SHRM Exam Prep
Prepare for SHRM-CP/SCP Certification and Career Advancement in UTC's 11-Week, Live-Online Course
Financial aid options available
Course At A Glance
Format:
Live-Online
Length:
Eleven Weeks
Program Hours:
33 Contact Hours
CEUs:
3.3
Meeting Days and Times:
September 3, 2025 - November 12, 2025
Wednesdays, 5:30pm-8:30pm EST
Orientation: Monday, September 1, 2025 - 5:30pm-7pm
Registration Deadline:
August 27, 2025
Price:
$1,549
Includes digital SHRM Learning System materials. The cost of the exam is not included.
CPE is now offering payment plans for this course! Additionally, we offer Sallie Mae loans, employer payment options.
We provide a template that you may use to request course funding from your employer. The letter highlights organizational benefits for employers whose employees participate.
Do You Still Have Questions?
Questions regarding various program logistics can be found on our SHRM FAQs page.
If you have further questions after reviewing the FAQs, schedule a call with our SHRM program coordinator or email [email protected].
Become an In-Demand HR Leader With UTC!
Wondering how to prepare for SHRM certification? UTC and Southeast TN SHRM have partnered together to offer a SHRM certification course! Our goal is to empower you with HR knowledge and strengthen your real-world value to yourself, your organization and your future.
Who Should Enroll?
The SHRM certification course is perfect any HR professional interested in furthering their career through professional certification. Common titles of participants include HR managers, HR generalists, HR analysts and more.
Earning SHRM-CP recommends a level of HR experience, and earning SHRM-SCP requires a level of HR experience.
What is SHRM? What does SHRM Stand For?
Students often ask, “What is SHRM? What does SHRM stand for?” SHRM is the Society of Human Resource Management. SHRM is the largest HR membership worldwide and is known as an industry leader in HR professional development. SHRM issues SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certification. Their mission is to empower people and workplaces by advancing HR practices and maximizing human potential.
For more than 70 years, HR professionals around the world have looked to add SHRM credentials to their resumes and accelerate their careers.
What is the Difference Between SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP Certification?
SHRM-CP certification stands for SHRM Certified Professional. The SHRM-CP certification is for HR professionals functioning at the operational level performing duties such as implementing HR policies, supporting day-to-day HR functions or serving as an HR point of contact for staff and/or stakeholders. Perfect for tactical HR professionals.
SHRM-SCP certification stands for SHRM Senior Certified Professional. The SHRM-SCP certification is for HR professionals functioning at the strategic level performing duties such as developing HR policies and strategies, overseeing the execution of integrated HR operations or directing an entire HR enterprise. Perfect for strategic HR professionals.
I Want This Certification! But Why Should I Prep With UTC?
- The virtual model allows you to learn from anywhere!
- With UTC, your SHRM exam prep lasts 11 weeks. While each individual differs in how much time they need to study after the course, the classroom training gives you adequate time to prepare as a group without dragging out the process for months.
- UTC has a strong brand and is ranked among the top 10 of all colleges and universities in Tennessee.
- The class size of 20 is small enough to allow individuals to receive the personalized attention they need from the instructor but large enough to network with a number of other professionals.
Learn From a SHRM Education Partner
UTC is a proud SHRM Education Partner, meaning that our course content directly aligns with the exam. When you choose UTC, you are choosing quality.
As part of your enrollment, you will receive the official SHRM Learning System, which is based on the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK™).
Is SHRM Certification Worth It?
YES! SHRM certification benefits you and your organization.
- SHRM certification delivers personal benefits. SHRM research shows that HR professionals who earn the SHRM certification report higher salaries—14-15% higher than their peers without a certification.
- SHRM certification proves you work smarter. It shows that you have the skills to drive business results and increase your organization’s impact in the office and around the world.
- SHRM certification adds value. Your credentials demonstrate you have the specific skills employers seek, dedication to excellence and the capacity to perform at the highest levels.
How You Will Benefit
- Access to flashcards, practice exams and hundreds of practice questions
- Learn from an expert instructor who use real-life examples to facilitate success
- Network with fellow HR professionals and build study groups
- Acquire relevant worldwide global standards from the global SHRM BASK™
- Prepare to assume greater leadership roles and contribute to the strategic direction of your organization
- Bring new ideas to your organization that will help drive success
What You Will Learn
The SHRM Learning System consists of four learning modules that are based on the SHRM Body of Applied Skills & Knowledge™ (SHRM BASK™). The information is broken down into consumable topics to ensure you understand and can apply it on the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam and in everyday practice.
- HR Competencies
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- Leadership and Navigation
- Ethical Practice
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Relationship Management
- Communication
- Global Mindset
- Business Acumen
- Consultation
- Analytical Aptitude
- People
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- HR Strategy
- Talent Acquisition
- Employee Engagement and Retention
- Learning and Development
- Total Rewards
- Organization
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- Structure of the HR Function
- Organizational Effectiveness and Development
- Workforce Management
- Employee and Labor Relations
- Technology Management
- Workplace
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- Managing a Global Workforce
- Risk Management
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- U.S. Employment Law and Regulations
How Much Money Can I Make With SHRM Certification?
A few common SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP job titles and salary averages are:
- HR Manager salary: $72,713
- HR Generalist salary: $58,551
- Senior HR Specialist salary: $56,799
- Talent Acquisition Specialist salary: $60,798
- HR Director salary: $90,092
- HR Business Partner salary: $77,038
- Director of Human Resources salary: $96,988
What is the SHRM Certification Exam Cost?
The exam fee for SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certifications ranges from $335 to $510. Visit SHRM’s website to see student, early-bird and military exam fees.
How Does SHRM Recertification Work?
After all your hard work to earn your SHRM certification, you want to make sure to keep it!
There is a three-year recertification cycle for SHRM recertification. There are two ways to recertify:
- Earn 60 professional development credits (PDCs) within your three-year recertification cycle; OR
- Retake the certification exam within the last year of your recertification cycle.
Learn more about SHRM recertification on SHRM’s website.
Learn more about SHRM
Meet the Instructor
Lisa Atkins, SPHR, SHRM-CP
Originally from Middle Tennessee, Lisa has called the Chattanooga area home since 2001. She began her academic journey at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as a pre-nursing major and earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bryan College in 2015. Over the years, Lisa has gained valuable experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, excelling in roles that allow her to connect with and inspire others to reach their full potential. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology at Liberty University, Lisa is expanding her expertise in helping individuals and organizations thrive.
In 2019, Lisa earned the SHRM-CP credential, followed by the SPHR credential in 2023. She served on the Southeast Tennessee SHRM Board of Directors from 2020 to 2024, holding positions as secretary and, most recently, communications director. In 2022, Lisa was honored to be selected for the prestigious Leadership Chattanooga program, a leadership development and civic engagement initiative for accomplished professionals in the region. She currently serves as a board member and the curator of content for the UNFoundation, furthering her dedication to community service.
Outside of her professional and community endeavors, Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband, Brian, and their dog, Penny. She has a love for baking, especially cheesecake, and is passionate about crafting, creating everything from personalized invitations to custom Christmas ornaments. Lisa also enjoys spending time outdoors and hiking, finding peace and adventure in nature.
SHRM Resources
Not Sure Where to Start?
Schedule a call with one of our program coordinators, and they can guide you through course eligibility, curriculum and benefits.
Certification
To learn more about SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP Certification, testing windows and to download the Certification Handbook, visit the SHRM website →.
Southeast TN SHRM
Connect with the local SHRM affiliate chapter →
Financial Aid
Learn more about financial aid →