Who here has taken the SHRM-CP and does anyone have any advice for testing and/or studying?

likehelpful
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I took the exam in December. For me I was able to pass going the self study route (to save a little money). I suggest creating a study schedule and starting about 2-3 months out from the exam. I dedicated about 3-4 days a week 2 hours a day to learning and understanding the SHRM BoCK (i studied more frequently the closer I got to the exam). The SHRM website gives you a free pdf of the competencies and services as a good baseline. I also suggest taking as many practice exams as you can. I have some resources that I’m willing to share if you’re interested.

likehelpful

Thank you for sharing your resources.

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I took the SCP exam last July. I self studied for a couple of months and took practice exams to see weak areas. I found the free PDF on SHRM's site to be helpful and made further notes on each section.

Don't stress too much about the practice exams scores, the test is pass or fail and I couldn't find anything that translated the practice exams into a passing score. 🤷‍♀️

There is also YouTube videos with some previous exam questions that can help you understand the line of questions better.

A study partner would have been helpful but mine decided not to test. I took the couple of days off before to do larger study blocks/cram. Be sure to get enough sleep the night before.

Best of luck! You've totally got this!

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I think it is helpful to take a class as it offers structure and insight. Also, they will give you tips on how to take the test. The answers they are looking for are not necessarily the one she would give in real life lol

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Agreed. I took a prep course at duke and it was super helpful.

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I just passed it a month ago. I highly recommend taking a prep course. I did and I learned a lot and had guidance on how and what to study.

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That’s super helpful, I will check that out!

I took the SPHR and SCP test and here is how I passed both tests the first time I took them: With these types of test, I think the best thing to do is to get your hands on as many practice tests and questions as you possibly can. I literally went to the library (old school way) and checked out practice tests/books to prep for SHRM/PHR.

1. Take a baseline test to see your focus areas
2. Study the actual prep books end to end and read it - take the chapter tests without looking at the answers and be sure to revisit the section of questions you missed
3. The month following your test, take at least 3 full tests at the same time and day that you will take the regular test. Do this because it will prep you in sitting for a long duration of time and emulate the testing atmosphere (no breaks)
4. Download free apps that gives you SHRM/PHR questions to practice everyday. There are a couple of free apps out there

As long as you’re serious about studying (3 times a week for 2 hours each time, for 3 months) - you’ll pass!

Pro tip: don’t drink too much coffee/liquids before the test so you don’t use the bathroom and cut time from focusing on your test 🙈

Good luck - you’ll kill it!

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Is that certification still worth it? I’ve read mixed comments on it from various LinkedIn articles.

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I prefer the PHR - it’s a well rounded exam vs SHRM which is just SHRM competencies.

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Really learn and have a solid understanding of the concepts and all of the aspects involved. Also, be prepared to fail the first time. That's how I passed...the second time.

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Thank you all so much, this is incredibly helpful! I can’t wait to check out these resources.

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Study the flashcards to make sure you understand the vocabulary. I studied through HR jet pack. They had an online training that was so helpful. I took the practice tests frequently until I felt very comfortable with it. When you’re answering the questions just make sure you ask yourself “what would SHRM do”, because it’s too easy to default to answering what you think would happen at your current organization (and it’s unlikely they have read the book 😉)

helpful

Yes take the practice tests online! I also printed the flash cards and laminated them. I did self study and started about 4 months out. I would have liked to take a class but wasn't able to.

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