SHRM-CP Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield SHRM-CP facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which compensation strategy is MOST aligned with a differentiation business strategy focused on innovation? → Competency-based or skill-based pay that rewards acquiring new capabilities
2. Which HR metric directly measures the effectiveness of succession planning? → Percentage of key positions with at least one ready-now successor
3. An organization's voluntary turnover rate is 25% annually. The FIRST step HR should take is: → Analyze exit interview data and stay interview findings to identify root causes
4. Which law requires employers to verify the identity and employment authorization of every employee hired in the United States? → Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) — enforced via I-9 form
5. Which law requires covered federal contractors to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified veterans, including disabled veterans? → Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA)
6. Which of the following is an example of a realistic job preview (RJP)? → Sharing both positive aspects and genuine challenges of the role with candidates
7. Which of the following is an example of an HR leading indicator? → Employee engagement scores
8. Organizational commitment theory identifies which three dimensions of employee commitment? → Affective, Continuance, and Normative commitment
9. Which component of an effective EEO complaint investigation is MOST critical to ensure defensibility? → Thorough documentation of all interviews, evidence reviewed, and conclusions reached
10. Which retirement plan type allows employees to contribute pre-tax dollars with employer matching, subject to IRS annual contribution limits? → 401(k) plan
11. Which federal law requires federal contractors to take affirmative action to employ and advance qualified individuals with disabilities? → Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act
12. A non-qualified deferred compensation plan differs from a qualified plan primarily because it: → Does not receive favorable tax treatment and is not subject to ERISA contribution limits
13. Sexual harassment is recognized as a form of sex discrimination under: → Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
14. What is the primary role of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)? → Overseeing union representation elections and investigating unfair labor practice charges
15. What is the primary purpose of an employee grievance procedure? → To provide a structured process for resolving workplace disputes
16. Which SHRM competency cluster includes Business Acumen, Consultation, and Critical Evaluation? → Business (Enabling) Competencies
17. Which of the following BEST describes intrinsic motivation in the workplace? → Motivation driven by the inherent satisfaction and meaning found in the work itself
18. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects workers who are: → 40 years of age or older
19. Which Maslow hierarchy level do employee recognition programs MOST directly address? → Esteem needs
20. A workforce plan identifies a future skills gap in data analytics. Which response is MOST strategic? → Develop an internal upskilling program aligned to the timeline of the gap
21. Which conflict resolution method involves a neutral third party who makes a binding decision? → Arbitration
22. Pulse surveys differ from annual engagement surveys primarily because they are: → Short, frequent check-ins that provide real-time engagement data
23. The purpose of a benefits needs analysis is to: → Identify the benefits most valued by the workforce to maximize impact and retention
24. An HR leader conducts a SWOT analysis to align workforce planning with organizational goals. Which HR functional area does this best represent? → HR Strategic Planning
25. Which background check component requires specific written disclosure and authorization under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)? → Consumer reports obtained through a third-party agency
26. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination based on which protected characteristics? → Race, color, religion, sex, and national origin
27. Change management models like Kotter's 8-Step Process emphasize which initial step as critical? → Creating a sense of urgency around the need for change
28. Coaching as an HR development intervention differs from mentoring primarily because coaching: → Focuses on specific skill development and performance goals through a structured process
29. A compa-ratio of 1.10 for an employee means: → The employee is paid 10% above the midpoint of their pay grade
30. Which doctrine allows either the employer or employee to end the employment relationship at any time, for any legal reason, without notice? → At-will employment