1. Failed Survey Results as of 09.15.2011

2. Summary 374 HR professionals responded –Most former PHRs (64%) and SPHR (40%) –72% with 50 years or less –36% in management positions (i.e., managers or above) –61% sat for the exam once & 39% twice or more –76% sat for the exam in 2010 or before Top 3 reasons to obtain credentials –Personal fulfillment –To distinguish themselves in the HR community (e.g., add certification to title/ business card) –To make themselves more marketable when applying for a higher position at another company

3. Summary Top 3 primary methods used to prepare –Self-Study –SHRM Certification Preparation Course –SHRM College/ University Program 49% took 4 to 7 months to prepare for the exam & 44% took 0 to 3 months to prepare 80% felt they were ready for the exam –30% completely ready –50% somewhat ready Up to 88% “could” take the certification exam again –36% definitely will –24% probably will –28% are not yet sure (“could”)

4. 12% don’t plan to take the certification exam again due to –CUSTOMER SERVICE “I sent two pages letter why I failed the exam, what were the issues in the exam that caused my failure, but I received an answer which is very neglected and "work harder you could do that" style. That means even I spent my time but you didn't.” “I did not receive the results analysis of my exam as promised which mean that you are not serious” –EXPECTATIONS CREATED DURING PREPARATION “It was such a disappointment to fail twice. I studied diligently and passed all of the SHRM tests. I felt I was ready (especially with the years of experience I have), but when I took the test both times, I found many of the questions were not what I had studied.” “Because the exam did not test for the study materials provided by SHRM. The SHRM study materials are outdated and did not help at all.” “Because the study materials and the prep course provided do not prepare and individual for the test.” “The PHR exam is filled with questions that are not in the test bank or in the book.” –LOST CONFIDENCE SINCE FAILED TWICE OR MORE I've tried 3 times and failed Because I failed twice, don't want to fail a third time. It's too stressful and demoralizing to fail. I do not have a need for so much "union" information - I feel it was overweighed in this area and will never pass. Why waste the money? “I took SPHR twice, and my employer paid for both times. Did not feel I could ask them to pay again.” –VALUE BASED REASONS “The exam was very tough and stressful. There is no monetary reward for having the PHR.” “I'm from India, the certification is not as per the Indian labor laws therefore will not help me” “The questions that were asked on your exam had nothing to do with performing as human resources” –OTHER REASONS “I won't take it again because I am not eligible.” “I no longer have an interest in working within HR.” “Need to break after an hour and a half... can't focus in the testing environment for 4 hours straight” Summary

5. 77% felt the idea to be connected to a mentor online was good or great –Only 1% felt this idea was bad 25% felt that it was a bad idea that other HR professionals in the mentor program were aware that they were not successful –Only 15% felt that this was a great idea The ideal mentor should be… –“Experienced, passed exam, understanding, patient, non-judgmental.” –“Someone who is positive and can see through my frustrations to encourage me to move forward with my passion.” –“Someone who's been a mentee and is paying it forward.” –“Realistic, honest, patient, passion and willingness to teach, good heart and desire for others to succeed.” –“Someone who will not make you feel less if you do not know the answer but who will also push you to succeed.” –“He/she must have a strong desire for me to pass.” –“Someone that could relate the material to the 'real world'.” –“Strong listening skills, patience, positive attitude and certainly a sense of humor!” –“Compassion toward the PHR/SPHR material. Availability.” –“Active, knowledgeable, good communication.” –“Someone who has more knowledge then me” –“Not demeaning - genuine. Current with test requirements.” –“Someone who encourages me and gives me honest feedback as well as "reality checks.“” –“A person who has experience and understands the person weaknesses and build on those weaknesses” Summary

6. Additional Suggestions “Well, I skimmed ahead and saw that you offering a mentor online... but I don't see an "in person" option. Please, offer that option as well, I would certainly select it. Secondly, it seems that the tests are more geared to washing people out than truly assessing what one knows... I have heard this from many people, both those who have passed the exams (PHR, SPHR, GPHR) and those who did not. Honestly, to be successful with a certification that is respected, something needs to change in the architectural structure of the test. Very respectfully, I fear you might be creating a perception you don't want.” “Sample questions, sample exams, real life examples or scenarios that may be covered in exam.” “More example questions that actually mirror the test or are close to it.” “The most update exam series of the Self-Study Program plus a mentor (someone who can measure if learning is actually taking place rather than memorizing.) I need someone to encourage me! Plus interpreting the question(s) that may be ask on the exam. For instance, the last exams employed the word 'impact'; I substituted the work 'influence' for the word 'impact'. I feel that I understand the material however I am thrown off by some of the questions ask on the exam.” “I would have loved to have at least an exposure to test sample to be acquainted with what I should expect, to past test questions also to practice and a preparatory program and also someone on the other end of the program to be my personal point of contact.” “Additional material other than SHRM.” “After two full semesters and sitting twice for the test and failing..I need a new instructor actually holding an HR position that translates theory into practice on the job. The test is all about application...not facts and figures.” “Better instructor who stays focused on testing materials and how to test.” “I have everything I just need to spend more time studying.”