Curb SHRM Pass-Throughs and Packaged Fees in HR Contracts

What happened

SHRM markets a Certification Prep System available in self-study, instructor-led, and team-learning formats and highlights its Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (BASK). The site notes extensive practice materials and more than 275 SHRM-approved partners, which makes these products easy for suppliers to package and resell. Watch whether suppliers begin listing these specific prep SKUs or partner-delivered formats as separate invoice line items

Why the category manager should care

This is a clear supply-side product set buyers will see packaged into SOWs; require explicit pricing and scope for any SHRM prep work

Key facts

• Available in self-study, instructor-led, and team learning formats
• More than 2,700 practice questions and interactive tools cited
• Over 275 SHRM-approved education partners listed

What happened

SHRM publishes recertification requirements including the need to earn 60 professional development credits (PDCs) within a three-year cycle and processing fees with a late‑fee structure. Those public rules create repeatable administrative steps vendors can offer or invoice for—watch whether suppliers offer recertification admin as a paid service or include it in bundled rates

Why the category manager should care

Recertification is a predictable, scheduled process suppliers can manage—and thus a likely pass-through; require clear invoicing and scope

Key facts

• Requirement to earn 60 professional development credits within the recertification cycle
• Processing fees listed for recertification applications (regular and late fee tiers)
• A 60-day grace period and explicit late-fee escalation noted

What happened

SHRM’s Executive Membership packages premium research, event access, and curated executive networking benefits, including some complimentary event registrations and proprietary data access. That premium packaging is a commercial lever suppliers can reference to justify higher or bundled pricing for advisory or strategic HR engagements. Watch for bidders that claim included 'executive access' or proprietary data as a reason to resist line-item pricing

Why the category manager should care

Treat executive memberships as optional premium add-ons; require suppliers to price them separately rather than folding into retainer rates

Key facts

• Executive Network includes curated research and proprietary data access
• Promoted complementary registration to SHRM events as part of membership
• Dedicated executive-focused tools and VIP experiences highlighted