If you need a simple answer as to whether you can get your Senior Professional Human Resources without getting a Professional Human Resources designation, it is yes. A lot of human resources professionals do not test for the PHR and set their views on the highest professional certification for the field, the SPHR Certification. But the answer is more complicated if you need to know why or how to achieve SPHR designation without first having PHR certification.
SPHR Certification First
If you are now in a management role and believe you are prepared to take the SPHR exam, then you should probably go for that first because it is more firmly aligned with your position and level of authority.
The Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) is the Senior-most Human Resources Certification for those HR professionals who have also shown a strategic knowledge of the HR body of knowledge. The SPHR reflects your mastery of the vital and policy-making aspects of HR management.
The credential is designed for big-picture HR thinkers responsible for planning rather than implementing HR policy. Many organizations seek out SPHR professionals for their proven accountability for HR department goals, extent and depth of knowledge in all HR disciplines, and understanding business issues beyond the HR function.
The SPHR certification can further demonstrate mastery of the strategic and policy-making aspects of HR management. It is ideal for big-picture thinkers who are responsible for planning, rather than performing, HR policy.
SPHR-qualified professionals are known for being liable to HR department goals, having in-depth knowledge of all HR disciplines, and understanding business issues beyond the general HR function.
Useful Study Tips for Your SPHR Certification Exam
The SPHR is the most up-to-date credentials to help you achieve your goals if you are looking to advance your career. To get these credentials, you require to enroll and sit an exam. Nothing what level you are at in HR and how experienced you may be, it is essential to study and prepare for your exam, as it is not as simple as you may think. These are amazing of the most effective study strategies for your SPHR certification.
Preparation Courses
You should find out as much about the courses and make sure you undertake the right one to help you achieve your goals. There are preparation courses available that are led by SPHR instructors, which can significantly increase your possibilities of passing the SPHR exam.
Understand the Topics
There are likely topics you are happy with and others you are a little less sure about. It is a good idea to understand what topics will be covered during the exam, so you can study a bit more extra for those you are less knowledgeable in. You might need to take a look at the A Guide to the Human Resource Body of Knowledge (HRBoK) for more information on the topics included in the SPHR exam.
Group Study
Studying can be much more enjoyable if you study with someone else. Many people are undertaking the exam, so you might desire to team up with someone to share ideas. Even if you do not find someone doing the same subject, it can still be worthwhile to have a study buddy to help you stay motivated.
Practice
There are plenty of tools available to help you practice, both online and offline. Study guides and tutorials can help prepare for the SPHR exam, and it may also be worth trying out several tests to get you ready for exam situations. The more you practice, the more relaxed you will be when it comes to sitting your exam.
Understand the Various Types of Questions and Answer
You will be presented with endless questions and multi-part questions. These can be difficult, but use the tools you practiced like strikethrough and highlight to get to the heart of the required information.
Be sure you know precisely what the SPHR question is asking so that you do not accidentally give the wrong answer. Look out for absolutes in answers – words like “only,” “always,” and “never” – as these answers are less likely to be correct.
Reduce Distractions
The best way to ensure your SPHR exam preparation is as effective as possible is to reduce your distractions. It would help if you aimed to schedule your study time at a time when you can focus, as this will make it much more valuable. The last thing you need is to waste any time when you are trying to study.
Summary
If you are looking to further your career, SPHR certification is a great way to do it. Preparation is vital to give you the best chance of success.