The SHRM Foundation offers professional grants to SHRM members seeking their SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification. This grant awards one SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification exam as well as SHRM's online Learning System.

Eligibility

• Current SHRM member (professional or student membership must be active through April 30, 2026)
• Meet eligibility requirements for SHRM Certification. Please carefully review the requirements before applying.
• You must test in one of the exam windows Spring 2026 (May – July 2026) or Winter 2026 (December 2026 – February 2027) windows.
• Must NOT have access to the SHRM CP/SCP learning system or be registered to take the exam

How to Apply

Complete online application including:

• Contact information
• Short answer questions about academic/training and career experience and your need for the grant
• Current resume (or academic transcript if applicable)
• One letter of reference (letter may be addressed to the 'SHRM Foundation Grant Review Committee' and should provide insight into your character, academic or career and volunteer accomplishments, work ethic, and values. May be written by work or volunteer colleague, professor, coach, etc., but should not come from a family member)
• All applicants will receive a decision via email 8 weeks after the application deadline.

Please print your application for your records before you submit it. Once you submit your application, the SHRM Foundation will not be able to return it to you, in whole or in part, for any reason.

Selection Criteria

*Applicants must request all recommendation letters through our application system. SHRM Foundation cannot accept recommendation letters directly from applicants. We encourage applicants to request recommendation letters early in the application process. Please note, you may submit your application without a letter of recommendation; however, this may result in a lower score.

Applications are reviewed and scored by groups of SHRM volunteers and are reviewed by staff. All decisions are final. Each grant is a one-time grant, however previous applicants and past recipients are eligible to re-apply. Receiving a grant previously is not a guarantee of receiving a future grant.

Grant Distribution

All applicants will receive a decision via email 8 weeks after the application deadline. If you are selected to receive a SHRM Foundation Certification grant, you will receive access to the SHRM online Learning System and exam for the SHRM Certification for which you are eligible (SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP). Please note that these components are awarded as a package and cannot be separated. The exam must be taken in one of the following testing Windows: Winter 2025-2026 (December 2025 – February 2026) or Spring 2025 (May – July 2026). If you do not use your Certification grant in either testing windows, you will have to reapply for a new grant, with no guarantee of receiving a new award. 

Please note, virtual testing has been discontinued and exam takers will need to confirm the nearest testing site. Please use this link to find a testing center near you, prior to applying. The SHRM Foundation does not reimburse for travel to a testing site, certification exam fees, learning system fees, transfer fees, or any associated expenses. SHRM/SHRM Foundation employees or board members and the immediate family are not eligible to apply for SHRM Foundation Scholarships, Grants, or Awards.

Build specialized knowledge and expand your influence by earning a SHRM Specialty Credential. These credentials allow HR professionals to demonstrate targeted competence in several key areas while enhancing credibility among peers and employers. Earning a SHRM Specialty Credential is an investment in your continued career development and can be accomplished by engaging in content-specific, competency-based education and achieving a successful score on an online assessment. The SHRM Foundation offers professional grants to SHRM members seeking a SHRM Specialty Credential. This grant awards access to the course of your chosen credential through the SHRM online Learning System. A full list of available credentials is available here.

Eligibility

• Current SHRM member (professional or student membership must be active through April 30, 2026)
• Before applying, take time to carefully review the eligibility criteria and requirements for your chosen credential
• Must NOT be registered for the Specialty Credential for which you are applying. This grant does not provide refunds for courses or materials already purchased. Please confirm your eligibility before submitting your application.

How to Apply

Complete online application including:

• Contact information
• Short answer questions about HR experience, career goals and your need for the grant
• Current resume (or academic transcript if applicable)
• One letter of reference (letter may be addressed to the 'SHRM Foundation Grant Review Committee' and should provide insight into your character, academic or career and volunteer accomplishments, work ethic, and values. May be written by work or volunteer colleague, professor, mentor, etc., but should not come from a family member or friend)
• All applicants will receive a decision via email 8 weeks after the application deadline.

Selection Criteria

Applicants must request all recommendation letters through our application system. The SHRM Foundation cannot accept recommendation letters directly from applicants. We encourage applicants to request recommendation letters early in the application process. Please note, you may submit your application without a letter of recommendation; however, this may result in a lower score.

Applications are reviewed and scored by groups of SHRM volunteers and are reviewed by staff. All decisions are final. Each grant is a one-time grant, however previous applicants and past recipients are eligible to re-apply. Receiving a grant previously is not a guarantee of receiving a future grant.

Grant Distribution

All applicants will receive a decision via email 8 weeks after the application deadline. If you are selected to receive a SHRM Foundation Specialty Credential grant, you will receive access to the SHRM online Learning System.   Recipients must satisfactorily complete the entire Credential package, including all learning components and the assessment in order to receive the Credential.  Access to the learning package and recipients use of the credential, if awarded, shall be subject to credential terms and conditions presented to all end users upon accessing the learning materials.

Questions:

ShrmScholarships@shrm.org