What does SHRM stand for? SHRM stands for the Society for Human Resource Management. It is a US-based professional association for human resources (HR) professionals that offers training, research, HR templates and two well-known certifications, the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP. Most people pronounce it “shurm.”
What does SHRM mean at work?
When HR people mention SHRM, they’re usually talking about one of three things:
- The organization: a membership association for HR professionals, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia.
- Its resources: articles, policy templates, job description samples, survey reports and legal updates that HR teams use day to day.
- Its certifications: SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP, which appear after many HR professionals’ names and in job postings.
SHRM traces its roots to 1948, when it began as the American Society for Personnel Administration. It took the SHRM name in 1989. Today it is one of the best-known HR associations in the world, with members and local chapters across the US and other countries.
SHRM is not a government agency. Its guidance can be very useful, but laws are set and enforced by agencies such as the Department of Labor and the EEOC.
SHRM-CP vs SHRM-SCP
| Certification | Stands for | Aimed at |
|---|---|---|
| SHRM-CP | SHRM Certified Professional | HR professionals in operational roles who carry out policies and serve as day-to-day HR contacts |
| SHRM-SCP | SHRM Senior Certified Professional | Senior HR leaders who set strategy and lead HR functions |
Both require passing an exam. To keep the credential, holders recertify on a three-year cycle by earning professional development credits through courses, conferences and on-the-job learning. SHRM publishes current eligibility rules and exam dates on its website. Another common HR credential is the PHR or SPHR from HRCI, a separate organization.
Examples of SHRM in emails and messages
Job posting: “HR Business Partner – SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP preferred.”
Email signature: “Jamie Torres, SHRM-SCP | Director of People”
HR Slack: “I found a SHRM template for remote work policies we can adapt.”
Manager: “Our HR manager is going to the SHRM annual conference next month.”
How to use SHRM correctly
- Write the credential after the name: “Alex Kim, SHRM-CP.”
- Use SHRM resources as a starting point. Adapt templates to your company and state laws.
- Check legal questions against official sources. SHRM explains laws, but agencies and lawyers have the final word.
- Say “SHRM” not “the SHRM” in casual use: “I read it on SHRM.”
- Consider certification for HR career growth. Many employers list it as preferred for HR roles.
Related terms
See more in our HR, Hiring and Leave hub.
FAQ
What does SHRM stand for?
SHRM stands for the Society for Human Resource Management, a professional association for HR professionals.
How do you pronounce SHRM?
Most people say “shurm,” rhyming with “term.” Some spell out the letters, S-H-R-M.
What is SHRM certification?
SHRM offers two main certifications: SHRM-CP for operational HR professionals and SHRM-SCP for senior HR leaders. Both require an exam and ongoing credits.
Is SHRM a government agency?
No. SHRM is a private, membership-based professional association. Employment laws are enforced by agencies like the Department of Labor and the EEOC.
What is the difference between SHRM and HRCI?
Both offer HR certifications. SHRM offers the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP, while HRCI offers credentials such as the PHR and SPHR.
