PHR / SPHR: Professional in Human Resources Certification

Your approach to purchasing PHR/SPHR preparation materials should be similar to how you'll approach your exam preparation (i.e.) a thorough research and review process that helps you apply your knowledge to practical situations. After researching several SPHR study guides and resource manuals (reading online exerpts of books, customer reviews, etc.), I decided to purchase this book by Sandra Reed and Anne Bogardus. My approach proved to be correct, as I passed the SPHR exam (June, 2013) in my first attempt with the help of this study guide. First off, this study guide is as up-to-date as any that I researched - many other guides were as much as 7 years out-of-date ! The study material is presented in a comprehensive manner with an emphasis on providing essential baseline knowledge that, when put together with a common sense approach to HR problem-solving, will give any HR practioner what is needed to apply this knowledge to successfully answering the exam questions. Secondly, the information is presented in an HRCI Book of Knowledge (BOK) sequence - allowing for integration of the material (SO important for the PHR/SPHR test), references for further research on topics, and study scenarios for information application. It also enabled easy transfer of information for building my own flashcards - a cost-effective way to commit crucial information to memory. Third, while no amount of online practice testing can fully prepare one for the nature of the SPHR test questions, this study guide has a fairly comprehensive pre-study assessment and post-chapter assessment tests that can provide insight on expertise deficiencies and further study need effort. The only drawback to this study guide's sample questions as compared with the actual test was the need to include multiple questions based on one scenario - something encountered on the actual PHR/SPHR test. All in all, this was the BEST study guide that I found for the cost - in my opinion, passing the exam depends largely on HOW TO PREPARE for the exam rather than HOW MUCH TO SPEND on study materials. This book helped me to create a study plan (with a timeline) based on solid core knowledge.

The short answer is NO! So I decided, well in to my long running HR career take the SPHR EXAM. I registered late for the test allowing only 2 months time of study, while working full-time and caring for my children. So, it's a lot of material, true. It's also in a format that is easy to understand and apply to your own experiences. You won't get your SPHR certification just by memorizing the book, and all the laws, etc (although you do have to store relevant information in your head). You will pass the test by studying the book, drawing from your HR career experiences and knowing how to apply the laws to a problem/situation. I reviewed a lot of options and I could have paid to take a class for 8weeks, bought a study program from SHRM for $800. and many other expensive programs. I chose this book and self-study as my plan of attack. I did purchase some online quizzes as well to self-test. I read each chapter; highlighted relevant parts, and took every chapter test (use piece of paper so you can retake it over and over) I was still nervous when I took the exam in June, 2013. But wow what a feeling when at the end of the exam the screen flashes up with a CONGRATULATIONS. All that said, I am considering not renewing my SPHR through HRCI. Since SHRM jumped on the certification bandwagon and is now offering their own separate certification we have no singular entity who verifies we are the best in our profession. . And that's a shame. The SPHR certification is now watered down. I do still have my book and do refer to it from time to time. Whether you take the exam or not, this book is a great resource for beginners and experienced alike. Have fun. You got this.

The book is really good and very detailed, like loooong detailed. It is a very complete guide, just allow yourself a full month or at least 3 full weeks to dedicate your time to study. The book started with a assessment, do it without searching answers so you know where you are at. Then there are 8 chapters. The first one is more an explanation of the exam, then each chapter has at the end a 20 questions assessment (yes answers are on the back w explanations). At the end of the book you will find appendix w cases, read those too, when you are done with the book take the first assessment again. I used this book as my main study guide (I self-study for the test, didn't enroll in any class or study group) if you ask me, what help me succeed I will say, this book, I also purchased the trivium study guide (which is not a full study guide it's perfect for review, not for a main study guide and it does has a practice test include, yes, also answers on the back) I also ordered the HRCP quick study flash cards, there are not on amz, I ordered them from the HRCP site and one day prior the test I did the self assessment of the Aaron Frias book, I will recommend it too. I am giving this book only 4 stars because it's not very friendly and easy to read. But hey! How can you condensed all the HR info in just one book? Go for it!

I didn't want to spend the $800 for the SHRM online material, so a friend recommended this book and I'm glad I took his advice. I used this book exclusively for studying for my SPHR exam and passed on the first try! Like some of the other reviewers said, it's a little wordy and can be confusing because information is repeated throughout the book, but if you're able to get past that and focus on the pertinent iformation, this is a great study guide because not only does it provide all the information that's in the SHRM material, but it goes further by providinig background information and "real life" stories and case studies to help with your comprehension of the material. The online tests and flash cards are also great tools. The only negative that I have with the book is that it doesn't prepare you for the "type" of questions on the exam which are scenario based and highly subjective. To prepare for these typ of questions, I would recommend getting a study guide that has "test prep" questions with an explanation of the answers. I got one for $9.99 on Amazon, and it did an amazing job with preparing me with how to answer these type of questions.

I purchased this book due to being overwhelmed by HRCI's study material. I wanted one compact book to study for the PHR exam. I paired this book with Pocket Prep and aced the exam. The book does NOT cover new domains introduced in March of 2024, but still great for learning most of the necessary items for the exam.

Just took and PASSED the PHR exam yesterday on my first try and I only used this study guide and a few internet resources (such as the DOL website for addressing specific employment laws) and youtube to learn about PHR test taking tips as my prep tools. I spent three solid months studying (averaging about 2-3 hours on most days). This book is thick and I must have read it three times as well as made flash cards for key concepts. The chapter assessments were very helpful and allowed me to review areas where I was weak. Chapters are very thorough and well laid out, and even include additional resources if you feel inclined to use them. This book is outstanding and I'm really appreciative of the many reviewers who recommended it and prompted me to buy. Obviously it is not outdated as one reviewer stated. Acts may be amended but fundamental HR concepts and theories don't change. So glad I did not spend hundreds of dollars on a test prep course or study materials from the HRCI institute, but to each their own. Make no mistake about it, this was a really tough test, but thanks to dedication and this study guide, I am now certified! Highly recommend!!!

I passed! This was the only book I used! I was very high in the area of Strategic Management and wish I would have taken the SPHR. The test took me 2 hours. My method for studying was not only reading, but recording key elements and vocabulary on my phone with the help of a voice recorder. I listened while walking my dogs, running, or even for a short drive. It got to be very monotonous but I was confident by the time of the test. I also used Quizlet quite extensively and made flashcards of my recordings and every free practice test I could get my hands on. One wonderful thing about Quizlet is that you can also search for the SHRM $800+ modules and find the vocabulary and practice tests there as well. I began my course of study about 12 weeks before the test date. Quizlet also contains key elements of this study guide as well. Good luck, have faith, be confident... you will succeed!

I received this book in a very good condition and I can see that there are so many important details that can help me with the PHR Test. The description of this book, though, is misleading, at least here on Amazon. Hence 3 stars. At the very last page of this book, it tells you the steps on how to access the online test bank--- which I did. It says I can register it and they will give me a PIN. I tried doing that. However, I cannot even move past the registration PAGE because of the required security question. It is asking me to answer, "WHAT IS THE CAPTION for FIGURE 5.2. FILL IN THE BLANKS. ________ GRIEVANCE PROCESS. Well, first of all, there is no figure 5.2. When you say figure 5.2, you have to go to chapter 5, and look for Figures (contained in Boxes). There's only Figure 5.1 but no Figure 5.2. There is Table 5.2. And then after I moved past the Review questions, the book takes me to Chapter 6. There I find the first Figure of the Chapter, which is Figure 6.1. But that is not what the security question is asking... How can I answer the security question if it's not even found in the book? I think it is not fair to mislead your customers over this especially when they are trying to get their certification within their budget. The seller should offer alternative or at least be TRUTHFUL with the description that the book does not offer online test banks anymore. Either that or at least provide customers an alternative link on how to access the test bank.

The book is highly organized and very easy to understand, in addition it has challenging test, I do recommend it for the PHR/SPHR students

This is 2012 edition.

This is very comprehensive introductory guide, very useful for HR Professionals who just need to brush up their HR knowledge. May also be useful for non core HR professionals who may use the guide as an introduction to the subject, but to get through the exam they will have to read a couple of books in each major knowledge area.