Top 10 Questions: 3. I failed the certification exam; what do I do now?
- Please be reassured that failing the PHR or SPHR exam does not mean that you are not competent at your job. It is not a reflection of your intelligence. It should not be a determinant of your self-worth. Passing or failing the HR certification exam is more about test-taking skills than it is about HR skills.
- Decide whether it is worth it for you to re-take the exam. Maybe it’s not. You have now been through the preparation and the test-taking experience. Are you prepared to face that again? If so, read on.
- Learn from your results. The detailed results provided by HRCI can help you identify areas where you may be weak. Be sure to put extra emphasis on those areas as you study.
- Beef up your study materials. Were the topics included on the exam adequately covered in the study materials you used? You might consider obtaining more or better study aids.
- Scrutinize your own preparation. Were you sufficiently diligent in your study? Did you put in the time and effort to learn the HR body of knowledge?
- Work on improving your test-taking skills. Find as many quality practice questions as you can and practice, practice, practice.