Regret getting a SHRM certification
Many professionals feel let down after earning a SHRM certification once they learn more about the issuing organization and its reputation. This leaves them feeling stuck with a credential they are reluctant to maintain or proud to display on their resumes.
What the numbers show
Counted from the threads quoted below. How we count
- The most recent one is from September 2026.
- This comes up 82.9× more often in r/humanresources than across the site as a whole.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1letting memberships lapse without renewalDid this help you?
- 2getting alternative certifications insteadDid this help you?
- 3putting the contested certification on a resume while regretting itDid this help you?
- 4relying on work experience and results on a resumeDid this help you?
- 5pursuing full degrees like a masters insteadDid this help you?
- 6networking and building a reputationDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I regret going for SHRM last year instead of PHR”source ↗
“Same same. Got my SHRM-CP several years ago and I do believe it opened doors professionally. I passed a test, no biggie, BUT it really felt like I had more credibility immediately as silly as that may sound. My membership is up for renewal in January and I won’t be renewing.”source ↗
“I personally got a SHRM cert before I realized what they were and I’m not paying or studying for an HRCI now, but it kinda sucks to put on your resume.”source ↗
“Same, I got mine in July , was so proud to now realise what a shitshow they are”source ↗
“Has anyone here completed this certificate? Did it help improve your work or help you get a promotion or a raise? I'm looking to enroll in this program because realistically its the most affordable I can find, and I'm wondering if it's worthwhile or if there's a better certificate you would recommend.”source ↗
“I found out last week I'm like 8 education credits and 20 volunteer hours away form qualifying for my CFRE exam. I'm...not sure what to do lol. Of course AFP is pushing me to take the exam, but I keep having this hesitation of 'is this for ME or my org?' and I don't know what the answer is...”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 3What salary bump can I expect after getting my CPA?
- 6Why am I paying for professional certs that barely increase my pay?
- 16Why are corporate accounting manager salaries so low?
- 2Will past job mistakes block my professional license?
- 50Are professional certifications actually worth the money for a promotion?
- 6Why are continuing education webinars just sales pitches?