Increase the chance of passing your human resources certification exam the first-time around

You’ve been privy to the hiring, the firing, and the payroll procedures of your organization’s HR department for awhile, but none of those seem nearly as daunting a process as preparing for your human resources certification exam.

That makes sense. With pass rates of 67% for the Society for Human Resource Management-Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and 65% for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) exams, they’re not easy A’s. But with a well-thought out plan and a little guidance, you can boost the probability of passing your exam on the first go-round.

Who needs certification?

Anyone who would like to be taken seriously as an HR professional should become certified. Certification through either SHRM or the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI), which offers the PHR, validates that you have the foundational knowledge needed to do the work. More and more, certification is something today’s supervisors scan for on resumes when searching for new hires.

“Certification does impact your career, and your ability to grow,” said Darby Starnes, an HR professional who coaches others to success on their HR exams. “Almost every company I speak to is looking to make sure that commitment to the profession is shown through that certification.”

Some HR exams require a certain amount of experience in the field, while others expect at least a working knowledge of HR practices and principles. To find the right exam for you, visit HRCI and SHRM eligibility requirements.

How to prepare for the exam

You’re not the first person to take an HR exam, so thankfully you can glean some knowledge from others who have made it to the other side. The journey toward those sought-after credentials can be made easier by following a few tried-and-true recommendations.

1. Take a prep class.

UNC Charlotte’s online 12-week HR Certification Exam Preparation course, taught by Starnes, delivers the important information needed in three-hour bites once a week. The classes study sample exams, use flashcards, discuss best practices for taking standardized tests, and most importantly, give access to an expert with years of experience as an HR professional, coach and mentor.

“I have probably held every HR position known,” said Starnes. “I’ve been a director of HR. A manager of HR. I’ve led teams and I’ve been a salesperson in HR business development.” For the last 15 years, she’s also served as a coach and teacher, taking part in over 1,000 webinars designed to help HR professionals reach their goals and improve the field. You can learn more about her here.

A prep class can mean the difference between success and failure. It delivers the knowledge needed in portion-control amounts, usually in the several weeks leading up to the exam. This not only prevents people from last-minute cramming, but also allows the information to sink in.

UNC Charlotte’s HR Certification Exam Preparation course prepares individuals for both the SHRM-CP and the PHR, as well as the advanced certifications, Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

2. Study, but don’t overstudy.

This is not an exam to try and wing. The SHRM-CP is a four-hour test made up of 134 questions – 80 knowledge and 54 situational-judgment items. The PHR gives you two hours to complete 90 questions on topics like employee and labor relations. Find a study group. Make flashcards. Take practice exams. Know the materials.

But don’t go overboard. There’s a downside to overdoing it. In a study conducted by Mark Smith, Ph.D. of SHRM, Smith noted that first-time test-takers who studied 41 to 120 hours had the highest pass rates, while those who studied over 200 saw their chances of passing plummet.

Both SHRM and HRCI recommend a minimum sweet spot of 60 hours to prepare for either exam.

3. Self-assess your readiness.

The best study aid may come from learning from your mistakes. Once you’ve taken enough practice tests, you’ll be able to see areas where you need to study more. Both the PHR and the SHRM-CP cover a set group of topics. Reviewing your mistakes to understand the concepts you may be missing can give you the added points you need to pass the exam with flying colors.

In the end, don’t fret if you need to take the exam again. You’ll be in good company with others who’ve had to give it another go. Remember, certification is important, and worth your effort.

UNC Charlotte’s HR Certification Exam Preparation course covers material for the PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP and the SHRM-SCP exams.