The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification Exam is one of three certification tests administered by the internationally respected Human Resources Certification Institute, a leader in the field of human resources. Many human resource employers require the certification because it assures them that new hires and current employees are fully cognizant of the most up-to-date theories, principals and practices in human resource management. Many human resource professionals who may not be required to have the PHR certification choose to pursue it because it tells co-workers and supervisors that they are invested in current knowledge, have deepest commitment to standards and strive toward the highest level of professionalism. In addition, holding the certification can give an employee an edge over the competition when it comes to rapid on-the-job advancement.
The test is composed of 150 questions in a multiple choice format which must be answered in three hours or less.
To be eligible to sit for the certification exam, applicants must have completed at least a Master’s degree and worked in the field of human resources for a minimum of one year. Alternatively, applicants who hold a Bachelor’s degree and have worked for two years or more are also eligible. Individuals who began working in human resources without having earned a Bachelor’s degree, and have continuously worked for a minimum of four years are also permitted to take the PHR certification test.
The test itself focuses on six arenas. 8% of the test is devoted to Risk Management. 11% looks at Business Management and Strategy. 12% of the questions are concerned with Compensation and Benefits, while 18% are limited to Human Resources Development. Employee and Labor Relations questions account for 20% of the exam, and the remaining 24% of the questions are concerned with Workforce Planning and Employment.
Examinees can apply to take the examination online. Within 48 hours of completing the application an email will be sent confirming eligibility and whether or not the application was correctly submitted, or if information or documents are missing. Because the PHR certification exam is limited to specific dates and test centers, it is wisest to select a date as soon after notification of completed application has been received in order to be assured of your preferred date or location.
Human Resources professionals who reap the greatest benefits from the Professional in Human Resources certification generally are those who are committed to human resources work but have no more than four years of combined experience in a range of human resources disciplines. These individuals typically have been trained in logistical applications involving project implementation. Most professionals interested in pursuing PHR certification are currently under the supervision of a senior HR employee, and have not reached the level of experience or competency required to be assigned progressively complex projects. PHR examinees typically assume responsibilities whose breadth remains within the human resources department, instead of taking on tasks that have a bearing upon other departments or upon the organization as a whole.
In addition to the PHR exam, the Human Resources Certification Institute also offers certification examinations in Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Global Professional in Human Resources, as well as a California-specific Professional and Senior Professional examination.
Preparing For The Professional In Human Resources And Senior Professional In Human Resources Exams
It is important that serious candidates for either the Professional in Human Resources or Senior Professional in Human Resources exams take the time needed to properly prepare. These tests evaluate a test taker’s knowledge and skills in a thorough and consistent manner; they are not artificial certifications that can be purchased simply for the cost of registration.
There’s no point in taking one of these exams unless you intend to pass it and earn your certification. After all, with it you gain immediate respect and can begin a more assertive climb to the top of the professional ladder. But failing an attempt at earning certification can have a number of negative effects. For one thing, you’ll have to go through the entire process again, from registering to paying the fees. Secondly, failing an exam means waiting a considerable period of time to make a second attempt, since the tests are only given during two testing periods in a year. Perhaps most importantly, failing the exam can contribute negatively to an individual’s sense of worth, and that can begin a downward spiral in terms of confidence.
The first step to take in your test preparation is to develop a workable study plan. This will depend in part upon your own learning style. Some people learn best in long, concentrated and independent study periods. Others learn quickly in short bursts and are able to retain what they’ve gleaned, but if they try to stay focused for too long, it will all evaporate. Some people need face- to- face instruction in order to learn; others prefer to have classmates or study partners. Still others prefer learning online or using a flashcard or study guide system, because they can work at their own pace.
Regardless of your learning style, the one thing not to do is short change yourself in terms of time. Remember that studying will have to fit into your normal life, including your work schedule and the needs of your spouse or children. Determine how many hours a week you can devote to preparation, then break it down into daily bits. Remember to assess yourself frequently; this will help you determine if you are on- track, and if your approach to your study preparation is paying off.
It is always useful to determine what you know, and what you need to know. There’s no point in spending a lot of your limited review time going over areas in which you are already strong. However, the only way to effectively focus on your weaker areas is by knowing what kind of weight they bring to the exam’s total score. For example, perhaps you feel that your weakest area is in risk management. Before devoting a large chunk of your time to this area, bear in mind that in both the PHR and SPHR exams, the functional area of Risk Management is the least important to the overall test score, accounting for only 7%.
Another reason for beginning your exam preparation well in advance is because it will help alleviate the potentially destructive effects of stress. The earlier you get started, the more confident you will be in your knowledge, your skills and your ability to test well. It’s always a good idea to take the free sample questions posted on the official website; of course, these questions are limited, so you might want to look for a good study guide from a reliable company. Be sure to check their Better Business Bureau scores; you’ll want a company that offers study aides and has maintained an A+ rating. Consider purchasing a set of flashcards so that you can tuck studying in wherever you find a free moment.
With a well organized preparation plan, lots of study and a little confidence, your future success is nearly guaranteed!
Professional In Human Resources Certification Exam Content
Candidates seeking certification via the Human Resources Certification Institute’s Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification exam should be well prepared by understanding the material that will be covered. There are only two testing periods annually; a candidate who has not spent sufficient time studying, reviewing and considering the structure of the test is more likely to fail than one who is well prepared. Anyone who is interested in gaining this prestigious certification is doing so in order to become more attractive to employers, or to advance more quickly within a job. Failing the exam will mean a minimum of six months before another attempt can be made.