Product Description

The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) are the foremost nationally recognized certifications in the HR field, sponsored by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and endorsed by the Society for the Human Resource Management (SHRM). The PHR exam generally covers technical and operational matters, while the SPHR exam focuses on strategic and policy issues. A new addition to Sybex's line of "Best Study Guides", PHR/SPHR: Professional in Human Resources Certification Study Guide is more complete than any other PHR or SPHR exam preparation package available. To support the primary courseware, the companion CD includes an advanced test engine with four bonus exams (two for PHR and two for SPHR), electronic flash cards, and the entire book in PDF.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #270413 in Books
• Published on: 2003-10-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 576 pages

From the Back Cover
Whether you're a HR professional seeking to validate the skills and knowledge acquired through years of practical experience or a relative newcomer to the HR field looking to strengthen your resume, the PHR and SPHR certifications from the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) provide you with the means to do so. The PHR/SPHR: Professional in Human Resources Certification Study Guide was developed to help you prepare for these challenging exams, and includes additional study tools designed to reinforce understanding of key functional areas. Key topics include:

Strategic Management. Formulating HR objectives, practices, and policies to meet organizational needs and opportunities.

Workforce Planning and Employment. Planning, developing, implementing, administering, and performing ongoing evaluation of recruiting, hiring, orientation, and exit.

Human Resource Development. Ensuring that skills, knowledge, abilities, and performance of the workforce meet organizational and individual needs.

Compensation and Benefits. Analyzing, developing, implementing, administering, and performing ongoing evaluation of total compensation and benefits.

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 off your PC, Pocket PC, or Palm handheld.

Also on the CD, you'll find the entire book in searchable and printable PDF.

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.

About the Author
Author Anne M. Bogardus, SPHR, has over 20 years experience working with small businesses in developing effective human resource programs to meet organizational needs. Anne currently works as an HR consultant. Contributor Hal Anjo, DPA, SPHR is a human resources executive with a doctorate in public management. Contributor Carolyn Horrigan-Way, PHR, has experience in compensation, remuneration, and recruitment and has worked as an HR generalist supporting business units. Technical Editor Cynthia Erickson, SPHR, is a human resources generalist with 20 years of experience in the high-tech, finance, and healthcare industries.

Customer Reviews

Good General Reference & Introduction - Not a Test Prep System
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

A Very Useful Resource!!!!
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.

Good as a Supplement
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.