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Free SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) practice questions

10 free sample questions for the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) exam, each with an explanation that starts with why a wrong answer is wrong. No account needed. Try the first one now.

Certified Professional sample10 free questions
A newly hired HR manager wants to set priorities for the department. Which approach is BEST in the first 90 days?

Why that one is wrong. Compliance matters, but ignoring business input leaves HR disconnected from priorities.

Why that one is wrong. Extended inaction forfeits credibility and quick wins.

Why that one is wrong. What worked elsewhere may not fit the new organization’s needs.

Why B is right. Listening and data first, followed by priorities linked to business goals, builds credibility and relevance.

Effective HR leaders learn the business and the data before setting priorities aligned to organizational goals.

What the exam covers

  • Leadership (Behavioral Competency Cluster) (19%)
  • Interpersonal (Behavioral Competency Cluster) (13.5%)
  • Business (Behavioral Competency Cluster) (17.5%)
  • People (HR Knowledge Domain) (19%)
  • Organization (HR Knowledge Domain) (18%)
  • Workplace (HR Knowledge Domain) (13%)

A few more sample questions

Sample question 1. Many new hires resign within their first 90 days, citing unclear expectations. Which action is MOST likely to reduce early attrition?

  1. A structured onboarding plan with clear role goals and scheduled manager check-ins during the first 90 days
  2. A larger sign-on bonus to improve commitment at the time of hire
  3. A longer probationary period so that weaker hires can be released more easily
  4. More interview rounds before an offer is made to select people who are a better fit

Sample question 2. An employee alleges a manager retaliated against her after she reported a safety concern. Which investigator choice is LEAST appropriate?

  1. The accused manager’s supervisor, who approved the discipline
  2. A trained HR professional with no reporting relationship to the manager
  3. An outside investigator with experience in retaliation claims
  4. An employee relations specialist from another business unit

Sample question 3. The sales forecast was lowered by 15 percent this quarter, but the approved hiring plan still adds 12 sales representatives. Which action BEST reflects business acumen?

  1. Proceed with all 12 hires because the plan was approved and recruiting takes months
  2. Freeze all hiring in the company until the forecast improves
  3. Review the plan with sales and finance leaders and phase hiring to the new forecast
  4. Withdraw every offer already extended without discussing it with sales

Answer them with explanations

Certified Professional is free practice for now

Answer the free sample questions above, as many times as you like. Timed practice tests for Certified Professional are not on sale yet.

How to trust this practice

  • Every answer explains why, and cites its source.
  • Practice tests are built around the vendor’s published exam domains.
  • These are practice questions, not real exam questions.

See the free sample questions for every certification

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