The SHRM Competency Model®
©2016 Society for Human Resource Management. SHRM grants all users
permission to download and use the SHRM Competency Model. However, such
permission is limited to individual use and prohibits further distribution without
SHRM’s explicit permission. To request permission to distribute the SHRM
Competency Model, please contact SHRM at or
,800.283.7476 ext. 3366.
,This report is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered.
It is available free of charge with the understanding that the publisher, Society for Human Resource Management
(SHRM®), is not engaged in rendering legal or other professional service. Further, the interpretations,
conclusions and recommendations in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those
of the publisher.
The documents and related graphics contained herein could include technical inaccuracies or typographical
errors. Changes are periodically added to the information herein. SHRM may make improvements and/or
changes in the product(s) described herein at any time.
Copyright© 2016, 2012 by Society for Human Resource Management. All rights reserved.
This publication may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in whole or in part, in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of the Society for Human Resource Management, 1800 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia
22314.
SHRM is the world’s largest HR professional society, representing 285,000 members in more than 165
countries. For nearly seven decades, the Society has been the leading provider of resources serving the
needs of HR professionals and advancing the practice of human resource management. SHRM has more than
575 affiliated chapters within the United States and subsidiary offices in China, India and United Arab
Emirates. Visit us at shrm.org.
To learn more about the SHRM Competency Model, visit shrm.org/learningandcareer/competency- model.
, Table of Contents
Introduction Page 4
Model Application Page 5
Model Use Page 7
Competency Assessment and Professional Development Page 8
Model Development Page 9
SHRM Competency Model Overview Page 10
Model Key Page 11
HR Professional Career Levels Page 12
HR Professional Competency Clusters Page 14
Competency Cluster: Technical Page 15
Human Resource Expertise (HR Knowledge) Page 16
Competency Cluster: Leadership Page 20
Ethical Practice Page 21
Leadership and Navigation Page 26
Competency Cluster: Business Page 30
Business Acumen Page 31
Consultation Page 36
Critical Evaluation Page 40
Competency Cluster: Interpersonal Page 44
Communication Page 45
Global and Cultural Effectiveness Page 49
Relationship Management Page 53
Additional SHRM Research and Resources Page 57
References Page 58
© 2016 SHRM. All rights reserved.
©2016 Society for Human Resource Management. SHRM grants all users
permission to download and use the SHRM Competency Model. However, such
permission is limited to individual use and prohibits further distribution without
SHRM’s explicit permission. To request permission to distribute the SHRM
Competency Model, please contact SHRM at or
,800.283.7476 ext. 3366.
,This report is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information regarding the subject matter covered.
It is available free of charge with the understanding that the publisher, Society for Human Resource Management
(SHRM®), is not engaged in rendering legal or other professional service. Further, the interpretations,
conclusions and recommendations in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those
of the publisher.
The documents and related graphics contained herein could include technical inaccuracies or typographical
errors. Changes are periodically added to the information herein. SHRM may make improvements and/or
changes in the product(s) described herein at any time.
Copyright© 2016, 2012 by Society for Human Resource Management. All rights reserved.
This publication may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in whole or in part, in
any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of the Society for Human Resource Management, 1800 Duke Street, Alexandria, Virginia
22314.
SHRM is the world’s largest HR professional society, representing 285,000 members in more than 165
countries. For nearly seven decades, the Society has been the leading provider of resources serving the
needs of HR professionals and advancing the practice of human resource management. SHRM has more than
575 affiliated chapters within the United States and subsidiary offices in China, India and United Arab
Emirates. Visit us at shrm.org.
To learn more about the SHRM Competency Model, visit shrm.org/learningandcareer/competency- model.
, Table of Contents
Introduction Page 4
Model Application Page 5
Model Use Page 7
Competency Assessment and Professional Development Page 8
Model Development Page 9
SHRM Competency Model Overview Page 10
Model Key Page 11
HR Professional Career Levels Page 12
HR Professional Competency Clusters Page 14
Competency Cluster: Technical Page 15
Human Resource Expertise (HR Knowledge) Page 16
Competency Cluster: Leadership Page 20
Ethical Practice Page 21
Leadership and Navigation Page 26
Competency Cluster: Business Page 30
Business Acumen Page 31
Consultation Page 36
Critical Evaluation Page 40
Competency Cluster: Interpersonal Page 44
Communication Page 45
Global and Cultural Effectiveness Page 49
Relationship Management Page 53
Additional SHRM Research and Resources Page 57
References Page 58
© 2016 SHRM. All rights reserved.
