There are so many ways to study using the SHRM Learning System.  But, don't expect that memorizing the PowerPoint presentation or every word in the modules will ensure success on the exam.  The SHRM Learning system will help you learn and retain key content, but you must know the information and have confidence that you know it.  It is a widely believed myth that the HRCI exam is somehow connected to SHRM Learning materials.  Some HR practitioners get very frustrated because they feel that the questions were not related to the SHRM Learning System. 

Here are some practical tips for preparing for the exam (from the SHRM Learning System):

• Plan "Study Time".  We all have busy lives - families, HR jobs, many of us are in college, holidays coming up, etc..
• Don't Cram.
• HRCI does not test state-specific laws on the PHR or SPHR exam.
• For the areas that you must memorize to learn use memory techniques such as analogies, images, rhymes, acronyms, repeating it out loud a number of times or intentionally remember.
• Taking the class is not enough - you must combine lectures with reading and understanding the text.
• Interaction and reinforcement with others is the best way to actually learn the material, especially if you are struggling with a topic.
• Read the questions carefully.  Do not panic if it does not make sense to you.    If you find you are paralyzed by a question, move to the next question and return to the "scary" question once you have gained your composure.
• Trust your first impressions.
• Avoid over analyzing.
  

Now, here are my personal recommendations.

• Have self-confidence!  You know this stuff.
• Get plenty of sleep the night before.  It is a scientific fact that brain gets tired and performs better when well rested.
• Remember your special place. If you begin to feel anxiety, go to your special place for 30 seconds.  Close your eyes.  Believe me, no one in the room is actually looking at you, except for the facilitators - they know what you are doing and it is OK with them.  (If you did not take the IE SHRM Study Group and want to know more about this, just let me know).
• Think Federal not California.
• After you study, get a good amount of sleep (even take a nap).  Science has proved that if we sleep after learning we retain more. Know the information. 
• Know the federal laws that are essential to HR folks in doing our job, Title VII, ADA, ADEA, CRA 1866, PDA, Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection, IRCA, WARN Act, Polygraph Protection Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, EEO, etc.   There are precedent setting cases, like Griggs v. Duke Power. 
• Take the study test at www.HRCI.org. It costs money, but it helps you identify your weak areas.  For example, I was very weak on how Union's work.  I took every precaution my entire career to keep our organizations free from Unions.  So, I really had to bone up on how Unions are formed and what a ULP was and what percent of vote had to be before a Union was certified (and what certified meant).  To my horror, a number of Union questions showed up on the exam!
• Read the question carefully...please...I have heard from many...including myself..."I read the question wrong". 
• Don't rush.  I know people that have failed the exam, but I don't know anyone that "timed out".  (I was one of the last ones in the room).
• Postive Energy!  I will be thinking positive thoughts for you!