PHR/SPHR: Professional in Human Resources Certification Study Guide (Paperback)

by Anne Bogardus (Author)
Key Phrases: federal employment legislation, strategic workforce planning, defined contribution plans, Total Rewards, United States, Risk Management (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Completely revised and enhanced for the new 2007 exams, this book enables you to validate your experience and skills as an HR professional with the industry-standard PHR (Professional in Human Resources) or SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) certifications from the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). This comprehensive new edition of the top-selling PHR/SPHR Study Guide provides you expert preparation and review for these challenging exams as well as comprehensive coverage on labor relations, workforce planning, compensation, OSHA regulations.

From the Back Cover
Completely Revised and Enhanced for the New 2007 Exams

Validate your experience and skills as an HR professional with the industry-standard PHR (Professional in Human Resources) or SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) certifications from the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). This comprehensive new edition of the top-selling PHR/SPHR Study Guide provides you expert preparation and review for these challenging exams.

Practical and comprehensive coverage on labor relations, workforce planning, compensation, OSHA regulations, and more

Full coverage of all test specifications in a systematic approach, so you can be confident you're getting the instruction you need for the exams

Real-world scenarios that put what you've learned in the context of actual job roles

Challenging review questions in each chapter to prepare you for exam day

Exam Essentials, a key feature that identifies critical areas you must master before taking the exam

A handy tear card that maps every test specification to the corresponding chapter in the book, so you can track your exam prep

NOTE: This study guide and/or materials are not sponsored by, endorsed by, or affiliated in any way with the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), an affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). PHR, SPHR, GPHR, and HRCI are trademarks or registered marks of HRCI. SHRM is a registered mark of the Society for Human Resource Management.

Featured on the CD

SYBEX TEST ENGINE:
Test your knowledge with advanced testing software. Includes all chapter review questions and four bonus exams—two for PHR and two for SPHR.

ELECTRONIC FLASHCARDS:
Reinforce your understanding with flashcards that can run on your PC, Pocket PC, or Palm handheld.

Also on CD, you'll find the entire book in searchable and printable PDF. Study anywhere, any time, and approach the exam with confidence.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: Sybex; 2 edition (January 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470050683
• ISBN-13: 978-0470050682
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.4 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (89 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #136,286 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good General Reference & Introduction - Not a Test Prep System, December 30, 2005

By	H. J. Copeland (Hawaii) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: PHR/SPHR: Professional in Human Resources Certification Study Guide (Paperback)

I just took the SPHR exam this morning (and passed), but I have to give this book a mixed review. It is essentially a general introduction to HR and its various specialities - what you might expect to find in a college-level "Intro to HR" textbook, with a chapter that explains the SPHR / HRCI, etc. In the author's defense, that is all she claims the book to be. The problem is, if you are seriously contemplating taking the SPHR exam, you are probably beyond needing a introduction to the field. In my opinion and experience, in order to pass the exam, you need to take practice tests. This book does come with a CD that contains flashcards and 4 practice tests (2 for PHR and 2 for SPHR), but they are only 55 questions each and thus a bit too narrow to really prepare you for the 225 question exam. I found the practice test available from certgear.com to be an excellent resource (best $60 I ever spent) and an excellent tool to combine with this book - just don't count on this book alone. Again, the author says pretty much the same thing - this book is an HR reference and introduction to the SPHR exam, not a "test prep" system. HJC

43 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Useful Resource!!!!, January 22, 2004

By	Allena (Tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: PHR/SPHR: Professional in Human Resources Certification Study Guide (Paperback)

I was fortunate to be one of the pilot readers of this book. I found it very interesting and informative. I think that the PHR/SPHR: Professional in Human Resources Certification Study Guide is the book for which many of those preparing for the PHR/SPHR Certification Exam have been waiting! This study guide is a welcome addition to the materials already available. It is a clear and concise review of the Body of Knowledge. At first reading, it is quite apparent that Ms. Bogardus not only understands the material, but also presents it in such a manner that it is easy to comprehend the application of the terms, theories and procedures. The study guide includes cross-referencing, indicating where additional information and clarification may be found, and the self-assessment questions help the learner review the materials. In addition, excellent examples are presented, and the "Real Life Scenarios" assist even the seasoned professional in confirming his/her grasp of the application of the information. In my opinion, I believe you will find this Study Guide to be very beneficial in your preparation for the PHR/SPHR Certification Exam.

32 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good as a Supplement, June 7, 2006

By	Dindy Robinson "Swimming Kangaroo Books" (Arlington, TX United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: PHR/SPHR: Professional in Human Resources Certification Study Guide (Paperback)

Anne M. Bogadus' Study Guide for the Professional In human Resources Certification is a useful supplement to use when studying for the exam. More than anything, it acts as a review for things the HR Professional should know. It definitely would be more useful for the PHR than for the SPHR because the strategic elements of Human Resources were not given much emphasis.

The accompanying CD with practice tests and flash cards was useful in helping to cement definitions clearly in my mind-- but at the same time, that is my main complaint about the book. It's usefulness was mainly in providing definitions and very basic information. In terms of putting that information to use at a higher functioning level, the guide was not helpful. The questions on the SPHR tend to be complex situational questions and this book was not adequate preparation for those questions. There were also several key issues that were covered on the SPHR exam, but weren't even mentioned in this book. (By the way, I passed the SPHR so this is not sour grapes.)

All that being said, if you are studying for the PHR or SPHR, you should use several different study guides to help in your studies. If you can only afford to purchase one guide, do not purchase this one.