Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Learning System Certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this material the best to help prepare for the PHR or SPHR exam?
The SHRM Learning System is the official SHRM study material to use in preparing for the PHR or SPHR examinations. Updated yearly, questions used in class are written in the same format and cover the same body of HR knowledge as the PHR and SPHR exams. The materials include legal and legislative changes, are reviewed by a team of subject matter experts, and go through a legal review process to ensure that they are up-to-date and accurate. However, since participants' educational backgrounds and work experiences differ, they should be encouraged to supplement their exam preparation with other textbooks or materials.

How will participants benefit from this program?
Participants will receive excellent preparation for the PHR or SPHR exams and an overview of the HR field. They will interact with other human resource professionals, earn continuing professional education credits, and receive a certificate of completion. Many HR professionals have not received this formal training through their employment or education.

What is required to successfully complete the class and receive the certificate of completion?
To receive our certificate of completion, participants must attend at least eight of the class sessions, take all tests and exams, and have a final course grade of 70% or better. The grade is based on 30% of the quizzes given throughout the course and 70% on the cumulative final test. This grading method will allow participants who have had difficulty with the individual tests to still complete the program by passing the final exam.

Will participants be certified after completing this course? Does the tuition for this course cover the cost of the Human Resource Certificate Institute (HRCI) certification examination?
No. The certification process is completely separate from this course and participants should apply and pay for the certification exams through the HRCI. An excellent way to determine which exam is best for you is to take the HRCI online assessment exam. This exam will help you determine your strengths and weaknesses in each of the functional areas of the exam and allows you to become familiar with the format and difficulty of the exam questions. Contact HRCI at (866) 898-4724, www.hrci.org, or info@hrci.org for more information.

How widespread is PHR/SPHR certification?

• Nationwide, approximately 200 colleges and universities provide training for the PHR/SPHR certification
• Over 60,000 people are certified nationally: 65% are PHR and 35% are SPHR

How do I know if I am eligible to sit for the PHR or SPHR certification exams?
The new requirement states that candidates must have two years of HR exempt-level experience to qualify to take either exam; however, it is strongly recommended that candidates attempting the PHR exam have two to four years of HR exempt-level experience and candidates attempting the SPHR examination have six to eight years of HR exempt-level experience. Contact HRCI at (866) 898-4724, www.hrci.org, or info@hrci.org for more information.

How rigorous are the PHR and SPHR certification exams?
The multiple-choice questions in this course are in the same format as the exams. By reviewing the SHRM Learning System modules, participants should be well prepared to successfully pass the HRCI certification examinations; however, success is not guaranteed. Statistically, participants who attend this program at an educational institution and then take the exam have a higher pass rate on the exam than those who used some other study method.

Please visit the HR Certification Institute website to view application deadlines and testing dates.

How many people have used the SHRM Learning System?
Each year over 15,000 people use the SHRM learning system, either through an educational institution or on their own.