1. Overview of SHRM Learning System 8/22/12
NOTES
© SHRM

2. Agenda Introductions PHR or SPHR? Overview of Learning Modules
Course Materials & Resources
Exam Information
Navigating the Online Resource Center
Study Tips
Practice Test
NOTES
© SHRM

3. Introductions Name Employment/Position Number of years in HR
Exam: PHR/SPHR?
Something unique to help us remember you!
NOTES
Instructors
Susan Redder
Judith Juodvalkis
Rhonda Hill
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4. PHR or SPHR?
PHR
SPHR
1 year demonstrated professional HR experience with a Master’s degree or higher
4 years demonstrated professional HR experience with a Master’s degree or higher
2 years demonstrated professional HR experience with a Bachelor’s degree
5 years demonstrated professional HR experience with a Bachelor’s degree
4 years demonstrated professional HR experience with less than a Bachelor’s degree
7 years demonstrated professional HR experience with less than a Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience: Program implementation focus
Work Experience: Focus on the “big picture”, designs & plans rather than implements
Exam questions tend to be at an operational/ technical level
Exam questions tend to be at a strategic/policy level
NOTES
PHR exam tends to have more tactical questions, testing your knowledge of specific facts
SPHR exam has questions that tend to be more esoteric, requiring you to be able to apply knowledge and principles. There may be more questions that are not covered in any of the course materials but are “current events” for HR professionals.
SPHR only content is identified throughout
SPHR Study Guide for those taking SPHR exam – but helpful for PHR students to read SPHR material but don’t need to focus on it as much.
There’s a lot of overlap in HR between laws, regulations, and HR principles, so reviewing and hopefully learning all of the material in the modules will help the PHR student as well as the SPHR student.
HRCI.org
© SHRM

5. Learning Modules Module 1: Business Management and Strategy
8 Sections
Module 2: Workforce Planning and Employment
12 Sections
Module 3: Human Resource Development
Module 4: Compensation and Benefits
11 Sections
Module 5: Employee and Labor Relations
10 Sections
Module 6: Risk Management
6 Sections
NOTES
Can vary, but in general:
Most Difficult Modules: 
Compensation & Benefits [module 4]
Labor Relations [module 5]
Because most don’t have any experience with unions - particularly the sections dealing with collective bargaining, organizing, ULP’s, strikes, etc.
Some have some trouble with strategic HR in module 1 also, and all have trouble remembering the laws and court cases. 
Least Difficult Modules:
Risk Management [module 6]
© SHRM

6. Exam Information Exam Percentages by Function/Module MODULE PHR SPHR
Business Management & Strategy
11%
30%
Workforce Planning and Employment
24%
17%
Human Resource Development
18%
19%
Compensation & Benefits
13%
Employee and Labor Relations
20%
14%
Risk Management 8% 7%
NOTES
Exam percentages by module – this information will be important as you get closer to the exam. As you analyze how you are doing on practice tests, this will help you determine where to focus your efforts and develop a study strategy.
© SHRM

7. Exam Registration Exam Dates Exam Details Test Dates
Applications Accepted
Late Applications Accepted
WINTER
2012/2013
Dec. 1,
Jan
July 9 - Oct. 5
Oct. 6 - Nov. 9
Exam Details
3 Hour Exam
175 questions do not count towards final score
PROMETRIC Test Center
933 HIGH STREET, # 1409
SUITE 130B
WORTHINGTON, OH 43085
Phone (614)
 NOTES
TEST INFO: 175 questions
25 are being tested for validity so are not counted towards final score
Exam is 3 hours
PROMETRIC TEST CENTER # 1409: 933 HIGH STREET, SUITE 130B, WORTHINGTON, OH Phone (614)
What are Scaled Scores and Why are They Used?
Final score report will include
Raw Scores
Scaled Score
Raw score is the number of questions you answered correctly. The minimum raw passing score differs from one exam form to another because exam forms have different levels of difficulty.
After equating procedures are completed, raw scores are mathematically converted to scaled scores that range from 100 to 700.
Scaled score of 500 always represents the minimum passing score.
Scaled scores are equivalent for all administrations, and candidates must obtain a minimum scaled score of 500 to pass, regardless of when they take the exam. Scaled scores are not “number correct” or “percent correct” scores. 
© SHRM

8. SHRM Learning System Course Materials Include:
6 self-study print modules
Progress check questions
SPHR supplement for focused learning
Learning software with practice tests
Pre- and post-test questions for each module
Electronic flashcards to print or download to handheld device
Electronic glossary, which includes key HR terms and definitions
Legislation and Case Law Summaries
Access to webcasts, HR updates, links to key HR info, etc.
NOTES
© SHRM

9. Resources Printed Workbooks Online Resource Center
Online Tools w/ Mobile Access
6 print modules
Test-taking strategies specifically for the HRCI exam
Practice Tests (pre-test, module-specific test and post-test)
Printed glossary of terms and subject index provided for each module.
Free audio & webcasts for each module
Flashcards (over 750 covering all six modules)
Icons highlight key content and links to additional resources.
Ask The Expert feature for individualized follow-up questions
Glossary (Comprehensive reference for easy reference online or while reading the materials)
SPHR Preparation Book specifically designed for SPHR candidates.
Links to key HR information cited in the modules
Feedback feature
NOTES
Printed Workbooks
Online Resource Center
Online Tools with Mobile Access
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10. Online Resource Center
Overview
NOTES
Overview of Online Resource Center - 15 minutes for online tour
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11. Online Resource Center
Assess your knowledge
NOTES
Assess
Online Pre-test – 100 questions
Once completed, you will see a bar chart showing your performance for each module
Use the SmartStudy Plan to help prioritize your studies
© SHRM

12. “SmartStudy Plan” www.learnhrm.shrm.org Study Plan NOTES
SmartStudy Plan = Plan to Pass Tool
Guides your studies
Creates a customized study plan based on areas requiring the most attention
Score from the pre-test (included in the SHRM Learning System)
Factors in your level of HR experience
Can also track progress as you study to ensure you're reaching your goals.
Access the Online Resource Center :
Click on SmartStudy Plan
Take the Assessment
Translate your HR experience into a comfort level number.
Determine your Comfort level score
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13. Online Resource Center
Study
NOTES
Online Resource Center – specific examples
Test taking tips -MP3 audiocast
Module Quickstart- audiocast
Practice tests, retired tests, module post-tests
Mobile access for Smart Phones and E-readers
Smartstudy Tool
Flash cards
Glossary
Summary of Legislation & Legal Decisions
Online Post-test
Certification Handbook
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14. Online Resource Center
Additional Resources
NOTES
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15. Study Tips
Research shows that reading material without periodic review results in:
47% forgotten in 20 minutes
62% forgotten in 1 day
75% forgotten in 15 days
78% forgotten in 31 days
NOTES
Regular study is very important.
47% forgotten in 20 minutes
62% forgotten in 1 day
75% forgotten in 15 days
78% forgotten in 31 days
© SHRM

16. Study Tips Read Ahead Take Copious Class Notes Schedule Study Time
Writing details down helps you assimilate the data
Schedule Study Time
Mark it on your calendar now for every week
Consistent Use of Resources
Exams, flashcards, vocabulary, etc.
Don't Get Distracted
If you get off track, get right back on your study schedule
Use the Online Resources! 
NOTES
Study Groups
Pre-Test – 1st opportunity to start practicing your test taking skills & start identifying where you may need to focus your efforts in order to develop a study strategy.
© SHRM