Professional Membership - All individuals applying for membership in SHRA must be: (a) engaged full-time in the profession of human resources to include strategic management, workforce planning and employment, HR development, compensation, benefits, employee or labor relations, and/or occupational health, safety and security; (b) faculty members holding an adjunct, assistant, associate or full professor rank in human resource management or any of its specialized functions at an accredited college or university; (c) full-time consultants in the field of human resources; or (d) full-time attorneys with at least three years experience in counseling and advising clients on matters relating to the human resource profession.  A member may also be an individual who is actively searching for an HR position or an individual who has retired from the HR profession. Membership eligibility shall be reviewed and determined by the Board of Directors. Members are entitled to vote for board members of SHRA, to hold office and to serve as committee chairpersons.

Student Membership - Individuals who are actively enrolled full time in an accredited HR degree program at the college or university level shall be designated as student members.  Student members may not vote and may not hold office in SHRA.

To qualify for the courtesy student membership, an individual must be enrolled in either an undergraduate or a graduate degree program at an accredited college or univeristy, focusing on the study of human resources, with a minimum of six credits.  This courtesy membership can be used up to three years before converting to a professional membership.  Proof of student status is required.