-date, real-world HR knowledge aligned with the SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge (SHRM BoCK).

According to SHRM, certified professionals earn, on average, 10–15% more than non-certified peers. Additionally, 85% of HR managers report that certification improves job performance. The SHRM-CP is ideal for early- to mid-career HR professionals, while the SHRM-SCP targets senior-level practitioners involved in strategic decision-making. Both exams are rigorous, with pass rates hovering around 50–60%, underscoring the need for structured preparation.

SHRM Prep Course Online Free: What’s Available?

While there is no completely free, end-to-end SHRM prep course that mirrors the full paid programs, several reputable providers offer free trial access or limited free content that can jumpstart your preparation. Key options include:

• SHRM Learning System Free Trial: SHRM offers a 7-day free trial of its official Learning System, which includes sample lessons, flashcards, and practice questions. This trial gives you access to the same materials used by thousands of successful candidates. The full course costs $1,295 for members ($1,895 for non-members), but the free trial is an excellent way to assess the quality.
• Udemy Free SHRM-CP Preview Courses: Several Udemy instructors offer free introductory courses (e.g., "SHRM-CP Certification Overview – Free"). While these don’t cover the full curriculum, they provide a solid foundation in exam structure and key domains. Paid upgrades offer full content for under $20 during frequent sales.
• Alison.com – Introduction to Human Resources: This free online learning platform offers a free course titled "Diploma in Human Resource Management," which covers foundational HR topics aligned with SHRM BoCK domains. While not a direct prep course, it’s useful for beginners. The course takes about 10 hours and includes a free certificate of completion.
• edX and Coursera Audit Options: Platforms like edX and Coursera offer HR-related courses from universities such as Cornell and the University of Minnesota. While not SHRM-specific, auditing these courses for free (e.g., "Human Resource Management: HR for People Managers" on Coursera) helps build foundational knowledge. Upgrading for certification and graded assignments costs extra.

These free resources are best used as supplements or starting points. For comprehensive preparation, combining free materials with low-cost paid upgrades often yields the best ROI.

Top Free and Low-Cost Online SHRM Prep Options

For those on a tight budget, here are the most effective free and low-cost online SHRM prep resources:

1. SHRM’s Free Exam Prep Resources: SHRM provides a free SHRM-CP/SCP Eligibility & Exam Overview PDF, a free Learning System Demo, and a Self-Assessment Tool to gauge readiness. These are available on the official SHRM website and require no payment. While not a full course, they are essential for understanding exam format and content areas.
2. HR University (HRU) Free Trial: HRU offers a 3-day free trial of its SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP prep courses. The full program includes video lectures, practice exams, and mobile flashcards. The trial allows access to over 20% of the course content. Pricing for the full course starts at $499, significantly lower than SHRM’s official system.
3. 360Learning SHRM-CP Free Modules: This platform provides free access to select modules covering Talent Acquisition and Employee Engagement. The interface is modern and mobile-friendly, making it ideal for on-the-go learners. Full access requires a subscription, but the free content is high-quality and relevant.
4. LinkedIn Learning (Free Trial): LinkedIn Learning offers a 1-month free trial that includes access to SHRM-CP prep courses such as "SHRM-CP Cert Prep: 1 HR Competencies" by Ingrid Relph. The course covers behavioral competencies tested on the exam. Cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.
5. Community College Continuing Ed Programs: Some community colleges, such as Northern Virginia Community College and Austin Community College, offer free or low-cost SHRM prep workshops through workforce development grants. These are often in-person or hybrid but may include free online components. Check local listings for availability.

While none of these options offer a completely free end-to-end solution, they collectively provide a strong foundation when strategically combined.

Paid SHRM Prep Courses Worth Considering

For serious candidates, investing in a paid SHRM prep course significantly increases pass rates. Here are the top-rated programs:

• SHRM Learning System (Official): The most comprehensive and widely used prep program. Includes adaptive learning technology, 1,800+ practice questions, two full-length practice exams, and mobile study tools. Duration: 3–6 months (self-paced). Price: $1,295 (members), $1,895 (non-members). Difficulty: Advanced. Ideal for candidates seeking the highest alignment with the actual exam.
• HRU’s SHRM-CP Prep Course: A popular alternative to the official SHRM system. Offers video lessons, quizzes, downloadable resources, and instructor support. Duration: 8 weeks (recommended pace). Price: $499. Difficulty: Intermediate. Known for clear explanations and strong pass rate support.
• Bersin Academy SHRM-SCP Prep: Tailored for senior HR professionals. Focuses on strategic leadership and organizational effectiveness. Includes cohort-based learning and expert coaching. Price: $1,500. Duration: 10 weeks. Difficulty: Advanced. Best for SHRM-SCP candidates with 5+ years of experience.
• Udemy – SHRM-CP Certification Complete Course by Mike Zuk: A top-rated, affordable option. Over 12 hours of video content, practice questions, and downloadable resources. Price: $19.99 (frequent discounts). Duration: Self-paced (2–3 months recommended). Difficulty: Intermediate. Excellent value for budget-conscious learners.

Many of these paid courses offer free previews, allowing you to assess quality before purchasing. For those starting with free resources, upgrading to a paid course mid-study can be a smart, cost-effective strategy.

How Long Does It Take to Prepare for the SHRM Exam?

Preparation time for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam varies based on experience, study schedule, and prior HR knowledge. On average:

• Inexperienced HR professionals (0–2 years): 100–150 hours of study (3–6 months at 5–10 hours per week).
• Mid-career HR professionals (3–7 years): 60–100 hours (2–4 months).
• Senior HR leaders (8+ years): 40–60 hours (1–2 months), especially for SHRM-SCP.

Free prep resources typically cover only 20–30% of the required content, so relying solely on them may extend study time. Using a structured plan—such as dedicating 10 hours per week over 10 weeks—improves retention and confidence. Free tools like SHRM’s self-assessment exam can help you identify weak areas and focus your study time efficiently.

Time management is critical. The SHRM exam includes both multiple-choice and scenario-based questions, requiring not just knowledge but analytical thinking. Free practice questions from SHRM and HRU can help build this skill without cost.

Career Outcomes and Return on Investment (ROI)

Earning a SHRM certification can significantly boost your HR career. According to SHRM’s 2023 salary survey, certified professionals earn an average of $82,000 annually, compared to $72,000 for non-certified peers. The ROI improves further when considering long-term advancement:

• Promotions: 68% of certified HR professionals report faster promotion timelines.
• Job Market Competitiveness: SHRM certification is listed as preferred or required in over 40% of mid- to senior-level HR job postings on LinkedIn and Indeed.
• Global Recognition: SHRM is increasingly accepted by multinational companies, especially in Canada, the Middle East, and Asia.

While free prep courses reduce upfront costs, the pass rate for self-study candidates is significantly lower—around 40% compared to 65–70% for those using structured prep programs. Investing $20–$500 in a quality prep course can dramatically improve your chances of passing on the first attempt, avoiding the $410 exam retake fee (for non-members).

For early-career professionals, combining free foundational courses (e.g., Alison or Coursera) with a low-cost paid prep course (e.g., Udemy or HRU) offers the best balance of affordability and effectiveness. The total investment rarely exceeds $500, while the salary premium alone can yield a full return within 6–12 months post-certification.

How to Maximize Free Resources for SHRM Exam Success

To pass the SHRM exam using primarily free resources, follow this strategic approach:

1. Start with SHRM’s Free Materials: Download the exam content outline, take the self-assessment, and explore the Learning System demo. This builds familiarity with the test format and domains.
2. Enroll in Free Audit Courses: Take Coursera’s "HR for People Managers" (University of Minnesota) or edX’s "Human Resources Fundamentals" (Cornell) for free. These cover key behavioral and technical competencies.
3. Use Free Trial Periods Strategically: Sign up for free trials from HRU, LinkedIn Learning, or 360Learning. Download all available materials, watch key videos, and take practice quizzes before the trial ends.
4. Join SHRM’s Free Webinars: SHRM offers free monthly webinars on HR trends and certification tips. These are recorded and available on-demand.
5. Form or Join a Free Study Group: Platforms like Reddit (r/SHRM) and Facebook groups (e.g., "SHRM-CP Study Group 2024") offer peer support, free study plans, and shared resources.
6. Practice with Free Questions: Use SHRM’s free sample questions and flashcards. Supplement with free quiz apps like Quizlet, which hosts user-generated SHRM-CP flashcard sets.

This hybrid approach requires more self-discipline but can be highly effective when paired with consistent study habits.

FAQ: SHRM Prep Course Online Free

Is there a completely free SHRM prep course?

No fully comprehensive, accredited SHRM prep course is completely free. However, you can access significant free content through trial periods, open course platforms (like Alison and Coursera), and SHRM’s official free resources. These can form a solid foundation when combined strategically.

Can I pass the SHRM exam using only free resources?

It’s possible, but challenging. Free resources often lack the depth, practice exams, and adaptive learning tools needed for success. Candidates using only free materials report lower pass rates. For best results, supplement free content with at least one low-cost paid course or practice exam pack.

What is the best free SHRM-CP study material?

The best free materials include SHRM’s official Exam Content Outline, Self-Assessment Tool, and Sample Questions. Additionally, Coursera’s "HR for People Managers" (audit for free) and Alison’s "Diploma in Human Resource Management" provide strong foundational knowledge.

How much does the SHRM certification exam cost?

The exam fee is $410 for non-members and $370 for SHRM members. Retake fees are $345 for members and $370 for non-members. Becoming a SHRM member ($229/year) often pays for itself if you’re pursuing certification, as it includes discounts on exams and prep materials.

Is the SHRM-CP harder than the PHR?

Both exams are challenging but differ in focus. The SHRM-CP emphasizes behavioral competencies and strategic thinking, while the PHR (Professional in Human Resources) by HRCI focuses more on technical compliance and U.S. labor laws. Many HR professionals find the SHRM exam more aligned with modern HR practices, though both require rigorous preparation.

How long is the SHRM-CP exam?

The SHRM-CP exam is 4 hours long and consists of 160 questions: 95 multiple-choice and 65 situational judgment (scenario-based) questions. The exam is computer-based and administered at Pearson VUE testing centers or via remote proctoring.

Does SHRM offer free practice tests?

SHRM offers a free self-assessment tool and a limited number of sample questions on its website. Full-length practice exams are included in paid prep courses like the SHRM Learning System or HRU. Free alternatives include Quizlet sets and community-shared PDFs, though quality varies.

Can I get college credit for SHRM certification?

Yes. SHRM has partnered with several universities to offer academic credit for certification. For example, Excelsior University grants up to 9 credits toward a bachelor’s degree for SHRM-CP holders. Check with your institution for transferability options.