HR Exam Tips

HR Exam Tips

Since there is no guessing penalty, always take an educated guess and select an answer. Don’t leave any blank.
Do a brain dump when you first sit down to the test. Write down any formulas, dates, names, definitions, and acronyms that you have trouble with on your tablet or paper as soon as the Proctor gives it to you.
Do not change your answer unless you have misread the question. Your first choice is usually the right one. Stick with it.Pay particular attention to fundamental terms and concepts that describe important events or features, or that tie related ideas and observations together. These items commonly appear on multiple choice exams since they are easy for the test makers to use as fodder to create questions.
Time your practice tests to correspond to the 61 seconds per question you are allowed on the real exam. In other words, allow yourself 25 minutes for 25 questions, when practicing.
HRCI is in the process of developing the HRBP and HRMP exams in Spanish. Probably next year. Meanwhile, the S/PHR exams are only offered in English. That's a tough obstacle to overcome for foreign nationals. The questions are challenging enough for native English speakers.
Usually, the most general answer is the correct answer. Not always but this is a good rule of thumb to help you get through the options.
Negative self-talk is counter-productive. Look in a mirror and tell yourself you can do it. Negative thinking is not allowed. Practice instilling self confidence.
Read each question carefully and think before you answer. Be sure that you understand the question before you start to compare answer choices. Look at ALL answer choices and choose the best and most complete answer. If you're not sure which answer is correct, eliminate choices that you know are incorrect. Then focus on the remaining choices.
This is high-stakes testing. You want to give yourself the best chance at passing on the first try. Prepare, prepare, prepare. Keep working, your goal is in sight. Don't let it slip away. Keep pushing. You can do it!
Eat light protein-packed food before the exam. It’s three hours in length and you’ll get hungry and thirsty. Don’t overeat or you’ll get sleepy. Eat for energy.
I’ve said this before but let me remind you again, “You are going to feel like you’re failing while taking the test.” You’re not! This is the little devil in your brain whispering non-value-added suggestions to you. Stick with it. Ignore those feelings. Remind yourself of all your preparations and trust in your training.
If you have time at the end, go back and double check that you clicked on the answer option that you intended. I know it’s tedious but necessary. Or, double check them as you go along. Don’t make mistakes.
You don’t get extra credit for finishing early. Use all your time. Check back over the questions you’ve marked but don’t change any unless you’re absolutely, unequivocally convinced you got it wrong the first time. Most of my students report finishing with 30 minutes to spare.
If you think an item is a trick question, think again. If you suspect that a question is a trick item, make sure you're not reading too much into the question, and try to avoid imagining detailed scenarios in which the answer could be true. In most cases, "trick questions" are only tricky because they're not taken at face value. In summary, don’t “overanalyze.”
Don't panic during the test (especially at the start). If you feel yourself sweating or hyperventilating, take your hand off the mouse, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and consciously relax any muscles that you're clenching (jaw, neck, stomach). When you're calmer, go back to work.