Certification - Resources
Certification is a great way to signify that you have educated yourself in such a way that provides the appropriate level of knowledge application. Additionally, it is a fantastic way to either learn new HR principles or brush up on your HR accumen.
For inquires and questions, please reach out to certification@slshrm.org
Helpful tools to help you make the most of your certification preparation
Quizlet: Build your own Vocabulary sets or search for existing vocabulary sets. Quiz yourself, gamify your learning and track your progress. Be cautious of copyright laws.
SHRM-CP/SCP Study Forum (Facebook): There are a number of great HR forums on Social Media and some that are devoted to providing quiz questions/discussion and/or tips on answering tough topics.
Study Schedules: Studying for your HR Certification is a big undertaking! It can be daunting at first, but utilizing a study schedule helps you set a goal and make timely progress towards your end date. Be sure to find the right time frame and the right test.
In-Class Learning Programs: There are many local UT based Certification instructors to help guide you through the material in preparation for your test. Or take the course as a way of earning your recertification credits!
David Siler - The Seven Princes: Many swear by this approach toward HR Certification.
Other helpful insights:
- Take the exam that you are qualified to take. Sure, push yourself, but also don't overextend yourself.
- Test banks are helpful, but be sure that they are validated questions. Retired questions from the source of your exam provider are great ways to practice.
- Take practice quizzes to get a feel for the questions that are being asked. Allow the quizzes to reveal to you where your areas of opportunity are.
- Pay attention to the weight of each section of the exam. You may want to devote more time to those sections that make up a larger percentage of the content/questions.
- If you're an expert in one area of the exam, it may feel comfortable and easy to keep learning about that topic, but make sure your time and effort go those areas you specifically need.
- Watch out for words like "Always" and "Never" in the possible answers. Those are very strong words and can be an indicator of a "detractor" (A question that sounds right, but isn't). HR is the land of " it depends" so be careful when selecting an answer that has such a universal term.
- Don't rely on how the company you worked for approached an HR-related issue. Just because your company did it one way, does NOT mean that it was done the "correct" way (at least for the purposes of this exam).
- Visualize yourself in the testing area. Visualize your passing score show up on the screen and doing your own 'victory dance' out of the building and in your car.
- Record yourself reading the vocabulary words and then listen to it during your commute.
Helpful tools to help you in your recertification
- Look to the website of your certification provider for free classes or webinars. Attending these on a regular basis will help to slowly build up your credit hours.
- Understand how work experience can be applied to your recertification credits. There are often many things that we do in our regular HR responsibilities that can be earning recertification credits.
- Do your best to not just check the box. Recertification credits are largely here to help you stay fresh and sharp in your profession. Use this opportunity to grow, not just cross the finish line.
- Look for online or in-person conferences to acquire a large amount of credits at a time such as BambooHR's HR Summits or HR Summer School