SHRM Certification Prep+ Course

Human resources professionals recruit, screen and interview job applicants and place newly hired workers in jobs. According to a Payscale study, certified HR professionals are up to 25% more likely to get a promotion, boding well for any upward mobility you may be after.

Here's why earning your SHRM certification in 2026 is a career-defining move:

• SHRM-certified HR professionals report stronger credibility among peers and senior leadership, enhancing their influence within the organization.
• Passing the SHRM certification exam can lead to earnings that are 14–15% higher than those of non-certified HR peers.
• 71% of HR executives agree that SHRM certification increases the likelihood of obtaining a promotion in HR and list it as a preferred qualification.

Towson University’s SHRM Certification Prep+ Course is an interactive, engaging course that prepares students for HR related roles, including more senior human resources positions. This comprehensive course focuses on the skills needed to prepare for the SHRM-CP, and SHRM-SCP certification exams. For more information about the SHRM certification exam requirements, visit SHRM.org.

This course focuses on SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge^® (SHRM BASK^®).

• Leadership Cluster
  • Leadership & Navigation
  • Ethical Practice
  • Inclusive Mindset
• Interpersonal Cluster
  • Relationship Management
  • Communication
• Business Cluster
  • Business Acumen
  • Consultation
  • Analytical Aptitude
• People Knowledge Domain
  • HR Strategy
  • Talent Acquisition
  • Employee Engagement & Retention
  • Learning & Development
  • Total Rewards
• Organization Knowledge Domain
  • Structure of the HR Function
  • Organizational Effectiveness & Development
  • Workforce Management
  • Employee & Labor Relations
  • Technology Management
• Workplace Knowledge Domain
  • Managing a Global Workforce
  • Risk Management
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • U.S. Employment Law & Regulations

No prerequisites are required to take this course. However, the certifying body has requirements to take the certification exams.

• SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certification exam eligibility requirements

Upon completion, you’ll be prepared to sit for the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certification exams.

• Learn more and choose the right SHRM certification for you

Learn from highly experienced, SHRM-certified instructors with years of hands-on experience in HR.

Maria Green, DBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CEBS has over 20 years of human resources experience in healthcare, higher education, hospitality, and human services. She is currently Director of Human Resources at Melwood, where she manages HR administration including employee relations, benefits, compliance and HRIS.

Gina Pomilla, MBA, SHRM-SCP, GPHR is an HR leader specializing in global benefits and total rewards at the corporate level and is dedicated to leading change management initiatives and maximizing organizational efficiency. She currently serves as Director, Human Resources, Compensation, Retirement, Classification and Benefits, at District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS).

Listed are the technology requirements needed to enroll, and complete, our Human Resources Certification Prep Course.

Hardware Requirements

• This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
• Webcams are strongly recommended.

Software Requirements

• PC: Windows XP or later.
• Mac: OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word (not included in enrollment).
• Windows Media Player.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download the Acrobat Reader.
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.