SHRM-CP Practice Test 2026 — Free SHRM-CP Exam Prep Questions
The SHRM-CP is SHRM's credential for HR professionals working at the operational level: implementing policies, serving as an HR point of contact and running day-to-day HR functions. Our practice mixes situational-judgment scenarios with knowledge items across the 2026 SHRM BASK behavioral competency clusters and the People, Organization and Workplace knowledge domains.
A sales employee alleges that her supervisor harassed her for several months. She suffered no demotion, firing or pay loss, and she never used the company's well-publicized complaint procedure, which offers several reporting channels. Under Title VII case law, what is the employer's position?
SHRM-CP format, scoring & key facts
Computer-based, in person at Prometric test centers. Two separately timed sections of up to 110 minutes each, and you cannot return to Section 1.
| Content weights | Behavioral Competency Clusters: Leadership 19%, Business 17.5%, Interpersonal 13.5%. HR Knowledge Domains: People 19%, Organization 18%, Workplace 13%. |
|---|---|
| Item-type mix | Situational judgment 40%, foundational knowledge (behavioral competencies) 10%, HR-specific knowledge 50% |
| 2026 BASK change | Inclusion & Diversity and Global Mindset are combined into one Leadership competency, Inclusive Mindset. That leaves 8 behavioral competencies: Leadership & Navigation, Ethical Practice, Inclusive Mindset, Relationship Management, Communication, Business Acumen, Consultation, Analytical Aptitude. |
| Functional areas | 14 areas. People: HR Strategy, Talent Acquisition, Employee Engagement & Retention, Learning & Development, Total Rewards. Organization: Structure of the HR Function, Organizational Effectiveness & Development, Workforce Management, Employee & Labor Relations, Technology Management. Workplace: Managing a Global Workforce, Risk Management, Corporate Social Responsibility, U.S. Employment Law & Regulations. |
| SJI keying | Panels of SHRM-certified subject-matter experts set the single most effective response using BASK proficiency indicators. The other options range from somewhat effective to ineffective. |
| Field-test items | 24 unscored items are mixed in at random, so you can't tell them apart from scored ones |
| Seat time | 4 hours in total, including 220 minutes of testing plus the confidentiality reminder, tutorial and survey |
| Recent pass rate | SHRM-CP global pass rate was 68% for May–July 2025 and 67% for Dec. 2024 – Feb. 2025 |
Facts last verified Oct 17, 2026. Source: www.shrm.org/credentials/certification/shrm-cp. Always confirm details with SHRM before your exam.
When can you take the SHRM-CP?
SHRM offers two testing windows a year. First window: testing May 1 – July 15, 2026. Second window: testing Dec. 1, 2026 – Feb. 15, 2027, with early-bird applications June 3 – Aug. 31, 2026 and standard applications Sept. 1 – Dec. 24, 2026 (deadline 11:59 p.m. ET). You can transfer once to the next window for US$150. Prometric charges US$45 to reschedule or cancel more than 30 days ahead and US$60 for 5–29 days ahead; changes within 5 days aren't allowed.
What the SHRM-CP covers
Every PrepBanq SHRM-CP test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
LeadershipBehavioral cluster: Leadership & Navigation, Ethical Practice and Inclusive Mindset. | 19% | ~21 | 28 questions → |
InterpersonalBehavioral cluster: Relationship Management (networking, teamwork, negotiation, conflict) and Communication. | 13.5% | ~15 | 20 questions → |
BusinessBehavioral cluster: Business Acumen, Consultation and Analytical Aptitude. | 17.5% | ~19 | 26 questions → |
PeopleHR knowledge: HR Strategy, Talent Acquisition, Employee Engagement & Retention, Learning & Development, Total Rewards. | 19% | ~21 | 29 questions → |
OrganizationHR knowledge: Structure of the HR Function, Organizational Effectiveness & Development, Workforce Management, Employee & Labor Relations, Technology Management. | 18% | ~20 | 27 questions → |
WorkplaceHR knowledge: Managing a Global Workforce, Risk Management, Corporate Social Responsibility, U.S. Employment Law & Regulations. | 13% | ~14 | 20 questions → |
How to register for the SHRM-CP
- 1Choose your levelPick SHRM-CP if your HR work is operational (implementing policy, day-to-day HR, point of contact), and review the 2026 SHRM BASK.
- 2Apply and pay onlineDuring an open application period, apply at shrm.org/certification, select the exam window, complete the application and pay by Visa, Mastercard or American Express. Request any accommodations now.
- 3Receive your ATT letterYour Authorization to Test letter arrives by email within about 10 business days. It can take longer if your application is randomly selected for eligibility verification.
- 4Schedule with PrometricBook a test-center appointment at prometric.com/shrm or 888.736.0134 for a date within your testing window.
- 5Take the examBring a matching government photo ID. You answer 134 questions in two 110-minute sections, within about 4 hours of seat time.
- 6Get results and recertifyYou see a preliminary result on the day, and the official report follows in 2–3 weeks. Keep the credential by earning 60 PDCs every 3 years.
Eligibility
No HR title, degree or prior HR experience is required, and you don't need SHRM membership or a current job. SHRM recommends a basic working knowledge of HR. The exam is aimed at operational HR work, such as implementing policy, supporting day-to-day HR functions and serving as an HR point of contact.
What to bring
- An unexpired, original government-issued photo ID with a signature. The name must exactly match your Authorization to Test (ATT) letter. If the primary ID lacks a photo or signature, bring a secondary ID with the same name that supplies it. Lockers are provided for personal items.
Retake policy
You cannot retest in the same window. To retake, apply as a new candidate for a later window and pay the full exam fee. There is no limit on the number of attempts.
Testing accommodations
Request accommodations when you apply by submitting SHRM's Testing and Certification Accommodations Request Form. They cannot be added to an existing appointment, and there is no fee. Don't send medical records. To schedule with accommodations, call Prometric at 800.967.1139.
Score release
You get a preliminary pass/did-not-pass result at the test center. About 2–3 weeks later, an email tells you to retrieve your official Candidate Score and Feedback Report from the SHRM Certification Portal.
Credential renewal
Valid for 3 years. Recertify by earning 60 professional development credits (PDCs) per 3-year cycle or by retaking the exam.
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SHRM-CP FAQ
How many questions are on the SHRM-CP?
The SHRM-CP has 134 questions (110 of them scored) and you have 3 hours 40 minutes to finish. Question types: Four-option multiple choice. 80 are stand-alone knowledge items: HR-specific knowledge items on the 14 functional areas (50% of the exam) and foundational knowledge items on the behavioral competencies (10%). 54 are situational judgment items (40%), where a realistic work scenario leads into 2–3 questions and only the most effective course of action earns credit. 24 of the 134 items are unscored field-test items, mixed in at random..
How long is the SHRM-CP exam?
Testing time for the SHRM-CP is 3 hours 40 minutes. No scheduled breaks. You may take one optional 15-minute break, but the exam clock keeps running.
What is the passing score for the SHRM-CP?
SHRM-CP passing standard: Scaled score of 200, the maximum. The cut score is set with the Modified Angoff method. Score range: 120–200 (scaled).
How much does the SHRM-CP cost?
The SHRM-CP registration fee is Current SHRM pricing (in effect from June 3, 2026): members US$350 early-bird / US$399 standard; nonmembers US$450 early-bird / US$499 standard. Early-bird prices include a US$50 nonrefundable application fee; standard prices add a US$49 nonrefundable standard-deadline fee. Student and military rates are lower. Moving to the next window costs US$150.. Check the official site for current fees before you register.
What is on the SHRM-CP?
The SHRM-CP covers Leadership (about 19%), Interpersonal (about 13.5%), Business (about 17.5%), People (about 19%), Organization (about 18%), Workplace (about 13%).
Who administers the SHRM-CP?
The SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) Exam is administered by SHRM. Delivery: Computer-based, in person at Prometric test centers. Two separately timed sections of up to 110 minutes each, and you cannot return to Section 1..
Can you retake the SHRM-CP?
You cannot retest in the same window. To retake, apply as a new candidate for a later window and pay the full exam fee. There is no limit on the number of attempts.
Is there a free SHRM-CP practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 15 free SHRM-CP practice tests with 150 exam-style questions in the real SHRM-CP formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
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