Comments on: PHR and SPHR item writers in striped shirts http://www.hrcpblog.com/2009/06/19/phr-and-sphr-item-writers/ The blog of HRCP company president, Laura Middleton. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:13:45 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.2 hourly 1 By: Steve Kranz http://www.hrcpblog.com/2009/06/19/phr-and-sphr-item-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-270 Steve Kranz Wed, 29 Jun 2011 05:16:03 +0000 http://www.hrcpblog.com/?p=111#comment-270 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? 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?

]]> By: Ed http://www.hrcpblog.com/2009/06/19/phr-and-sphr-item-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-268 Ed Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:24:22 +0000 http://www.hrcpblog.com/?p=111#comment-268 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???? 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????

]]> By: Ben http://www.hrcpblog.com/2009/06/19/phr-and-sphr-item-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-100 Ben Sat, 20 Jun 2009 22:51:47 +0000 http://www.hrcpblog.com/?p=111#comment-100 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! 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!

]]>