HR Certification
Why Wait? 2026 is Your Year to Become Certified!
Earning your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential through SHRM and/or your PHR or SPHR certification through HRCI makes you a recognized expert and leader in the HR field and a valuable asset to your organization.
Learn more about SHRM certification: How to Get SHRM Certified in 6 Steps
Learn more about SHRM re-certification: https://www.shrm.org/certification/recertification/Pages/get-recertified.aspx
Learn more about HRCI certification: https://www.hrci.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/cert-handbook.pdf?sfvrsn=14
Questions? Please reach out to:
Certification Chair
Deb Donlick, SHRM-CP
Re-Certification Chair
Lauren Nuzzi, SHRM-CP, CEBS
Fall 2026 HR Certification Information
SHRM Certification Exam Prep for SHRM-CP® and SHRM-SCP®
SHRM Fall Testing window is December 1, 2026 - February 15, 2027.
Applications NOW accepted through December 24, 2026.
SHRM Prep Courses:
1. Human Resources Association of Greater Concord:
Course Dates: 9/28/26 through 11/16/26 - see times below
Where: LIVE Online Remote Sessions
EVENT DETAILS:
EVENT DETAILS: HRAGC is pleased to announce the 2026 Fall offering of the SHRM® CERTIFICATION STUDY PREP SEMINAR WITH A PRO Dr. Maria Manus Painchaud, SHRM-SCP, SPHR will again facilitate the Fall 2026 HRAGC study prep seminar open to our members, SHRM® affiliate chapter members, their friends and colleagues. HRAGC was recognized as 2025 SHRM Learning System Champion because of Dr. Painchaud’s seminars; this is the 9th consecutive year HRAGC has received this recognition. The seminar is designed for maximum preparaƟon. The study group will meet VIRTUALLY, via GoToMeeting. Live sessions will be held; this is NOT considered an online course. The schedule for the study prep seminar will be comprised of 10 sessions in an executive format to maximize the learning experience (schedule for Fall consists of 5 Mondays):
| Session | Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session I & II | Monday | 9/28/26 | 8:45am – 12 noon 1:00 – 4:15 pm |
| Sessions III & IV | Monday | 10/12/26 | 8:45am – 12 noon 1:00 – 4:15 pm |
| Session V & VI | Monday | 10/26/26 | 8:45am – 12 noon 1:00 – 4:15 pm |
| Session VII & VIII | Monday | 11/9/26 | 8:45am – 12 noon |
| Session IX & X | Monday | 11/16/26 | 8:45am – 12 noon 1:00 – 4:15 pm |
SHRM Learning System® materials as well as new and updated additional resources prepared by Drs. Maria Manus and Steven Painchaud and their respective expertise, will be included in the cost of the seminar. A discount is offered to members of HRAGC and state SHRM® affiliate chapter members.
The SHRM® Certification Study Prep Seminar will require a minimum of 5 registrants; To register click on this link.
*SHRM® Affiliated Chapters are: HRAGC, HR North, MAHRA, SHRA (SHRM Seacoast), GNHRA, GMVHRA, GMSHRA. Dr. Maria Manus Painchaud has been a long-time member of HRAGC and has been integral in assisting many HR professionals throughout New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts in preparing and successfully passing the SHRM certification. Over the past 25 years, Dr. Painchaud’s course participants have enjoyed a significantly higher pass rate than the national average. With the launch of new SHRM competency-based certification in January 2015, the participant pass rates from Dr. Painchaud's course far exceeded the national average. For prep courses offered through HRAGC since Spring 2017, Dr. Painchaud has facilitated an average of over 88% SHRM-CP and 90% SHRM-SCP pass rates. This is credited to the approach, additional content specifically developed in conjunction with the SHRM Learning System® and test taking techniques Maria shared with her participants. Her commitments to advancing the HR profession and preparing HR professionals to deal with the challenges of the 21st century are well documented.
Register by September 15th to ensure timely delivery of study materials.
Cost for the seminar:
| CATEGORY | COST |
|---|---|
| Dual Members: Members of HRAGC or a SHRM® Affiliated Chapter Member* AND an active SHRM Member. | $1250 |
| HRAGC or Affiliate Members Chapter Member (Non-SHRM Member) | $1300 |
| SHRM only member | $1350 |
| Non-member | $1400 |
*SHRM® Affiliated Chapters are: HRAGC, HR North, MAHRA, SHRA, GNHRA, GMVHRA, GMSHRA.
2. University of New Hampshire:
Course Dates: Oct 7 - Nov 20
Times: Tues and Thursdays, 1pm -3pm
Where: Live Online | Instructor Led
Investment: Cost: $2699.00 with Potential Discounts Available*
*10% Discount for UNH Alumni, UNHOCE Discount, or USNH Tuition Benefit Discount
Course Number: PDT-BusHR-50
EVENT DETAILS:
This interactive 9-week, live-on line course focuses on the SHRM certification competency model, also known as the "SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge" (SHRM BASK). The content of the program will review this entire model to help participants prepare to take the exam. Sessions involve content review, discussion, and test-taking practice. Success on the exam requires both content knowledge and increasing people’s confidence when they take the exam. This program focuses on these critical components for success.
For more information and to enroll click here.
3. Middlesex Community College: SHRM Prep Course.
- Course Duration — The course runs from September 28 to November 16, 2026.
- Certification Focus — It prepares students for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certification exams, ensuring alignment with current HR practices.
- Flexible Learning Options — Middlesex Community College offers various learning formats, including online and hybrid courses, to accommodate different schedules.
- Professional Development — Completing this course can enhance career opportunities in human resources by providing recognized certification preparation
What you’ll learn...
- Obtain a broad overview of human resources professional practices
- Gain skills for handling recruitment, performance appraisals, and training processes
- Learn strategic decision-making for compensation and job evaluation
- Acquire foundational knowledge of U.S. laws and regulations regarding employment practices
- Understand Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules governing employee health and safety
- Review strategies for implementing retention initiatives
- Study remote work and diversity considerations
Course Number: GES419
Tuition = $2,335 (includes texts and online resources). Textbook/online resources are non-refundable once shipped.
Contact: career_training@middlesex.mass.edu 1-800-818-3434
Exam fee is separate from prep courses through SHRM. For more information: www.SHRMCertification.org
HRCI™ Certification Information
An HRCI credential reflects how you show up as an HR professional—grounded in expertise, trusted to make decisions, and ready to navigate the realities of today’s workplace. Whether you’re building your foundation or stepping into broader leadership, our certifications are built for real-world application, validating the knowledge and judgment you use every day to support people, manage risk, and move business forward.
The only HR certification body offering year-round online exams.
HRCI Certifications offered in 3 Categories: Knowledge – Professional - Strategic
KNOWLEDGE
The Associate Professional in Human Resources® (aPHR®) is for those starting their HR journey or exploring a path into the field. Build foundational knowledge you can apply right away and signal your readiness to grow.
The Associate Professional in Human Resources – International® (aPHRi®) is for those starting their HR journey or exploring a path into the field. Build foundational knowledge you can apply right away and grow into HR roles outside the United States.
PROFESSIONAL
The Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®) is designed for HR professionals focused on implementing programs and supporting day-to-day operations. It validates technical and operational HR knowledge, including U.S. laws and regulations.
The Professional in Human Resources – International® (PHRi®) is for HR practitioners working outside the United States. It validates professional-level competency, knowledge, and skills, grounded in globally recognized HR principles and applied within your local context.
The Professional in Human Resources – California® (PHRca®) validates expertise in California-specific HR laws and practices. Designed for professionals who support or manage HR in the state, it can also complement or strengthens broader HRCI credentials.
STRATEGIC
The Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR®) is designed for leaders who shape HR strategy and policy, align people practices with business goals, and guide organizational direction in the United States.
The Senior Professional in Human Resources® – International (SPHRi®) is designed for leaders based outside the United States who shape HR strategy, align people pracƟces with business goals, and guide organizational direction in a single international setting.
The Global Professional in Human Resources® (GPHR®) is designed for HR leaders with multinational responsibilities, including global strategy and the development of HR policies and initiatives that support organizational growth.
HRCI supercharges the preparation experience with a convenient and comprehensive digital learning system that helps you optimize your study time. Available only from HRCI, each expert-developed cert prep package offers 24/7 access and a powerful learning experience based on HRCI Exam Content outlines. The easy-to-use interface simplifies the studying process, and on-demand learning allows you to study at your own pace—anytime, anywhere—giving you the freedom to study wherever and however fits your lifestyle.
Certification courses and testing information available at:
https://www.hrci.org/certifications/exam-preparation-resources
Contact: 866-898-4724 info@hrci.org
SHRM Testing Exam Fees
SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP EXAM FEES
Please visit the SHRM website to view the most current fees.
HRCI Certification and Testing Information
Please visit the HRCI webite to view the most current Exam Fees - HRCI.
Window/Sites for Testing: Available by appointment only and within 180 days of completing the course.
Pearson Professional Centers-Concord NH 2 Capital Plaza | |
Pearson Professional Centers-Westbrook (Portland) 201 Main Street | |
Pearson Professional Centers-Lexington MA 24 Hartwell Ave |
Re-Certification Audit Process
In order to protect the integrity of the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certification programs, SHRM will audit a percentage of recertification applications. It is important to document your professional development activities and retain these records for up to six months after the end of your 3-year recertification period. If you are audited, you will be required to verify, with supporting documentation, the activities, and PDCs listed on your recertification application.
Learn more about SHRM re-certification: https://www.shrm.org/certification/recertification/recertification-audit/Pages/default.aspx
HR Certification Institute randomly audits applications as part of our NCCA accreditation to ensure the quality and integrity of our certification programs. If you are selected for an audit, you will need to submit all supporting documents for the activities listed on your recertification application. It is important that you document and maintain these records for all continuing education activities you plan to submit for your current recertification cycle.
Learn more about HRCI re-certification: https://www.hrci.org/recertification/submit-recertification-application/recertification-audit-process
SHRA Scholarship Information
Did you know that we offer up to $3,000 annually in scholarships for our chapter members?
Click here to view scholarship information.
NH HR State Council SHRM Certification Scholarships
The HR State Council of NH is proud to provide NH State Chapter members or NH SHRM Members-At-Large the opportunity to be awarded a $600 Scholarship for the SHRM Certification exam and/or its preparation (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP).
Click here to view scholarship information.