SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge - 2025

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Franzy

The 2025 SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK) presents an updated framework used to define HR knowledge areas and behavioral competencies. It explains how SHRM research since 2011 shaped an initial competency model, then evolved into the BASK by adding knowledge domains. The document also outlines how SHRM BASK supports the content of SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certification exams, and how it guides item writers while maintaining a firewall between exam development and study-material operations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages111

Reading Time4 h 40 min

AccessFree to download

Table of Contents

Leadership Cluster

Interpersonal Cluster

Business Cluster

People Knowledge Domain

Organization Knowledge Domain

Workplace Knowledge Domain

Appendix A: Glossary

Appendix B: Resources

SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge Your Comprehensive Roadmap for a Career in HR 241751 Table of Contents 2025 SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge 3 SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge: SHRM BASK Graphic 4 What Are Competencies? 5 Knowledge + Behavior = Success 5 Development of the SHRM BASK 6 New Material in the 2025 SHRM BASK 8 Organization of the SHRM BASK 9 Leadership Cluster 11 Leadership & Navigation 12 Navigating the Organization 13 Vision 14 Managing HR Initiatives 15 Influence 16 Ethical Practice 17 Personal Integrity 18 Professional Integrity 19 Ethical Agent 20 Inclusion & Diversity 21 Creating an Inclusive and Diverse Culture 22 Ensuring Equity Effectiveness 23 Connecting I&D to Organizational Performance 24 Interpersonal Cluster 25 Relationship Management 26 Networking 27 Relationship Building 28 Teamwork 29 Negotiation 30 Conflict Management 31 Communication 32 Delivering Messages 33 Exchanging Organizational Information 34 Listening 35 Global Mindset 36 Operating in a Culturally Diverse Workplace 37 Operating in a Global Environment 38 Advocating for a Culturally Inclusive and Diverse Workplace 39 Business Cluster 40 Business Acumen 41 Business and Competitive Awareness 42 Business Analysis 43 Strategic Alignment 44 Consultation 45 Evaluating Business Challenges 46 Designing HR Solutions 47 Advising on HR Solutions 48 Change Management 49 Service Excellence 50 Analytical Aptitude 51 Data Advocate 52 Data Gathering 53 Data Analysis 54 Evidence-Based Decision-Making 55 People Knowledge Domain 56 HR Strategy 57 Talent Acquisition 59 Employee Engagement & Retention 61 Learning & Development 63 Total Rewards 65 Organization Knowledge Domain 67 Structure of the HR Function 68 Organizational Effectiveness & Development 70 Workforce Management 71 Employee & Labor Relations 73 Technology Management 75 Workplace Knowledge Domain 77 Managing a Global Workforce 78 Risk Management 80 Corporate Social Responsibility 82 U.S. Employment Law & Regulations 84 Appendix A: Glossary 86 Appendix B: Resources 101 SHRM BODY OF APPLIED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 2 2025 SH RM BODY OF APPLIED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 2025 SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge For more than 70 years, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has served the human resources (HR) profession. HR professionals worldwide look to SHRM for comprehensive information and tools to help them effectively perform their jobs, develop their careers and transform their organizations. Together with SHRM, these HR professionals create better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together. In 2011, SHRM began a program of research involving thousands of HR professionals to identify the critical competencies needed for success as an HR professional. This research led to the development of the initial SHRM Competency Model, which defined eight key behavioral competencies (Leadership & Navigation; Ethical Practice; Relationship Management; Communication; Global & Cultural Effectiveness; Business Acumen; Consultation; and Critical Evaluation) and one technical competency (HR Expertise) . The SHRM Competency Model represented an important advance for the field of HR by focusing on the types of behaviors that are integral for success in HR. The SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge® (SHRM BASK®), formerly the SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge®(SHRM BoCK®), represents the evolution of the SHRM Competency Model by further defining the knowledge areas in addition to the behavioral competencies. The SHRM BASK was developed through a series of large-scale research studies that incorporated the viewpoints of thousands of HR professionals from around the world. It was most recently updated in 2021, and now includes nine behavioral competencies as well as one technical competency. In additio

FAQs

What is the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK)?

SHRM BASK is a framework that defines HR knowledge areas in addition to behavioral competencies, developed from large-scale research with HR professionals worldwide.

How do competencies and KSAOs relate in the SHRM BASK framework?

A competency is a set of interrelated knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics (KSAOs) that drive the behaviors needed to perform a job effectively.

How is SHRM BASK used in SHRM certification exams?

SHRM BASK defines the content areas of SHRM’s certification examinations and supports item writers who develop SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exam questions.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Franzy