PHR / SPHR: Professional in Human Resources Certification 4th Edition

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guide.First off, this study guide is as up-to-date as any that I researched - many other guides were as much as 7 years out-of-date !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!

This book was my only study resource and I passed the SPHR exam first time!It was well written and organized. The content structured aided in the learning process as it highlighted the more important topics first and then proceeded through the minor topics in each of the test areas. As I was taking the test, I thought that it was highly representative of the content in the book, which made the test feel easier than it actually was. The practice tests in the book were an excellent gauge of my readiness. The online content could stand to be presented in an updated interface but that was only a minor hiccup in regard to the overall benefit of the content. All together, it is a well assembled package to prepare you for the SPHR exam.