HRCP Blog

I always worry when I hear that a PHR or SPHR candidate has purchased two different sets of HR certification study materials, acquired several HR textbooks, printed a variety of study aids and outlines, made thousands of flash cards, and has enrolled in two exam preparation classes. Generally, those who amass this amount of information do so to combat the anxiety they feel about their exam readiness. The net result of their efforts, however, is a higher level of stress. They are overwhelmed by the insurmountable task of learning it all.

But here’s the good news: You don’t need to know everything. It’s not practical, and it’s not necessary. Keep in mind that you can miss one out of every five questions on the exam and still be on very safe ground to pass. So, how do you find the balance between enough and too much? Here are a few suggestions:

• Focus on quality rather than quantity.  A good set of HR certification preparation materials should be sufficient to prepare you for the exam, and you probably won’t need other sources. If you are studying from a textbook or outline that is not expressly designed for exam preparation, though, you’ll need to supplement your study with other materials.
• Find a balance between depth and breadth. You have a limited amount of time in which to study. It is better to know a smaller number topics very well than a broader range of topics only superficially. On the other hand, don’t get so mired in the minutia that you leave important topics unlearned.
• Create a written schedule and stick to it. Identify the topics that you need to know and determine how much time you will study each area. Break up the content into manageable chunks so that you don’t become overwhelmed. Be sure to focus on the concepts that carry the most weight on the exam.

Yes, I get caught up in the madness that is NCAA basketball. I closely followed a conference championship tournament last week and was delighted when three of the four quarter-final games were decided by a total of seven points (a one-point game, a two-point game, and a four-point game). I love the drama and tension of the nail-biters. I like to think about what makes the difference in the close games, and here’s my (admittedly incomplete and oversimplified) list:

• Execution
• Stamina
• Luck

And (surprise, surprise), each of these items can also make the difference in the close ones on the PHR and SPHR exams. (Yes, I can relate anything to HR certification. Try me.)

• Execution. Just as you’ve got to put the ball in the hoop to win a basketball game, so must you answer questions correctly to pass the human resource certification exam. Simple, I know, but that’s what it all boils down to in the end. Ability to execute on the PHR and SPHR exams depends principally on 1) knowing enough about the right stuff, and 2) accurately applying that knowledge to the exam. Your preparation for the exam should include both the acquisition of information and the improvement of test-taking skills.
• Stamina. The HR certification exam may not be as physically exhausting as playing 40 minutes of basketball, but it is mentally draining. You’ve got to condition yourself. You’ve got to be toned. You’ve got to be tough. The best workout you can do to prepare for the exam is to simulate the timed test environment and bench press a bazillion questions.
• Luck. Sometimes the ball bounces your way, and sometimes it doesn’t. You can only study so many topics, memorize so many terms, review so many pieces of legislation. Which of the thousands of potential topics will be reflected in the 225 questions on the PHR or SPHR exam is essentially a matter of luck. It’s out of your hands. However, keep in mind the wise words attributed to Thomas Jefferson: “I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.”