PHR/SPHR Prep Blog: Recent Comments

Comment on Reserving a Date to Take the PHR SPHR GPHR or CA Exam

HRCP — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:12:53 GMT

Disclaimer: We dont recommend cramming as a viable preparation method for the PHR and SPHR exams. But if you are sitting for the HR certification exam during the current testing window (which slams shut on June 30) and havent yet begun to study, you havent got time left for much else.

Scenario: You registered to take the human resource certification exam four months ago. Your study materials arrived eight weeks ago. Youve been busy with other things. Important things. But the exam is now 48 hours away, and you havent cracked a book.

Our Advice:

* Dont panic. Some people march in and take the exam without studying a lick and pass on their first try. Not many people, but some. One thing is for sure: anxiety wont get you any closer to a passing score. Try to relax and just do what you can in the time remaining.

* Focus on the essentials. Scan your study materials for the key concepts. You probably wont have time to read every word, so make a reasonable list of things you want to know for the exam. You might want to give special attention to the areas covered in the exam that are not part of your current job. For example, if you dont work in a unionized environment, spend some quality time brushing up on labor relations.

* Know the models. There are several models on which many other theories and concepts hang. Make sure you understand them thoroughly. I spent some time carefully learning the systems model for training just before going in to take the SPHR exam, and found that it helped me in answering at least three questions correctly.

* Brush up on the laws. Federal legislation is so important in the human resource field, and that importance is reflected in the PHR and SPHR exams.

* Review the terms and definitions. You did it in school. It works here, too. Study the glossary terms. If you dont know a terms definition, it is difficult to find the right answer on the exam. The HRCP Program includes lists of key terms in each unit and a set of flash cards with more than 500 terms and definitions. Other HR certification prep materials have similar study aids.

* Dont overdo. You can only stuff so much information into your brain in a limited amount of time. Be sure to take regular breaks for meals and exercise. Your study time will be more productive if you do.

* Sleep. It is tempting to sacrifice sleep for study, and truthfully, at this point some sacrifice might be necessary. However, sleep is an important component in memory. It is during REM sleep that things are committed to our long-term memory. And caffeine is not a substitute for sleep. Getting a reasonable amount of shut-eye will help you more on the exam that drilling yourself on job evaluation methods.

Comment on So You Think You Are A Qualified Human Resources Practitioner?

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Comment on Reserving a Date to Take the PHR SPHR GPHR or CA Exam

Olivia Vaca — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:16:50 GMT

It was very easy to schedule the test. The HRCI site has a direct link to Prometric and all one has to do is select the date and site location for availability. Once the date and location is selected, an e-mail is sent for confirmation and a reminder notice is sent one week before the test date with all the rules. Re-scheduling the test is also very easy. The center where I went didn’t allow for any watches or jewelry other than a wedding band, and no scarves. So please advice your students who have large sparklers not to bother putting it on. My other advice is to bring a water bottle to store in the locker as it is quicker to go to the locker to get a drink. I left my water bottle in the car and when I got thirsty I had to register out and back in which took a total of 3 minutes, and the test clock was still going against me.

Comment on Reserving a Date to Take the PHR SPHR GPHR or CA Exam

Tonya Baut — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:14:14 GMT

After you register with HRCI, you are given a ID and passcode for your test date. You are directed to another website (confusing…) that lists the dates and facilities. Once you login and the system has your profile you will be asked to select the type of Test (PHR, SPHR GPR, etc) and then you search by location and facility for the best match to your schedule and address. You select the date/facility/time for the test at this point. The lists are static information, not dynamic so have another open window available to do a map on the directions to the facility. Once you select the facility under the date, choose the time and confirm your selection. Be absolutely sure before you confirm the dates/time/facility, HRCI is not flexible with rescheduling.
I had my test date and facility chosen and completed in under 15 minutes, but that was after I figured out that I needed to actually login to another site. Hope this helps!

Happy to hear from you, take care,

Comment on Reserving a Date to Take the PHR SPHR GPHR or CA Exam

Teri Brun PHR — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:11:33 GMT

I set up the date and location - then HRCI verified.

Comment on Reserving a Date to Take the PHR SPHR GPHR or CA Exam

Nathan Rawls — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:58:39 GMT

I set it up through the HRCI website, and selected a test location. I had to use my ID given me in my eligibility letter, and then I was able to schedule it myself. They had several dates to choose from at the location I chose. Hope this helps.
Nathan Rawls, PHR

Comment on Reserving a Date to Take the PHR SPHR GPHR or CA Exam

Kim Osorio SPHR CA — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:56:49 GMT

Once you sign up for the test you can choose your preferred testing site. You go on the testing site to check dates and times. Each location has only a number of test times available so if you want a certain date or time you may have to look at other local testing sites.

They will have lockers at the test locations to put any personal belongings into as you cannot bring anything in with you.

Hope this helps and see you all soon.

Comment on Reserving a Date to Take the PHR SPHR GPHR or CA Exam

Marlette Miller PHR — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:46:16 GMT

You need to pick a location and the date/time. Once you register and pay for the test you get a confirmation email.

Comment on Reserving a Date to Take the PHR SPHR GPHR or CA Exam

Kim Lenderman PHR — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:42:33 GMT

I was able to pick the date, location and time for my exam. The
instructions on the HRCI web site are very user friendly. The things I
would recommend are to make sure each person is totally committed to this.
I really focused on my studying for the four weeks prior to the exam. (No
TV, etc, except on weekends.) I took what I got from the study group
practice tests and studied the areas where I missed. The other modules
where I knew the content I left aside until I reviewed the last week. I
also focused on what each case was about, not really focusing on the dates.
About a week before the exam, I took every question from the CD in the
SHRM Learning system. When I took the exam, I took 3hrs and 50mins to
complete it. I was able to go back and make a few changes because of
questions earlier in the exam that tied in to later questions. It made
sense when I went back. They also need to remember that it is federal and
not Ca. specific. I had a supervisor invite me to a Ca. law seminar while
I was studying for the exam and I had to decline so I wouldn't get
confused. He understood.
I hope this helps. Good luck to everyone.

Comment on Reserving a Date to Take the PHR SPHR GPHR or CA Exam

Kathy Ruffino SPHRCA — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:40:33 GMT

Go to http://www.prometric.com/HRCI/default.htm that's the Prometric site to schedule the exams. Click on the "start" button and follow the directions/prompts.