I just passed the PHR - My Thoughts

Hello everyone.

I recently (4 hours ago) passed the PHR exam and I'm writing this because everything is still fresh in my mind. This is just to add to everybody's contributions which was personally helpful. You may find the information particularly helpful if you are using the Distinctive HR Prep from David Siler.

Please note: My exam is one of many versions. What I am sharing may not be your exact experience!

BACKGROUND: I have a masters in HRM and a unrelated undergraduate degree. I do not have any experience with civilian HR services nor have I ever worked in the public sector.

My study preparation source: David Siler's Distinctive HR Prep. I will rank the preparation material from least helpful (the flashcards) to most helpful (practice exams).

• The Flash Cards

My flashcards are still in the original packaging - unopened.

• The Book

I highly recommend just skimming the book, even if you have different study materials. David also wants you to skim the book and just be familiar with the key content. The information from the book wasn't too helpful for the exam. All the major topics I learned were primarily from the videos, audio tracks, and practice tests. I believe your time will be better spent focusing on these preparation materials if they are available to you.

• The Online Videos

The online videos were helpful for the big ideas and concepts. They were particularly helpful with calculations. I only watched the videos once, but took detailed notes. The audio tracks is where I learned much of the formal knowledge.

• The Audio Tracks

This was where I placed my efforts in studying. I downloaded the provided audio tracks (almost 9 hours total) and listened to it on repeat . What makes the audio different than the book is that it covered key topics that were most likely going to be on the exam; the book just blankets everything. David also covers what isn't going to be on the exam. I particularly found the test taking strategies helpful; i.e. process of elimination, rule out, etc. There were even a few direct questions on my exam that was specifically addressed on the track. My recommendation is to listen to the audio in your car at every available opportunity. I listened to 24+ hours total.

• The Practice Tests

This was my money maker. I took ALL the practice tests (over 2,000 questions) multiple, multiple, multiple times. Yes, I did begin to memorize the answers. But, I knew why the answer was correct and was able to explain it to myself. There were even a few practice questions that were similar to ones in the exam. I think the practice exams were the fundamental reason why I passed. Not only can it teach you as you progress, but you also learn how the exam questions were going to be formatted. More info on the bottom!

MY PREP: I began studying almost 3 months ago, but I wasn't too serious. I watched the lecture videos for the first few weeks, practiced taking the exams (once), and watched troublesome topic videos. About 2 months out, I began reading the book. I wasn't memorizing the material. I was simply reading and familiarizing myself with the 5 topics. About 1 month out, I began to ramp up my studying methods. I didn't rewatch the lecture videos, but instead utilized the audio tracks. I listened to the entire audio lecture twice and then listened a third time on the sections that were the most difficult to me. I also focused HEAVILY on practice quizzes. I practice them every night, multiple times, for at least 2-3 hours.

THE TEST: As David indicated in his audio tracks and video, the exam will barely asked you specific content questions; i.e. definitions, outcomes, etc. Instead, he said the exam is primarily filled with CONCEPT questions. This is where the Distinctive PHR practice tests come into play. The practice tests that David created was eerily similar to the real thing. Everything from the practice tests (logic, thought process, philosophy) was almost the exact clone of the real thing. I finished the exam in 1.5 hours and used the rest of the time to check my answers.

KEY TAKEAWAY: You should know the key terms, rules, regulations, Acts, etc., but it is more important (as David indicates many times in his materials) to know the application and concept. TAKE PRACTICE EXAMS/QUESTIONS/QUIZ if they are available to you! The more you practice, the more indoctrinated you are to the test takers' style of thinking. Seriously, the practice tests really shaped my logical process with HR decisions. Finally, know the Seven Princes and listen to any audio material on loop. Keep listening to the audio and you'll begin to memorize key words and ideas. The test was difficult but you'll kill it if you dedicated to your studies and practice exams.

I hope this was helpful. Good luck!

^(Apologies in advance for grammar/spelling errors. Its getting late.)