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IMPORTANT! SHRM has moved to a new learning management system (LMS) so the process for submitting essays has changed. See the
UPLOAD section below for details.
Essay activities are free and open to all SHRM-certified professionals.
Review the important essay tips below or read the
FAQs before you start writing.
Please note the book quizzes were replaced with an essay activity beginning January 1, 2021.
WRITING
An essay must be about 500 words to meet the activity criteria.
The activity will prompt you to answer the question
"What lessons have you learned by reading this book and how will you apply them in your work?"
Do not write a book review or summary. Instead, focus on how the information has changed or will change your work, professional relationships, career plans, and perspective.
Try to submit your essay as soon as you finish reading the book; books no longer meeting the program criteria are
removed throughout the year.
UPLOAD
Important! Your essay cannot earn SHRM Certification PDCs unless you have registered for the book's eLearning essay activity through the link provided below. Please register now.
Important! The essay activity form does not count words, check spelling and grammar, or save draft versions of your writing. To protect against data loss and access text editing features, write and save your work on your own device then copy the text into the form.
1) click on the book title below2) add the free, no-cost eLearning activity to your SHRMStore cart and check out3) open the activity in your eLearning account4) read the directions in the activity description field
5) follow the link from the activity page to the essay form6) add your essay, agree to the terms, and submit the form.
EVALUATION
SHRM Books will review your essay within 14 calendar days of receipt.
Your essay will be evaluated for length and how well it answers the question.
There is no evaluation of punctuation or other technical aspects of your writing.
The SHRM Books program will either accept your essay or contact you directly with any questions.
SHRM Certification may select your essay for auditing and contact you for more information at your time of recertification.
PDCS
If your essay is accepted, your recertification record will be updated within 10 calendar days with the three PDCs earned for this activity.
If you prefer to self-report the completed activity to SHRM Certification, use the activity ID code located on the Certificate of Completion in your eLearning account.
QUESTIONS
Send questions about the essay activity or the Read-for-Certification Credit program to
books@shrm.org.
Books Leaving the Program
Books no longer meeting the program criteria are removed throughout the year.
Books removed from the program in 2022
47 Frequently Asked Questions About the Family and Medical Leave Act: With Answers from SHRM’s Knowledge Advisors
57 Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Safety and Security: With Answers from SHRM’s Knowledge Advisors
107 Frequently Asked Questions About Staffing Management: With Answers from SHRM's Knowledge Advisors
Ace Your SHRM Certification Exam: A Guide to Success on the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP Exams
California Employment Law: An Employer's Guide, Revised and Updated for 2021
Defining HR Success: 9 Critical Competencies for HR Professionals
Diverse Teams at Work: Capitalizing on the Power of Diversity
Measuring ROI in Employee Relations and Compliance: Case Studies in Diversity and Inclusion, Engagement, Compliance, and Flexible Working Arrangements
A Necessary Evil: Managing Employee Activity on Facebook, LinkedIn and the Hundreds of Other Social Media Sites
The SHRM Essential Guide to Employment Law: A Handbook for HR Professionals, Managers, Businesses, and Organizations, First Edition
Solving the Compensation Puzzle: Putting Together a Complete Pay and Performance System