How to Earn SHRM RCH Credits Online: Courses, Webinars, and Conferences

Did you know you need to earn 60 PDCs in a three-year recertification cycle to keep your SHRM RCH Credits active?

SHRM-CP holders must complete 60 credits, and SHRM-SCP certification requires 80 credits to stay current. These requirements can feel daunting, especially with your busy HR schedule.

The good news? Getting your SHRM recertification credits can be straightforward. Online options are now more available than ever. Many HR professionals find online courses and webinars the most convenient way to earn their required credits.

This blog will guide you through your SHRM continuing education credits experience. You'll learn everything about the three main categories of qualified activities (Advance Your Education, Advance Your Organization, and Advance Your Profession). We'll also show you the quickest ways to meet your certification requirements through various online learning platforms.

Want to make your SHRM PDC credits process easier? Let's take a closer look at the best strategies to earn your credits online!

Understand SHRM RCH and Recertification Requirements

HR professionals need to understand SHRM recertification basics to keep their credentials current. Let's look at these credits and how you can earn them.

What are SHRM RCH and PDC credits?

SHRM RCH (Recertification Credit Hours) and PDC (Professional Development Credits) measure your continuing professional education activities. These SHRM RCH credits show your growth as an HR professional and help you stay updated with industry trends, legislation, and best practices. PDCs serve as the official units SHRM uses to calculate professional growth activities that arrange with the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge® (SHRM BASK®).

Also Read: How to Get Free CPA CPE Courses: A Step-by-Step Guide

How many credits are needed for recertification?

You must complete 60 PDCs within your three-year recertification cycle to keep your SHRM certification. Your cycle starts right after you earn certification and ends on the last day of your birth month three years later.

SHRM lets you carry over up to 20 PDCs to your next recertification cycle if you earn extra credits. You get a 60-day grace period if you miss your recertification deadline, but you'll need to pay an additional fee.

MYCPE ONE suggests you track credits regularly throughout your cycle instead of cramming at the end.

Types of qualifying activities

SHRM divides qualifying activities into three main categories

1. Advance Your Education (no maximum PDCs per cycle)

• Conferences, seminars, and workshops
• E-learning and self-paced programs
• College/university courses
• Webinars and podcasts

2. Advance Your Organization (30 PDC maximum per cycle)

Work-related HR projects:

• 10 PDCs for projects with 40+ hours of work
• 20 PDCs for projects with 80+ hours of work
• 30 PDCs for projects with 120+ hours of work

3. Advance Your Profession (30 PDC maximum per cycle)

• Volunteering with HR organizations
• Presenting educational content
• Publishing HR-related content
• Mentoring in formal HR programs

Your qualifying activities must connect to HR behavioral competencies or knowledge domains in the SHRM BASK®. Each 15-minute segment of qualifying educational activity equals 0.25 PDCs.

Also Read: 5 Top-Rated Online CPE Platforms CPAs Actually Use

Earn SHRM Credits Through Online Learning

Online learning has become the quickest way for busy HR professionals to earn SHRM RCH credits while keeping their work schedules intact. You can now get your PDCs from anywhere since digital options are accessible to more people.

SHRM-approved online courses and platforms

These reputable platforms offer SHRM-recognized courses that count toward your recertification:

• Coursera has SHRM's official recognition to offer Professional Development Credits for SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. Their carefully selected courses and specializations give you focused learning that meets SHRM requirements.
• Advanced Innovation Group Pro Excellence (AIGPE) stands as a "provider of choice" with Provider ID RP9220. You can earn PDCs through their courses while building skills in Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen methodologies.
• SHRM's own eLearning platform features courses worth 1-5 PDCs each. Their Learning System gives you detailed exam preparation and teaches the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge when you want it.

Webinars and virtual workshops

Webinars are another great way to earn credits:

SHRM runs expert-led webinars both live and on-demand, with each session worth 1 PDC. Non-members pay $75 to $149 per webinar, but membership ($299 annually) lets you access all webinars.

Compliance Prime delivers HR-specific webinars certified by both HRCI and SHRM. These work great for professionals who hold multiple certifications.

Podcasts and microlearning options

You might be surprised that podcasts can help earn SHRM credits:

The JoyPowered Workspace Podcast gives SHRM recertification credits for most episodes. Listen to the show, write down the code they give you, and submit it for credit. Remember that credit codes last only a year.

SHRM's Conferences On Demand subscription gives exceptional value. You get access to hundreds of self-paced sessions and can earn more than 60 PDCs - enough to complete your recertification cycle.

Also Read: The No-Stress Guide to Managing CPE Hours for CPAs

Use Conferences and Events to Gain Credits

Earning SHRM RCH credits through conferences and events is one of the best ways to grow your professional network. These events combine educational opportunities with industry connections that make your investment worthwhile.

SHRM Annual Conference & Expo

The SHRM Annual Conference leads the HR calendar as a chance to earn 28+ PDCs toward your recertification. The flagship event takes place from June 16-19, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, and features:

• Over 375+ educational sessions that cover HR compliance, labor law, DEI, talent management, workplace culture, and employee well-being
• Learning experiences tailored to your needs with both in-person and virtual attendance options
• Session recordings available for 30 days after the event

SHRM26's educational value comes with a unique experience to network with peers who share your challenges. MYCPE ONE's attendees value the chance to "foster strong, enduring professional relationships" that reach way beyond the conference's influence.

Virtual HR summits and regional events

The state-level conferences give an excellent alternative when you cannot attend the national event. SHRM's regional options include:

• BLUEPRINT 2025
• Talent Conference & Expo
• Linkage Institute
• The AI+HI Project

UNLEASH America and other virtual HR summits are recognized by SHRM officially. These events offer Professional Development Credits for SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification, giving you flexibility while maintaining credit value.

How to verify event eligibility for SHRM credits

Event eligibility verification for credits matters greatly. SHRM Recertification Providers display an authorized badge and appear in SHRM's public directory. You can verify a provider's status:

1. Visit the SHRM Recertification Provider Directory
2. Enter your search keywords
3. Browse the results

Qualified activities include conferences, seminars, workshops, video conferences, webcasts, e-learning programs, and university courses. Note that you should register early because "hotel blocks and events often sell out weeks in advance".

Track, Document, and Submit Your Credits

Your next vital step after earning your SHRM RCH credits involves proper documentation. You'll need to become skilled at using the certification portal and develop good record-keeping habits to ensure a smooth recertification process.

Using the SHRM certification portal

SHRM's certification portal acts as your central hub to track professional development. Here's how to record your credits:

1. Log in to portal.shrm.org using your SHRM login email and password
2. Click on "Add PDCs" and indicate whether you have an activity code
3. If you have a code, enter it in the space provided; if not, select a PDC category and enter activity details.
4. Submit your completed record after you've earned 60+ PDCs and are one year into your cycle

Your credits from SHRM-sponsored events automatically upload to your portal when you use the same login ID for both your certification portal and SHRM membership.

Keeping digital records and certificates

SHRM conducts random verification reviews, which makes maintaining your own records necessary. These documentation methods will help you stay organized:

• Set up a dedicated folder for your certification period with subfolders for each activity
• Keep presentation materials, completion certificates, and emails with approval codes
• Capture screenshots of recertification codes shown during webinars

Tips to avoid last-minute submissions

Many professionals face last-minute recertification panic. Here's how you can avoid this situation:

• Document your credits right after completing activities
• Check your PDC count every three months
• Save the certification portal in your browser favorites
• Build a safety buffer by earning extra credits - SHRM lets you carry over up to 20 PDCs to your next cycle
• Add calendar alerts 90 days before your deadline

Conclusion

Recertifying your SHRM credentials is less about scrambling for credits and more about creating a steady rhythm of professional growth. By using online platforms, webinars, and conferences, you can meet your RCH requirements while also sharpening your expertise in areas that directly impact your work. Flexibility is the key—whether it’s a quick podcast during your commute or a full-day conference offering dozens of credits, each choice helps you stay on track without disrupting your career.

Beyond compliance, these activities serve as milestones in your journey as an HR professional. Every course or event you complete adds to your skill set, strengthens your role in your organization, and builds your long-term value in the profession. With regular tracking and a proactive approach, SHRM recertification transforms from a stressful obligation into a natural part of your ongoing commitment to growth and excellence. MYCPE ONE makes this journey even easier by offering trusted, flexible learning options to help you earn and track credits seamlessly.

FAQs

Q1. How many SHRM RCH credits are required for recertification?

SHRM-certified professionals need to earn 60 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) within a three-year recertification cycle to maintain their certification.

Q2. What are the main categories for earning SHRM RCH credits?

The three main categories for earning SHRM RCH credits are Advance Your Education, Advance Your Organization, and Advance Your Profession. Each category offers different opportunities for professional development.

Q3. Can I earn SHRM RCH credits through online learning?

Yes, you can earn SHRM RCH credits through various online learning options, including online courses, webinars, virtual workshops, and even some podcasts.

Q4. How do conferences contribute to earning SHRM RCH credits?

Conferences, such as the SHRM Annual Conference & Expo, offer significant opportunities to earn SHRM RCH credits. For example, the SHRM Annual Conference typically provides the chance to earn 28+ PDCs in a single event.

Q5. What's the best way to track and submit SHRM RCH credits?

The most efficient way to track and submit SHRM RCH credits is through the SHRM certification portal. It's recommended to record credits immediately after completing activities, review your PDC count regularly, and maintain digital records of all qualifying activities.