SPHR and PHR Study Tips
Studying for the SPHR and the PHR is an art in itself. It is all about learning the material in a manner that best prepares you for answering the often ambiguous test questions and also enables you to conduct yourself in an even more productive and professional manner in the workplace. These two goals should not be mutually exclusive! Below are my tried and true SPHR and PHR study tips for the SPHR that essentially allow you to "catch both goals with one net".
I tell all my students, if you simply memorize the HR body of knowledge it is very likely you will not pass the exam. The trick is to learn the material in the most vivid of contexts possible. We have all experienced that cold pit in our stomach when a situation arises in the workplace and it is up to us to determine the best course of action. Zinging through our minds are the implications, the possible outcomes, applicable policies and procedures and regulations. Our role in the workplace is ultimately to solve "people related" problems and keep "people related" problems from occurring. It is no surprise that HRCI test questions are designed to test your ability to apply the HR body of knowledge. Set yourself up for success and learn the material as if you had to apply it tomorrow. When I was studying for the exam I created mental scenarios. For example, I would pretend that I found myself in a strange organization and had just been called in to facilitate a strategic planning session. What would I do?! How should I proceed?! Or, an employee was standing in front of my desk demanding reasonable accommodation. How should I proceed? Or, I am in a strange organization once again and have been given the task of conducting an HR audit. How would I proceed? Ask yourself as you read the material, "why do I care" and "how can I use this stuff." In a nutshell: your time is valuable so make your learning as active as possible.
As you study remember, you are not limited by the restrictions you live with in your "job." You are not hampered by a workplace that does not value HR, or management that second guesses or undermines. As you study put yourself in that golden, perfect place where the right thing is done and HR is a "player at the table." Visualize yourself as the expert and respond to questions with the resolve that your decision will be followed to the letter. You have to believe that you are the expert and hold yourself accountable for being that expert.
You are an intelligent human being.
As you start this study journey you will not know everything and that is okay. There may even be whole sections of the HR body of knowledge that you do not have any direct work experience and that is okay as well. Hardly anyone is an expert in all areas so cut yourself some slack. And finally, to my knowledge, nobody loves taking big, stinking hard tests. Being anxious about the test is totally normal.
The good part is that you will likely discover that you know more than you thought you did and it will be a relief to actually be exposed to the entire body of knowledge. No longer will you have to worry about not knowing what you are supposed to know. You will however need to remind yourself on a regular basis that you are an intelligent human being. The materials (it doesn't matter which) are very dry. Some would say they suck all the happy out of being in HR. On more than one occasion I would finish a page and find all sorts of highlight marks but could not remember a thing. Establish a study routine that works for you. Pace yourself and set aside "peak light bulb" study time. It is a tough road always studying when you are exhausted and surrounded by distractions. Leverage a study style that insures your highest level of retention. Take the time to figure out the best study style before you begin and act accordingly (studying solo, being part of a study group, taking an online course, taking a live course.) You are an intelligent person so set yourself up for success.
Studying and taking this test represent a phenomenal level of commitment and sacrifice. I ask all my students to think long and hard about their reasons for taking this journey. There is a lovely motivational tool out there called "Zroom's Expectancy Theory" that tells us that the level of effort exerted corresponds with the perceived level of reward. Since studying for and taking this test represents a huge amount of effort, it only stands to reason that you have a reward in mind. It has been my experience that those students who do not have that "reward in mind" tend to lose steam and slip away. Sometimes that "reward" is money, recognition, or personal ambition. Whatever the "reward" it should resonate with you in a very strong and personal way.
Ask yourself:
- What do I want from this certification?
- What else do I need to do to assure that I achieve that "reward"? (Leave nothing to chance!!!!)
- Do I really need to take this test to achieve my goals?
- I am likely to be my own worst enemy when it comes to studying, what do I need to do to assure my success?
In a nutshell apply strategic and critical thinking skills from the onset:
- Where am I know
- Where do I want to be
- What is the best way to get there
- What obstacles and roadblocks can I anticipate
- Plan accordingly and DO for success
Leverage the way YOUR brain best LEARNS
I always resented (still do) folks with photographic memories. It seemed so unfair. The closest I ever came was remembering the approximate location on the page the information lived but I could never bring it into focus like a snapshot. Then I realized I may not have a photographic memory but I do have other "brain gifts" that I could leverage to make every study moment really count. Referring back to Study Tip #1: Study the material like you had to apply it tomorrow. For me I would literally pretend I had to use it the following day and I needed to know what to do. There is still more you can do to leverage the way YOUR brain best LEARNS! You can customize your learning by posing the "why do I care" questions specifically geared towards the way your brain processes information. Checkout my blog posting dated 8/5/2012. There is a picture that details how the four dominant brain quadrants best "learn" the associated questions that will help you engage your brain during a study session. If you wish to find out more about the Communication Works! instrument and specifically how YOU process information click on the ticket to the left. Folks taking a Close Group course ALWAYS get a free assessment!!! Totally cool.
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