Hi guys, this blog is an informal platform to help PHR aspirants to pass the PHR exam ONCE. I strongly believe that HR practitioners can study hard, use the resources available to them (quite a lot) have a study plan and pass the PHR exam once. Why? because I did it!
I passed the PHR exam in July, 2015 and I am not going to lie to you, it takes intensive study to pass this exam by the HRCI. However, through this blog I am going to provide all the information you need to pass the PHR exam, especially if you are on a budget and you intend to study independently like I did.
I used the Sandra Reed/Anne Bogardus study guide as my study book. For some reason it is commonly referred to as the Bogardus study guide, guess it sounds like a grand name :). Anyway, I would recommend this book 100% for your study guide, it served me well and supplied 90% of the information I needed to know.
I also got the Sybex E-Test Prep Practice Questions in a CD (sold together on amazon) which was very helpful because it explained the alternatives to questions which broadened my knowledge of Human Resources and how it works in the USA.
Now, these are the only resources I paid for. I went on Youtube and diligently searched for videos on the 6 exam areas, I am going to post the links of these videos in a separate post as they are quite a lot. You can listen to these videos during your lunch break; before you fall asleep or just spare time.
Some labour laws that were confusing were better explained on the government site that regulates/enforces these laws in my opinion. So for stuff like COBRA, HIPAA, VEVRAA, OFCCP, even EEOC, I got a better understanding from visiting the government websites, at least they own the process and explained it in simple terms (they probably are required to so everyone can understand).
I got more results from studying at night or in the library. At night, it was quiet and I was able to retain and understand knowledge, This has always worked for me. Find what study time and pattern works best for you and follow it.
Finally, don't believe all the crap that its alright to take the exam a second time, the exam is so tough it has a 50% pass rate, its impossible to pass it once bla, bla, bla. Don't you dare believe it for a minute.
I told myself that if only 50% passed the PHR once, then I will be among the 50%, The folks who pass the PHR once do not have two heads!. I definitely did not intend to keep shelling out the exam fee every year because I had taken comfort in the fact that "smart" people had said the exam was pretty difficult. You really can do it. Believe that.
Begin studying with a mindset to PASS ONCE. Don't give yourself the comfort of being able to take the exam twice. Discipline yourself, let your study duration be at least 4 months and begin!
I wish you all the very best, Future PHR!
