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Congratulations to Crystal Nawrot, SHRM-CP!

Posted by [email protected] on Sep. 11, 2026  /  Subscribe 0

New Certification Recognition:  Crystal Nawrot – SHRM-CP!

In recognition of this impressive accomplishment, we invited Crystal to reflect on her SHRM certification journey. From her reasons for pursuing certification to the benefits of participating in a study group, she shares her insights and experience below.

1. What motivated you to pursue your SHRM-CP certification, and what professional goals were you hoping to achieve by becoming certified? I wanted to pursue my SHRM-CP certification to expand my knowledge of HR, continue learning and growing , and show initiative to my leadership team. My goal was to strengthen my overall HR knowledge and gain skills that I can apply in my current role, while also preparing myself for future opportunities, advancement, and professional achievements.

2. Did you participate in a SHRM Certification Prep Course? If so, which course and why? Yes, I participated in the Fox Valley SHRM Online Certification Prep Course, and it was extremely helpful. Being able to learn alongside others who were preparing for the same exam made a big difference. We could share what we were struggling with, discuss study strategies, and better understand which areas were important to focus on. There is a tremendous amount of information to learn, and the course helped me retain and understand the material in a different way than studying on my own. It had also been a long time since I had studied for an exam like this, so having the structure, support, and accountability of the group was very beneficial.

3. Looking back, what would you say was the biggest benefit of participating in a certification prep course rather than studying entirely on your own? The biggest benefit was having others going through the same experience. It was helpful to hear different perspectives and learn from HR professionals working in a variety of environments. We were able to share ideas about how to retain the material, prepare for the exam, and apply what we were learning within our own organizations. That interaction made the material more relatable and easier to understand.

4. What advice would you give to HR professionals who are considering certification but are unsure whether they are ready to take the next step? You are never going to know everything that could be on the exam, so don't put too much pressure on yourself to memorize every detail in the study materials (and there are a lot!). One of the most important things is learning to approach questions with the SHRM mindset rather than automatically relying on your company's policies or your previous work experience. Take advantage of the resources available to you—practice exams, Quizlet, flashcards, and especially a SHRM certification prep course. Give yourself time to study, stay consistent, and trust what you've learned. Earning your SHRM-CP is a big accomplishment, and the feeling when you find out you passed makes all of the studying and hard work worth it!

If you see Crystal, be sure to congratulate her on the milestone achievement!

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