The Certification Committee is a team of passionate HR professionals who are committed to supporting others in advancing their careers through SHRM certification. Our goal is to promote the value of certification within the HR community and help members prepare for and succeed in their certification journeys. We also work to empower certified professionals to maintain their credentials by promoting and connecting them to Professional Development Credit (PDC) opportunities.
As part of the local GMA SHRM chapter, the Certification Committee:
Promotes certification by raising awareness of the benefits of earning credentials like SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP
Guides members through the SHRM certification exam registration process and answers questions about exam eligibility, requirements, and preparation.
Supports members by organizing study groups, sharing prep resources, and celebrating those who pass their exams
Empowers certified members to maintain their credentials by sharing opportunities to earn recertification credits and connecting them with ongoing professional development resources
Collaborates with SHRM and other chapter leaders to stay up to date on eligibility requirements, exam windows, and educational opportunities
Creates a community of learners, offering encouragement, accountability, and networking opportunities for those on the certification path
Who is the Certification Committee?
The Certification Committee is a team of GMA SHRM members dedicated to helping HR professionals achieve and maintain their SHRM certification. Whether you are just starting to explore the process, preparing for the exam, or working to maintain your credentials, the committee is here to provide guidance and support.
If you have questions about SHRM certification, need guidance on the registration process, want to learn more about study options, or are looking for opportunities to earn Professional Development Credits (PDCs), feel free to connect with GMA SHRM Director of SHRM Certification Shanae Doerr or reach out to the GMA SHRM Chapter Office.
The committee looks forward to connecting with members, answering questions, and cheering them on throughout their certification journey.
SHRM Certification: CP and SCP
Looking for help navigating the increased demands on HR professionals? Become the most qualified and valuable HR professional you can be with SHRM certification.
The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP®) and SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP®) are the only behavioral competency-based HR certifications. This means you’ll have the answers AND know what to do on the job.
Boost your credibility: 58% of managers of SHRM-certified credential holders look to them for their enhanced efficiency and tendency toward leadership.
Boost your career: Of SHRM-certified professionals who were promoted, 63% report that their credential was a key factor.
Boost your salary: HR professionals who pass the SHRM certification exam report earning salaries 7%-9% higher than peers who do not.
The SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certifications are built upon the SHRM BASK, which is based on the input of some of the best minds in the HR profession to define eight behavioral competencies and 15 functional areas that every HR professional should know.
Professional Development Credits, or PDCs, are required to maintain your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification. SHRM-certified professionals must earn 60 PDCs within a three-year recertification cycle to keep their credentials active.
How Can You Earn PDCs?
There are many ways to earn PDCs, including:
Attending approved HR conferences, workshops, and webinars
Participating in GMA SHRM Professional Development Summits and chapter programs
Completing online courses or eLearning modules
Engaging in work projects or research that expand your HR expertise
Serving in HR-related volunteer leadership roles
How Does It Work?
Participate in a Qualifying Activity — Attend a live or virtual program, complete an eLearning course, or take part in other SHRM-approved activities.
Earn Credits — Each activity is prequalified or self-reported for SHRM recertification credits, allowing you to earn PDCs as you participate.
Log Your PDCs — After completion, log in to your SHRM certification portal and enter your earned PDCs toward your recertification total.
For more details on recertification requirements and how to enter your PDCs, visit SHRM’s Recertification Page.
Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute—log your PDCs as you earn them! Keeping your records up to date makes recertification stress-free and ensures no credits are missed.
GMA SHRM Certification Scholarship
GMA SHRM, in partnership with the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Madison, is proud to award a $500 scholarship to support two of our members in their journey toward earning their SHRM certification.
This scholarship helps cover the cost of the SBDC’s SHRM Certification Prep Course and is awarded to members who demonstrate a commitment to professional development, a passion for the HR profession, and a desire to make a lasting impact in their organizations and communities.
We’re honored to support our members in achieving their goals and advancing the HR profession.
Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC)at UW-Madison offers a SHRM Learning System Certification Course. Increase your chances of passing your SHRM certification exam by attending their certification prep course.
Highlights include:
Quality instruction at UW-Madison
Class is personal and flexible
Provides you with structured learning
This course is offered in partnership with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the world’s largest HR membership organization devoted to human resource management.
Earning your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential makes you a recognized expert and leader in the HR field—and a valuable asset to your organization, keeping you and your organization more competitive in today's economy. This professional distinction sets you apart from your colleagues, proving your high level of knowledge and skills.
Resources
GMA SHRM Study Group - Certification prep sessions are free for members and intended for GMA SHRM members who are actively studying for their SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification exam.
GMA SHRM Certification Scholarship - Greater Madison Area SHRM, in partnership with the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UW-Madison, is offering two $500 scholarships to GMA SHRM members pursuing their SHRM certification. These scholarships are used to subsidize the cost of the SBDC’s certification prep course.
