SHRM-CP pass rate & how retakes work
There is no official published pass rate for the SHRM-CP exam — like most licensing exams, results are reported as pass or fail, so any specific "SHRM-CP pass rate" figure online is an unofficial estimate, not a number from the exam authority. What is defined is the passing score: you must score Scaled score of 200. If you don't pass, you can retake the exam.
Is there a published SHRM-CP pass rate?
No. The exam authority reports each candidate's result only as pass or fail and does not release an official first-time or overall pass rate. Any exact "SHRM-CPpass rate" figure you see online is an unofficial estimate, not a number from the authority.
The one "pass" number that is actually defined is the passing score — Scaled score of 200. That is a passing SCORE, not a pass RATE, and the two are easy to confuse.
SHRM-CP facts
How many times can you retake the SHRM-CP exam?
There is generally no fixed lifetime cap. Here is how retakes work:
- If you don't pass, you can retake the exam. Each attempt generally requires registering (and paying any exam fee) again.
- The exam authority sets the retake policy, including any required waiting period between attempts. Confirm the exact wait on the official site before you rebook.
- You can prepare between attempts with unlimited free practice — PrepPass has 22+ free SHRM-CP practice questions with explanations.
The best way to pass on the first try
Retakes cost time and, often, another exam fee — so the goal is to pass the first time. The most reliable way is to practice real questions until you consistently clear the passing mark. PrepPass has 22+ free SHRM-CP practice questions with answer explanations and a full timed mock exam — no signup required.
Want the full picture of the difficulty and the content areas?
See how hard the SHRM-CP exam is →Frequently asked questions
What is the SHRM-CP pass rate?+
There is no official published pass rate — results are reported only as pass or fail. Any specific pass-rate percentage online is an unofficial estimate.
What score do you need to pass the SHRM-CP exam?+
You need to score Scaled score of 200.
What happens if you fail the SHRM-CP exam?+
You can retake it. The authority may require a waiting period between attempts, so check the official page for the current rule. Studying real practice questions until you consistently clear the passing mark is the most reliable way to pass the next attempt.
Scoring and retake rules — confirm on the official authority:
SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) →Last updated: August 2026