2026 SHRM Specialty Credential Grant
Ends on
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 December 31, 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. Please note: The grant covers the cost of one SHRM Specialty Credential. Travel, lodging, and other expenses associated with attending an in-person seminar are not covered by this grant. 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: