It’s okay to make a mistake. We all do. The tough part is moving past the mistake. That’s the situation this HR Bartender reader is facing.
I’ve been in my profession for over a decade and have a master’s degree in my field.
Recently, I tried to obtain my professional certification but was unsuccessful. I’ve never been good with tests, so I took a preparation course. I feel like a failure. Since I failed the test, I’m paying my employer back and can’t consider retaking it until I’m done. Of course, if I decide to it’s on me, but now I’m scared that I will not pass. Any advice?
When it comes to professional certification exams, there are two components: 1) the content itself and 2) the certification process. It’s important to prepare for both. While I can’t tell someone how to pass their professional certification exam, there are a few things I’ve learned over the years – when I was studying for my professional certifications.
Select the right time of year. Many professional certifications have windows for individuals to take the exam. One of the things I’ve heard over the years is “I started studying then the kids were out of school.” Or “The holidays started.” The point being, try to find a time that will work with all the other things you have going on. I understand that no time may be perfect, but some times of the year can often be better than others.
Get buy-in from friends and family. I know it’s scary to tell everyone that you’re studying for an exam. But you want those people to support you. So on Saturday night when your posse wants to go partying, they understand why you might say “no.” We can’t shut off from spending time with others, but for the window of time we’re focused on the exam, it’s helpful to have their support.
Create a study schedule. And don’t fall behind. One of the biggest reasons I’ve heard from people who didn’t pass a certification exam was “I fell behind with the reading and never caught up.” So to make sure that doesn’t happen, create a study schedule and stick to it. Create milestones for reading and practicing sample exam questions. Accomplishing each study goal can help to build confidence. It allows you to see your progress.
Take care of yourself. We’re all busy people. Adding the pressure of taking a certification exam means taking extra special care of yourself. While I sometimes joke with Mr. Bartender that “I can sleep when I die”, the truth is I do my best work when I’m rested, exercise regularly, and eat healthy. So it’s important to do these things. Also, it’s important to study in a space with proper lighting and minimal distractions in a chair where you can work with good posture. Better workspaces create better outcomes.
Use a variety of study techniques. Everyone has a preferred method of study. However, for some efforts it could make sense to use a variety of methods – including some we don’t particularly like. This might encourage us to sign-up for a study group, listen to podcasts, etc. which can bring a whole new perspective to the material.
I believe these guidelines would apply regardless of the professional exam you’re studying for. And while it’s no guarantee that you’ll pass the exam, not doing these things can have a definite impact on your ability to be successful.
For those readers who have achieved a certification, what are your tips for test taking success? Leave us a note in the comments.
Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby after speaking at the Flora Icelandic HR Management Conference in Reykjavik, Iceland
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Nancy says
Great post. I studied the SHRM learning system. I read every single book in the system. I also memorized every single flash card (I think there are over 300 of them). I also did the online tests frequently that are offered through the SHRM learning system. It worked for me.
John Jorgensen says
Make sure you are taking the right level exam. I am an instructor for the SHRM Learning System program and had a student recently who bragged about having 20 years experience in the field. He took the exam (SHRM-SCP) the first day he could, failed and blamed everyone he could, the course, the instructors, the materials, heck even SHRM. I did some research and discovered all of his experience was strictly in recruiting, not in the HR profession overall. He should have sat for the SHRM-CP because of his lack of depth of experience. Had we known all of this, we (the program and instructors) might have been able to steer him to the appropriate exam, but maybe not.
Nora says
After reading and studying everything, take the practice tests and the post assessment over and over until you score 100%. Study your results…focus on where you didn’t score well. Part of passing the exam is getting used to the way the questions are asked and understanding what SHRM considers as the best practice. And take notes…that helped me absorb the material.
Harold Ingmire says
The earlier comments are close to right on. I “taught” or facilitated HRCI and now SHRM certification prep classes since 2001. Preparing for the test is hard work – study, study, prepare, etc. Also, as Mr. Jorgensen stated, while many HR pro’s are called
Generalist, the majority have only deep experience in half, if lucky, of the HR “body of knowledge”. That is OK – those other pieces can be handled through study. Next, remember the test is based on SHRM concepts of “best practices”. Get your head out of what your Company may do and learn SHRM best practices for the test. I believe from my own personal experience the BEST thing you will get out of preparing for this test is professional knowledge that you can apply to your current and career path – it will make you learn and touch HR work you may have only heard of through talking to other HR pro’s. I was fortunate in my lovely wife got her SPHR before I did, I found a study group sponsored by our Louisville SHRM Chapter, and some other HR people there that were experts in stuff I rarely touched, and we shared our unique experienced, and all passed the test. The testing process is a career investment in money and time, and while the certification has value in your career, the knowledge is even more valuable.
Sharlyn Lauby says
Thanks everyone for the comments.
@Nora – I agree that getting a flavor for how exam questions are worded is valuable.
@John – Excellent point! Choosing the right exam is so important. Back in the day, I know several people who took the PHR not only because of their specialization but because it helped them understand how much study would be involved when they decided to take the SPHR.
@Harold – Agreed. Understanding the body of knowledge for any exam is important. And what is considered a best practice inside your organization might not be the same as the exam. Neither are wrong, but there has to be a common standard somewhere.
RAdams says
Harold Ingmire! Great comment. I have taken both the SHRM and HRCI tests and was not successful, but will keep trying until I pass. I get extremely anxious when testing. Have even had a separate from (accommodation) to test outside of a “community testing room” but missed by 10pts.
Harold Ingmire says
I would suggest you pick a certification (SHRM or HRCI) and pursue only the one. Chapters with study groups, such as our Louisville Chapter are encouraged to push the SHRM version, as we are a SHRM chapter.
In reviewing the new SHRM materials (HRCI to my knowledge has not yet developed a separate study guide for the HR Body of Knowledge), in my opinion one will have the best success in using the most recent SHRM Study Materials, and working through all the study materials on their website. Remember, this is for SHRM’s best practices, does not involve state laws, and again may not follow your companies customary practices. Best of luck!
Harold Ingmire says
Harold. I am past that. I’ve participated in Study groups and prep classes etc.. This spring using SHRM products and like Sharlyn I too have a MA Degree, in a senior HR role with 15+yrs experience.
E O says
General test anxiety is never fun, no matter what subject the test is on. From my experiences taking AND giving exams:
1) If you have practice tests you can take, take them and take them often. Familiarize yourself with the test format. It may be all multiple-choice, but there are still many formats a multiple-choice test can take. The familiarity helps at exam time.
1a) Use the practice exams to help guide your studying. You may realize that you know all of the content in sections 2 and 7 just fine, but are really struggling with sections 4 and 8. Now you can focus on the content you’re struggling with and give it more time instead of wasting that time on the things you already know.
2) Find out how long you have to take the exam, and plan to use ALL of it. Sometimes just knowing you can take your time helps break the anxiety.
2a) Try to time yourself with the practice exam, especially if there’s one set up like the real exam. This way you’ll know if you have the time you need to take your time, or if you’ll need to find a way to speed up.
3) Whenever possible, take the time to slowly and carefully read the question and all possible answers. Use the process of elimination if you’re not totally sure of an answer to help you get to the correct answer (if you know it’s not A and E, then you only have to figure it out between B, C, and D). Use your scratch paper if it’s allowed.
4) If the exam allows you to mark questions to return to later, DO THAT. Answer everything you KNOW first, then go back to the things you’re not totally or at all sure on. This will help your confidence, especially if you’re able to knock out half the exam this way.
5) Arrive to your test site early. If you’re VERY early, have your study guide in the car for a very quick glance over the concepts you’ve had the most trouble with, but the important thing is to make sure you’ve allowed at least 10 – 15 minutes to check in, take care of last-minute nervous bladder emptying, review the equipment and instructions, and take a few deep breaths. (Also, if the test is by computer, dress in layers to be prepared for a cold room, even if it’s summer. Trying to concentrate while you’re FREEZING is bad enough for a seasoned exam veteran with almost no test anxiety.)
E O says
Great suggestions as I’ve also tried them all. As I tell myself, ONE day it will happen and to never give up trying.
Allie says
I did not pass the PHR exam on my first try. I had two years of HR experience at the time, however, I had taken a prep course, so I felt ready. I passed the second time around 🙂 I was so glad I tried again, it is not an easy exam, but I agree with all of the above methods! For those of you who didn’t pass, try again!!
Sharlyn Lauby says
Great advice Allie. Thanks for sharing!
John J. Abbas says
I particularly found the piece on getting buy-in from family and friends most useful. It definitely makes sense that having a support system will enhance your chances of succeeding in an upcoming exam. Also, having a support system would allow for any other attempts for preparation to take place.
Mike says
It is always good to see a well laid out plan for success and the results that propel get when they follow that well laid out plan. Thanks for for all the great feedback.