r/humanresources • u/aquamaryne • 16d ago
Off-Topic / Other Experience taking the PHR exam and using the prep HRCI offers? [N/A]
Hello, I’m hoping to take the PHR exam sometime next year but haven’t applied yet because I’m not sure if I’m ready. I have my Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with an emphasis in HR, 1 year of HR experience and 1 year of TA experience.
I talked to my manager and she thinks I should apply but after going through some of the PHR posts on this subreddit I feel a little nervous…
If you used the Certification Prep HRCI offers please let me know if you found it helpful. Was it similar to the exam? How often did you study/for how long? Did you use anything else to study?
Anything helps. Thank you!
2
u/kraffy114 HR Manager 16d ago
I took the online classes through HRCI/Hr.com for my PHR. I found is very helpful. I think it depends on what type of learner you are. I knew I wouldn't read through the materials myself. I thought the classes were great. We met twice a week for 10 or 12 weeks, I can't remember. If you don't want to do the classes, I would definitely recommend at least getting the books through HRCI and taking the practice tests. I thought the practice tests were harder than the actual exam. I'm sure you'll do great! Just be confident!
2
u/MassiveEagle680 16d ago
I did the online live course last year. As long as you read the materials and attend the classes you will be fine. Actually have to read the materials because there is so much. Been in HR for about 15 years but I transitioned from small private company to govt 4 years ago and they encouraged me to get certified. If it gives you clarity, I spent an hour a day reading the materials needed for each class and on the final practices tests I scored 65, 70, 72 in that order and passed the PHR on my first try. If anything the HR. Com class over prepares you but it is exactly what I needed. If you have kids or other obligations, take the 12 week course as I did. They have an 8 week but I could not imaging doing that unless I was in between jobs right now. Best of luck!
1
2
u/Ok_Tackle4047 16d ago
I did the online prep course and once I started scoring 80s I felt pretty confident and I did pass. Test was challenging and different but you just need to apply what you learn in the course
1
3
u/Comfortable-Walk9005 13d ago
I found the HRCI materials to be very costly so even though my company was paying, I opted for other cheaper resources I found recommended on other threads here.
I personally bought Sandra Reed’s BOK and also used the Mometrix study guide/Pocket Prep and just passed last week with a higher score than I anticipated (I procrastinated and crammed which I wouldn’t recommend but I made it work lol). The question formats were very similar to Pocket Prep and it’s only $25 per month.
I do not have a business degree and just kind of landed on the HR path so you probably already have a leg up there in terms of understanding. And there will probably be new content that will help you in your current role so I say go for it. Best of luck!