How to Earn SHRM PDCs and Maintain Your HR Certification

How to Earn SHRM PDCs and Maintain Your Certification

Earning SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP is challenging, but staying certified might be harder. SHRM requires you to maintain your credential through professional development. Here's how to earn PDCs (Professional Development Credits) efficiently and keep your certification active.

PDC Requirements at a Glance

Every 3 years, you must earn 60 PDCs to recertify. Of those 60, at least 15 must come from SHRM-approved activities. The remaining 45 can come from a wider range of sources. PDCs come in three categories: Education, Continuing Education, and Engagement.

Earning PDCs Through Education

SHRM Conferences and Events: The annual SHRM Annual Conference & Exposition is the most efficient PDC source. In one 3-day event, you can earn 18-20+ PDCs. This is your shortcut. SHRM Online Courses: SHRM offers e-Learning courses (many approved for PDCs). Typical: 1-3 hours = 1-3 PDCs. University Courses: Bachelor's or master's degrees in HR, business, or related fields award significant PDCs upon completion (often 6-12 PDCs per course). Other Approved Conferences: HR conferences from state HR associations, industry-specific conferences, webinars from approved providers.

Earning PDCs Through Continuing Education

This category allows non-SHRM-approved sources but with limits. Examples: Professional Certifications: Earning a related certification (Project Management, Data Analytics, Leadership) can count for PDCs. College Courses: Non-degree courses at accredited institutions. On-the-Job Training: Formal training programs at your organization (leadership development, project management training) can count. Reading and Self-Study: Reading business books, taking online courses from providers like Coursera (non-SHRM), listening to HR podcasts. However, self-directed learning has limits—you can't earn all 60 PDCs this way.

Earning PDCs Through Engagement

Teaching and Speaking: If you teach an HR course or speak at a conference, you earn PDCs. Example: Teach a recruiting workshop = 2-5 PDCs. Speak at SHRM local chapter = 2 PDCs. Publishing and Research: Publishing articles, case studies, or research in HR-focused outlets can earn PDCs. Volunteer Leadership: Serving on an SHRM committee, being a SHRM volunteer, or leading professional associations can earn PDCs. Mentoring: Formally mentoring someone in HR (documented) can earn up to 5 PDCs per year.

The Efficient Path: How to Earn 60 PDCs in 3 Years

Path 1 (Conference-Heavy): Attend the SHRM Annual Conference (18-20 PDCs) once every 3 years. Take one SHRM e-Learning course per year (3 PDCs/year = 9 total). Earn the rest (13-15 PDCs) through continuing education (reading, on-the-job training, related certifications). Path 2 (Balanced): Take 2-3 SHRM e-Learning courses per year (6-9 PDCs/year = 18-27 over 3 years). Add continuing education from non-SHRM sources and engagement activities (teaching at your local SHRM chapter, mentoring). Path 3 (Speaking/Teaching): If you're willing to speak or teach, this can accelerate PDC accumulation. Give two 1-hour talks per year at SHRM local chapters (2 PDCs each = 12 total over 3 years). Supplement with courses and on-the-job learning.

Cost Considerations

Attending SHRM Annual Conference costs $2,000+ for registration plus travel. That's efficient for PDCs (20 PDCs = $100 per PDC), but expensive upfront. SHRM e-Learning courses cost $50-300 per course and grant 1-3 PDCs each. Reading books, listening to podcasts, and on-the-job learning are free or low-cost.

Tracking Your PDCs

SHRM provides a tracking system in your member portal. As you earn PDCs, report them and submit documentation (course completion certificates, conference attendance proofs, etc.). Keep records: save email confirmations, certificates, attendance documentation. At your 3-year recertification deadline, you'll submit your PDC transcript to SHRM for verification.

Alternative: Retake the Exam Instead of Earning PDCs

You have a choice: earn 60 PDCs every 3 years, or retake the SHRM-CP/SCP exam. If you're not building up PDCs and the deadline is approaching, you can register to retake the exam ($300/$400) instead. Many professionals do this occasionally rather than always earning PDCs.

Plan Early, Don't Rush

A common mistake: waiting until year 3 to start earning PDCs. By then, you're scrambling. Instead, earn about 20 PDCs per year consistently. This spreads the effort, prevents last-minute cramming, and ensures you stay current in your field. Read one HR book per quarter (free or cheap from libraries), attend your local SHRM chapter meetings, take one online course per year. You'll easily hit 60 PDCs with minimal stress.

Verification and Deadline Management

Your certification renewal deadline is exactly 3 years from when you passed the exam. You'll receive reminders from SHRM about 6 months before the deadline. If you miss the deadline, your certification lapses and you must retake the exam to recertify (you can't just make up PDCs after the deadline passes).

Official Information

SHRM's recertification details and PDC requirements: shrm.org/credentials/recertification. This page lists approved activities and PDC values.

Verification: PDC requirements, approved activities, and recertification deadlines reflect 2026 SHRM standards. SHRM updates approved activities and PDC values periodically; always check shrm.org/credentials/recertification for current information before planning your PDC strategy.

Learn more about SHRM certification in the SHRM-CP Coach.