How Many SHRM & HRCI Credits Do HR Generalists Need?
2/22/2026
Earning your professional certification is a landmark achievement in any HR career. It validates your knowledge, enhances your credibility, and opens doors to new opportunities. But earning the certification is just the beginning. To maintain your credentials from respected bodies like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), you must engage in continuous learning. This is where recertification credits come into play.
Understanding the requirements for SHRM and HRCI credits can feel complicated. How many do you need? What activities qualify? How can you earn them efficiently? This guide will demystify the process for HR Generalists, explaining why these credits are crucial and how you can meet your requirements while gaining valuable, career-boosting knowledge.
Why Recertification Credits Are Essential for HR Professionals
Recertification is more than just a box to check. It is a structured commitment to staying current in a field that is constantly changing. Employment laws evolve, new technologies emerge, and best practices for managing people are always being refined.
Key benefits of maintaining your certification include:
- Ensuring Legal Compliance: Staying updated on laws like FMLA, ADA, and FLSA is not optional. Continuous education helps you protect your organization from costly fines and legal disputes.
- Boosting Professional Credibility: An active certification signals to employers, colleagues, and clients that you are a dedicated professional committed to excellence. Many companies specifically seek out certified HR professionals.
- Enhancing Your Skills: Quality professional development programs provide you with new strategies and practical tools that you can apply directly to your role, making you a more effective and valuable HR practitioner.
- Advancing Your Career: According to recent surveys, certified HR professionals often earn more than their non-certified peers and are more likely to be considered for promotions.
Breaking Down the Credit Requirements
Both SHRM and HRCI require certificants to accumulate a specific number of professional development credits over a three-year recertification cycle. While the core idea is the same, the specific requirements differ slightly.
SHRM Recertification: Professional Development Credits (PDCs)
If you hold a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential, you need to earn 60 PDCs every three years.
SHRM encourages a well-rounded approach to development. PDCs can be earned through various activities, including attending seminars, taking courses, volunteering, or even on-the-job projects. The key is that the activities must align with the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK).
HRCI Recertification: Recertification Credits
HRCI offers several certifications, with the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) being among the most common. The requirements are as follows:
- PHR: You need 60 recertification credits every three years.
- SPHR: You also need 60 recertification credits every three years, but at least 15 of those credits must be in the "Business" category.
Like SHRM, HRCI allows credits to be earned through a wide range of professional development activities, such as workshops, conferences, and online learning.
An Efficient Way to Earn a Substantial Number of Credits
Earning 60 credits over three years may seem daunting, but strategic planning can make it manageable. One of the most effective ways to meet a large portion of your requirement is by attending a comprehensive, pre-approved seminar.
The HR Generalist Certificate Program is an ideal solution. This immersive three-day course is designed to cover the most critical areas of human resources, from compliance and employee relations to HR strategy.
Because of its comprehensive and high-quality curriculum, this program is pre-approved to provide:
- 18 SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs)
- 18 HRCI Recertification Credits
By completing this single program, you can satisfy nearly one-third of your entire three-year recertification requirement in just three days. This is an incredibly efficient way to make significant progress toward your goal. Furthermore, the program often includes bonus online courses that offer even more credits, maximizing the value of your investment.
Amy Hodge, a past participant, confirms the program's value: "I would highly recommend this seminar to anyone in the HR profession...this course contains a wealth of information that anyone can benefit from." You can find more feedback on our testimonials page.
More Than Just Credits: A Foundation for Success
While earning 18 credits is a major benefit, the true value of the HR Generalist Certificate Program lies in the knowledge you gain. Taught by seasoned HR experts, the seminar provides practical, actionable insights you can implement immediately. You will leave with a deeper understanding of employment law, enhanced employee management skills, and a strategic perspective that will elevate your contribution to your organization.
Since this program is offered both in-person and via live video conference, you can choose the format that best fits your schedule and learning style. Check the HR Seminar Calendar to find an upcoming session that works for you.
Plan Your Professional Development Today
Maintaining your SHRM or HRCI certification is a vital part of a successful HR career. By choosing high-quality, pre-approved programs, you can earn your required credits efficiently while gaining knowledge that makes you a better HR professional.
Investing in a program that provides a substantial number of credits, like the HR Generalist Certificate Program, is a smart and strategic move. If you have any questions about recertification credits or our course offerings, please contact us. We are committed to supporting your professional journey every step of the way.
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