SHRM-CP Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the SHRM-CP exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 SHRM-CP Exam Format at a Glance
📚 SHRM-CP Topics to Study (23)
✍️ Sample SHRM-CP Questions & Answers
1. Which law requires employers to verify the identity and employment authorization of every employee hired in the United States?
IRCA requires all US employers to complete Form I-9 to verify the employment eligibility of every person they hire, regardless of citizenship.
2. Which of the following best describes the 'just cause' standard for employee termination?
Just cause requires employers to have a legitimate, documented reason for termination and to follow fair, consistent procedures before acting.
3. Which selection tool should be used to fill a vacancy that requires managing multiple priorities and working under pressure?
Explanation: Behavioral assessments provide a systematic evaluation of candidate personality profiles used to gauge the viability of a candidate based on things like work style and potential, which are useful when trying to gauge whether a candidate can manage multiple priorities and work under pressure. This is based on the assumption that past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior.
4. Coaching as an HR development intervention differs from mentoring primarily because coaching:
Coaching is goal-directed and structured, focused on improving specific competencies or performance outcomes within a defined timeframe.
5. A competency model in talent management defines:
Competency models describe the full profile of capabilities and behaviors associated with high performance, guiding hiring, development, and performance management.
6. Which learning delivery method is MOST appropriate for developing complex problem-solving skills in a realistic context?
Case studies and simulations replicate real-world complexity, requiring learners to apply knowledge and judgment in scenarios that mirror actual job challenges.