PHR and SPHR item writers in striped shirts
I’m not sure my decompression is complete, but I’m ready to begin sharing my thoughts regarding my recent experience taking the SPHR exam.
Have you ever watched or participated in a sporting event where the teams were so evenly matched it seemed the final outcome was determined not by the players in the game, but due to a call made by the officials? It’s absolutely unfair. But unfortunately, it’s part of the game. Referees and umpires are (for the most part) human and are subject to the limitations of human perception and, sadly, even to bias. That is why in order to win a game, a team must play well enough to beat their opponent and well enough to overcome any potentially adverse decisions by the officials.
I think there is a similar situation with the PHR and SPHR exams. The HR certification exam item writers are (for the most part) human and are subject to all manner of weaknesses and bias. The questions on the exams are imperfect. Some are more imperfect that others. Many of the questions are straightforward and easy to answer if you know the HR body of knowledge. Some questions are ambiguous and confusing, even if you know HR inside out and backward. You could make a valid argument in favor of all four of the alternatives, or you could make a case that none of them is true. It was frustrating for me as a test-taker, but it’s even more perplexing to me as one who is trying to help other HR professionals pass the exam. I can teach how to accurately calculate overtime, and I can describe the systems model of training and development, but how do I help people prepare for the bewildering ambiguity?
I don’t know. Yet.
But what I can say right now is that those taking the PHR and SPHR exams must know the HR body of knowledge well enough to nail the straightforward questions and not leave the outcome of the exam to be determined by how well they fair on the more imperfect questions.
June 20th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
It’s a pressing issue, that’s for sure. I have worked with many people preparing for the exams, and it’s difficult to get them to understand that the “mindset” is the most important factor. Getting into the right frame of mind will help with some of the ambiguity.
As for the flawed questions created by flawed people, I really don’t see a way to fix that, at least in the near future. I’m a referee part-time, and I know exactly what you’re talking about in regards to bias, even accidentally so. *bangs head on wall in frustration*
Good to see you back and posting, Laura!
June 22nd, 2011 at 4:24 am
I too took the test (spring 2011), and found most of the questions to be ambiguous. As you stated, the questions I answered correctly were the straight forward questions(apprx. 40 questions of the 225). HR best practices are based off of the industry first, and then the company’s culture, in other words it is industry driven not occupational, profession driven. I found it hard to thnk as they did; best practices, most execpted, and less likely sort of questions are subjectionable. I decided not to retake the test because there is no real study material. I can pass the test on legislation, case law, and training models, theories, and leadership, however outside of disciplines, and guidelines set forth by compliace and the industry I am clueless????
June 28th, 2011 at 10:16 pm
Hi guys, reading the blog and finding it very interesting. I just took the PHR and passed today, and have to say it was difficult! I’m changing occupations and haven’t been active in HR for about ten years. I have 4 years as a personnel officer in the military (094) and a BS in HRM from 1997. I have to agree with Ben (above) who makes mention it’s about being in the right frame of mind. My faith in Christ carried me through the test, and it was all about focusing on the meaning of the question. I realized when I would read the question a few times and glance at the answers the correct answer would become apparent! The questions on the exam are a combination of factual knowledge and it’s utilization as generally excepted, not an easy task to get it right seeing as it’s a bit subjective. Anyhow, I was wondering how long it usually takes to test, it took me 2.5 hours, I was amazed I finished so much before the four hour mark. Is that typical?