HRCP Blog

When a young, uninitiated human resource professional fails the certification exam, we chalk it up to inexperience. Give her a few years, we say. But what about a respected, seasoned HR veteran failing the exam? The person who knows it all, whom everyone else goes to for advice. What does it mean when he fails?

The SPHR and PHR exams are as much an assessment of test-taking skills as they are an evaluation of human resource knowledge. Often, when a competent, experienced HR professional fails the exam, the deficiency is not in knowledge and understanding of the HRCI Body of Knowledge, but a lack of skill in taking tests. Some people are naturally better test-takers than others, but, as with any skill, those of any skill level who work at it can improve. Read through the test-taking tips I’ve listed in this blog. And practice, practice, practice. (No, I can’t say “practice” too many times.)

According to our server data, fewer than half of those who purchase the HRCP Program ever set up a username and password to access the online tests that accompany the program. Imagine that. I’m sure that some of them have very good reasons for not using the tests, though I’m hard pressed to come up with any at the moment. But I can think of a lot of reasons in favor of using the online practice tests:

1. You’ve already paid for it. Not using a resource you’ve already paid for would be like ordering a meal at a restaurant that includes a drink and desert and saying, “Nah, I’ll pass on the milk and the double-fudge sundae. And I can’t see why I’d want a fork, either.” Seriously.
2. Studying is one thing, practicing is another. Reading the study materials without ever taking a practice exam would be like a basketball team doing drills for dribbling, running, and passing, without ever attempting to throw the ball in the hoop. It is just as important to develop test-taking skills as it is to review the content of the exam. The best way to do this is by drilling a lot of questions.
3. Are you learning anything? The practice tests are a great way to assess whether anything you’re studying is penetrating the cranium.
4. The tests are graded for you. The online tests are so much better than a paper-and-pencil alternative. The questions are checked for you and you get immediate feedback, including a reference to the page of the HRCP Program where you’ll find more info.
5. It’s a no brainer. You’ve already paid for it. It’s great practice. It’s a good assessment. It’s auto-graded. Do yourself a huge favor and use the online review questions. If you have trouble getting an account set up, just contact our office for help.