Affordable alternative to the SHRM Learning System for exam prep.
This post taps into the worries and needs of people making the leap into HR, especially those coming from different career paths. The strong push for mentorship and guidance, along with the frequent mention of the SHRM Learning System being "expensive," points to a clear SaaS opportunity.
Opportunity: HR Career Transition & Certification Success Platform
Product Form: A SaaS platform designed to support individuals new to HR or transitioning into the field, focusing on practical skill development and affordable certification preparation.
Core Features:
- Budget-Friendly Certification Prep Modules: For exams like SHRM-CP/SCP, offering study materials (summaries, flashcards, key concept explanations aligned with BASK), extensive practice question banks, and mock exams at a much lower price point than the official SHRM Learning System.
- Mentorship Matchmaking: A system to connect newcomers with experienced HR professionals for guidance. This could be tiered (e.g., peer mentors, experienced mentors, paid expert sessions).
- Foundational HR Skills Courses: Short, digestible modules on core HR functions beyond just TA (e.g., employee relations basics, compensation fundamentals, HR law essentials for beginners).
- "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) Sessions/Webinars: Regular sessions with HR veterans covering various topics or career advice.
- Networking & Community Forum: A private space for members to connect, ask questions, and share experiences, potentially with sub-groups for different HR specializations or experience levels.
- Career Transition Resources: Resume tailoring tips for HR roles, interview practice specific to HR, and advice on leveraging transferable skills.
Expected Revenue:
- Subscription Model: Tiered monthly/annual subscriptions (e.g., Basic for certification prep only, Premium for all features including mentorship matching and advanced courses).
- Basic Tier (Certification Prep Focus): $29 - $49/month
- Premium Tier (Full Suite + Mentorship): $59 - $99/month
- Target Audience: Career changers entering HR, junior HR professionals, and individuals seeking HR certification who find official resources too costly.
- Revenue Projection (Illustrative): Assuming a modest uptake, if 1,000 users subscribe to a blended average of $50/month, that's $50,000 MRR or $600,000 ARR. The market for HR professionals looking for affordable learning and guidance is substantial. The key differentiator would be the combination of affordable, quality certification prep with practical career transition support and mentorship, addressing multiple pain points highlighted in the post.
Origin Reddit Post
r/humanresources
Just getting started, looking for advice [n/a] I WORK IN HR!
Posted by u/Beginning_Muscle_896•06/08/2025
***Reposting because my first was deleted by mod who did not read the post. I work in HR***
Hi everyone, after 20+ years in social work, I recently accepted a talent acquisition coordinator
Top Comments
u/Bulky-Strawberry-110
Find a mentor or several, ask questions, learn to think strategically and join any non TA projects you can to broaden your experience. You're gonna fuck up in your job, admit to it, hiding is
u/Beginning_Muscle_896
I did see your comment yesterday but unfortunately the entire thread was deleted and I can't see it anymore.
Fortunately, I had added the book you recommended to my Amazon cart. 😂
Thank yo
u/Bulky-Strawberry-110
NP. Local shrm chapter is a good place to start for mentors.
u/Beginning_Muscle_896
Is the Learning System necessary to be successful with the exam or can I utilize a combination of BASK and self study to be successful?
I could potentially have the learning system paid for
u/Bulky-Strawberry-110
Find a mentor or several, ask questions, learn to think strategically and join any non TA projects you can to broaden your experience. You're gonna fuck up in your job, admit to it, hiding is
u/You_Get_An_Updoot
There’s a whole SHRM Learning System with 4 textbooks (more expensive option) and online portal which includes the textbooks online and practice quizzes to accompany the BASK. It is expensive
u/Bulky-Strawberry-110
Find a mentor or several, ask questions, learn to think strategically and join any non TA projects you can to broaden your experience. You're gonna fuck up in your job, admit to it, hiding is
u/Hrgooglefu
I used google and Wikipedia for topics that weren’t heavily defined…
the BASK isn’t a textbook but more of an outline…studying can require more research .. much like higher level HR position
u/Beginning_Muscle_896
Is the Learning System necessary to be successful with the exam or can I utilize a combination of BASK and self study to be successful?
I could potentially have the learning system paid for
u/Bulky-Strawberry-110
NP. Local shrm chapter is a good place to start for mentors.
u/You_Get_An_Updoot
There’s a whole SHRM Learning System with 4 textbooks (more expensive option) and online portal which includes the textbooks online and practice quizzes to accompany the BASK. It is expensive
u/VegetableLazy7402
I found it really helpful, but my undergrad is also SHRM-CP aligned for HR so that also gave me a boost. They have quizzes to gauge where you are on each subject and a mock exam.
That being
u/MetaCatalyst
I really admire the direction you’re taking. After 20+ years in social work, shifting into HR isn’t just a career change—it’s a bet on yourself. That takes courage, and it sounds like you’re
u/Bulky-Strawberry-110
NP. Local shrm chapter is a good place to start for mentors.
u/You_Get_An_Updoot
I’ve heard of people using other resources and passing. Personally, I’m too anxious for that and want to make sure I’m getting the material straight from the source since it’s such a time con
u/Sitheref0874
This one?
https://www.reddit.com/r/humanresources/s/jpK3TmeqKV
u/You_Get_An_Updoot
There’s a whole SHRM Learning System with 4 textbooks (more expensive option) and online portal which includes the textbooks online and practice quizzes to accompany the BASK. It is expensive
u/Beginning_Muscle_896
I did see your comment yesterday but unfortunately the entire thread was deleted and I can't see it anymore.
Fortunately, I had added the book you recommended to my Amazon cart. 😂
Thank yo
u/Beginning_Muscle_896
Oh this is really good to know! Lol! I thought there likely would be windows but figured they'd be more frequent than what it seems to be.
I'm going to look into that right away.
Good luc
u/VegetableLazy7402
I found it really helpful, but my undergrad is also SHRM-CP aligned for HR so that also gave me a boost. They have quizzes to gauge where you are on each subject and a mock exam.
That being
u/Sitheref0874
This one?
https://www.reddit.com/r/humanresources/s/jpK3TmeqKV
u/Hrgooglefu
I used google and Wikipedia for topics that weren’t heavily defined…
the BASK isn’t a textbook but more of an outline…studying can require more research .. much like higher level HR position
u/Beginning_Muscle_896
Thank you for all of this advice, it is much appreciated!
Yes... Taking a paycut was very difficult, lol. I am a single mom (well not truly anymore... I just remarried) and I've rebuilt my
u/Beginning_Muscle_896
Is the Learning System necessary to be successful with the exam or can I utilize a combination of BASK and self study to be successful?
I could potentially have the learning system paid for
u/Beginning_Muscle_896
Oh this is really good to know! Lol! I thought there likely would be windows but figured they'd be more frequent than what it seems to be.
I'm going to look into that right away.
Good luc
u/Shmo2717
OP I would echo getting connected via local chapter too! I have grown into the field over a few years and getting more involved in my local chapter has been really helpful (networking, bounci
u/Beginning_Muscle_896
I did see your comment yesterday but unfortunately the entire thread was deleted and I can't see it anymore.
Fortunately, I had added the book you recommended to my Amazon cart. 😂
Thank yo
u/Stock_Exam_5908
Hey- I’m also studying and unfortunately there are windows to take the test. 😩 I found out too late. The next opening I believe doesn’t open till Dec 15th. You can apply December 1st for that
u/You_Get_An_Updoot
I’ve heard of people using other resources and passing. Personally, I’m too anxious for that and want to make sure I’m getting the material straight from the source since it’s such a time con
u/Shmo2717
OP I would echo getting connected via local chapter too! I have grown into the field over a few years and getting more involved in my local chapter has been really helpful (networking, bounci
u/Stock_Exam_5908
Hey- I’m also studying and unfortunately there are windows to take the test. 😩 I found out too late. The next opening I believe doesn’t open till Dec 15th. You can apply December 1st for that
u/You_Get_An_Updoot
I’ve heard of people using other resources and passing. Personally, I’m too anxious for that and want to make sure I’m getting the material straight from the source since it’s such a time con
u/Shmo2717
OP I would echo getting connected via local chapter too! I have grown into the field over a few years and getting more involved in my local chapter has been really helpful (networking, bounci