Essential review for the PHR/SPHR exams, aligned with the updated HRBoK™
PHR/SPHR Professional in Human Resources Certification Review Guide is the ideal companion to the PHR/SPHR Study Guide, Fifth Edition, and PHR/SPHR Deluxe Study Guide, Second Edition. These self-study guides are intended for HR professionals seeking to validate their skills and knowledge acquired through years of practical experience, or for relative newcomers to the HR field looking to strengthen their resume.
Organized by those areas of knowledge and practices specific and necessary to human resource management (HRM), this handy review guide covers tasks, processes, and strategies as detailed in the updated A Guide to the Human Resource Body of Knowledge™ (HRBoK™), giving you clear guidance on what you need to know for the exams. You also get a year of FREE access to the Sybex online interactive learning environment and study tools, which feature flashcards, chapter tests, two bonus practice exams, and more. The review guide aligns with the HRCI test specifications, which detail the responsibilities and knowledge needed by today's HR professionals. Covers key functional areas in greater depth:
HR students and professionals studying for the PHR/SPHR certification need a trusted resource to aid in their preparation - this review guide does that and more.
Table of Contents
Introduction xi
Part I PHR® 1
Chapter 1 Business Management 3
Required Knowledge 5
Mission, Vision, and Values 5
Types of Organizational Structures 6
Legislative and Regulatory Processes 8
Ethical and Professional Standards 10
Corporate Governance and Compliance 10
Business Elements 11
Products, Competition, and Culture 13
Technology to Support HR Activities 13
Qualitative and Quantitative Methods and Tools 14
Communication Skills and Strategies 14
Change Management Theory, Methods, and Application 15
Uncertainty and Unclear Situations 16
Risk Management Techniques 16
Exam Essentials 17
Responsibilities 17
Assess the General Business Environment 17
Communicate Values 20
Data Analysis and Organizational Strategy 25
Exam Essentials 25
Summary 25
Review Questions 27
Chapter 2 Talent Planning and Acquisition (PHR® Only) 29
Required Knowledge 31
Talent Planning Activities and Concepts 31
Hiring Talent 35
Retaining Talent 37
Integrating and Onboarding Talent 38
Assessing the Effectiveness of Talent Planning and Acquisition 41
Exam Essentials 44
Responsibilities 45
Federal Laws and Organizational Policies 45
Sourcing Methods and Techniques 47
Talent Acquisition Life Cycle 48
Exam Essentials 48
Summary 49
Review Questions 50
Chapter 3 Learning and Development (PHR® Only) 53
Required Knowledge 55
Laws and Regulations 55
Learning and Development Theory 57
Techniques 59
Employee Retention Concepts and Applications 65
Exam Essentials 66
Responsibilities 67
Provide Consultation 67
Implement and Evaluate Career Development and Training Programs 68
Contribute to Succession Planning 70
Exam Essentials 71
Summary 71
Review Questions 73
Chapter 4 Total Rewards (PHR® Only) 75
Required Knowledge 77
Compliance 77
Plans and Policies 84
Methods 85
Exam Essentials 92
Responsibilities 93
Ensuring Compliance 93
Developing and Implementing Benefits Programs 94
Communication and Workforce Training 95
Managing Payroll Information 98
Exam Essentials 99
Summary 99
Review Questions 100
Chapter 5 Employee and Labor Relations 103
Required Knowledge 106
General Practices, Laws, and Procedures 107
Corporate Culture 115
Safe and Secure Workplace 119
Exam Essentials 125
Responsibilities 125
Legal Requirements 125
Fostering and Cultivating Strong Employee Relations 127
Implementing and Supporting Workplace Risk Management Programs 130
Managing Labor Relations 134
Exam Essentials 134
Summary 135
Review Questions 136
Part II SPHR® 141
Chapter 6 Leadership and Strategy 143
Required Knowledge 146
Mission, Vision, and Values 146
Strategic Planning Process 148
Business Elements of an Organization 152
Tools for Measuring, Evaluating, and Analysis 159
Exam Essentials 161
Responsibilities 162
Development of a Strategic Plan 162
Measuring and Evaluating Outcomes 168
Exam Essentials 172
Summary 173
Review Questions 174
Chapter 7 Talent Planning and Acquisition (SPHR® Only) 177
Required Knowledge 179
Planning 179
Selection and Retention 183
Due Diligence and Assessments 189
Exam Essentials 191
Responsibilities 191
Evaluate and Forecast Organizational Needs 192
Recruitment Strategies 193
Strategies for Engagement and Cultural Integration 196
Exam Essentials 198
Summary 199
Review Questions 200
Chapter 8 Learning and Development (SPHR® Only) 203
Required Knowledge 205
Training Program Design and Development 205
Training and Facilitation Techniques 210
Exam Essentials 217
Responsibilities 218
Develop and Evaluate Training Strategies 218
Succession Planning 219
Employee Retention Strategies and Practices 222
Exam Essentials 224
Summary 225
Review Questions 226
Chapter 9 Total Rewards (SPHR® Only) 229
Required Knowledge 231
Compensation Strategies and Philosophy 231
Methods 235
Benefit Program Strategies 238
Exam Essentials 241
Responsibilities 242
Conducting a Needs Assessment 242
Analyze and Evaluate Compensation Strategies 242
Analyze and Evaluate Benefit Strategies 245
Exam Essentials 248
Summary 248
Review Questions 250
Chapter 10 Employee Relations and Engagement 253
Required Knowledge 255
Employee Relations 256
Strategies for a Safe and Secure Workplace 261
Exam Essentials 266
Responsibilities 266
Engagement Strategies 267
Safety and Security Strategies 269
Effective Labor Strategies 274
Exam Essentials 278
Summary 278
Review Questions 280
Appendix Answers to Review Questions 283
Chapter 1: Business Management 284
Chapter 2: Talent Planning and Acquisition (PHR® Only) 285
Chapter 3: Learning and Development (PHR® Only) 286
Chapter 4: Total Rewards (PHR® Only) 287
Chapter 5: Employee and Labor Relations 288
Chapter 6: Leadership and Strategy 290
Chapter 7: Talent Planning and Acquisition (SPHR® Only) 291
Chapter 8: Learning and Development (SPHR® Only) 292
Chapter 9: Total Rewards (SPHR® Only) 294
Chapter 10: Employee Relations and Engagement 295
Index 297
