ARE YOU READY?

There is probably a lot riding on you passing this exam. Maybe there is a new job or promotion on the line. Maybe your boss is expecting you to pass. Maybe you want more money. Or maybe you are looking to take the next step in your career.

Whatever the reason, if you’re paying to sit for the exam and spending a LOT of your valuable time studying for the exam, you need to pass!

Unfortunately earlier this year, according to the Human Resources Certification Institute, about 50% failed to pass the exams.

We don’t want this to happen to you! 

HRReview and Integrity HR want to help you get prepared!

Integrity HR is offering offering HRReview’s Last Minute PHR/SPHR Exam Preparation Courses to give you a last minute boost of confidence!

The online course both include a comprehensive 225-question, four-hour exam. The remaining time is spent carefully detailing the answer to each question. Not just the correct answer, but why it’s the right answer and the additional facts and strategic thinking that makes it the right answer!

The Last Minute course is perfect for anyone preparing for the PHR/SPHR exam and looking for a “final review” to assess exam readiness.

Here are the details:

Last Minute PHR/SPHR Certification Exam Preparation Class in Louisville

Exam: Taken on your own before the webinar
Online Sessions: Nov. 28, 29, & 30
When: 11:30 a.m. – 1: p.m. EST
Where: Online
How much? $399 a person

Participants in either course receive:225 question multiple-choice exam and answer sheet detailing the “Body of Knowledge” functional area and topic of each question. Also included: participant manual with PowerPoint handouts and appendix including test taking tips, major employment laws and regulations, major labor and employment case law, and important terms and acronyms.

Stop fretting over your exam and get prepared today with HRReview’s Last Minute classes!

Certification is a way to demonstrate your HR knowledge through credentials. Go on to bigger and better things, get promotions, make more money, and demonstrate your proficiency. Certification is a great way to reward yourself with what you know!

There are three different certification classifications:

-PHR: Professional in Human Resources

-SPHR: Senior Professional in Human Resources

-GPHR: Global Professional in Human Resources

Steps To HR Certified

Step 1: Make sure you go to HRCI.org and register to take the exam. Choose between PHR, SPHR and GPHR exam in December or May.

Step 2: Use HRReview as your partner. Visit HRReview to get prepared for the exam. Self study programs or online class with one of the authors to help you hand in hand through your study programs.

Why choose HRReview? HRReview specializes in the adult-learner  program field. WE know you know HR. We want to help you focus to pick the best answer. Come test day, HRReview is going to be there to help you pick the best answer.

HRReview Materials. All new for 2012!

PHR/SPHR Workbook:
Over 900 Multiple Choice Practice Exam Questions, Complete Study Outlines, and Exam Tips, plus AudioReview Flashcards ($69 value) included. Includes ‘Free’ Audio Coaching Session and Online Exam!

GPHR Workbook:
Purchase our all new GPHR WORKBOOK, GPHR AudioReview & Flashcard CDs and textbook to boost your preparation for the GPHR exam.  Materials include a study guide, WORKBOOK of valuable concepts and exam quality questions, a CD of terms and sample exam questions and an International Human Resource Management textbook.

Start Smart Recorded Course:
Purchase the Start Smart Recorded Course, and learn at home just like you would in the classroom! You receive the recorded course material, a WORKBOOK, Flashcards and bonus AudioReview!

Audio Review CD: 
Practice your HR terminology and laws “on the go” with the AudioReview CD.  Use it in your car, at home, or in your computer to help you “gain the edge” and prepare for the PHR/SPHR exam.

 Practice Exams:
125 Question Practice Exams! These practice exams will help you in assessing your knowledge and “readiness” to sit for the PHR and SPHR exam.  Each 125 question exam is unique (just like the “real deal”) and pulls from a bank of over 800 possible practice questions.

We’ve all heard the buzz about the updates made to the HR Certification exams. But you may not be clear on what exactly is changing. That’s why we’re here!

HRReview wants to make it as easy as possible to prepare you for your HR certification exam. So we’ve summed up everything that will be different on this year’s exams.

HRCI Updates to the 2012 HR Certification Exams

Now that 2012 is underway, it is time to get down to business. What do you want to accomplish in 2012?

Now, this post does not apply to anyone who plans on spending 2012 preparing for the end of the world. Of course, if you’re one of those people, then you are probably too busy building your underground zombie-proof shelter to read this. Anyways, I digress.

As we say goodbye to 2011, we are in such a great place. We have a whole year ahead of us. We can do anything! So, what are you going to do? Finally finish that crochet scarf you started in 2008? Finally learn a different language? Finally patent your idea for a hat that doubles as a head scratcher? (Too late, Modern Family already called that one). Finally complete those HR projects you’ve been talking about since you started your job?

Let’s focus on the last one. As HR professionals, you have a lot going on. Often times, you are too busy fixing the everyday problems of employees that you don’t have time for what YOU really want to accomplish. If this describes your work day, then we can help!  We want to give you some ideas for 2012 projects that will significantly enhance your business.

Now let’s get started. Get out that 2012 planner and fresh ink pen and write these down! (Or just open your Google calendar).

Ready?

Number 1: Conduct an HR Operational Review (aka HR audit):

When is the last time you truly evaluated your human resources processes and procedures? Are you using up-to-date forms that comply with all of the new legislation? Are you unintentionally discriminating against a protected class? The list of questions goes on and on.

Having an objective third party examine your processes helps you see what you are doing right, but more importantly, what you need to correct.

Now I know what you’re thinking. We’re fine. We don’t need to do that. It won’t happen to us. But be careful. All it takes to get into a labor dispute is one ticked off irrational former employee. It’s best to be prepared.

To find out if your business is at risk, download a free HR operations analysis toolkit here.

Number 2: Review and Update Your Employee Handbook:

This Human Resources project is an obvious one, and something that you should always have in the back of your mind as an HR professional. Your employee handbook holds all of your employment related policies, which are vital to keeping you out of trouble as well as ensuring your employees are being treated fairly.

While handbooks may just seem like a necessary evil dreamed up by wicked HR professionals, the reality is your employee handbook can be the most valuable weapon in your arsenal against costly legislation. In the event a legal issue arises, being able to refer to the policies in your employee handbook can save you a bundle.

Ensuring your policies are written correctly as well as up to date with all current legislation and new societal developments, such as social media and emerging technologies like tablet PCs, is extremely important. We recommend revising your handbook once a year, or at the extreme minimum once every two years.

To find out if your employee handbook needs to be updated, download a free employee handbook analysis toolkit here.

3.) Examine Your Compensation Strategy:

When is the last time you really thought about the compensation philosophy in your organization? Might it make more sense for your organization to lower base wages and increase performance incentives?

You may think it’s silly to do something like pay above industry standards to your staff, but some of the most successful organizations do this to attract the talent that this kind of strategy brings in. I’m not recommending it, but I do encourage you to consider if your current compensation structure caters to the performance you expect.

Another important point to consider is if your compensation strategy is consistent with the Fair Labor Standards Act? Have you correctly identified the exemption status of your employees? Are your managers educated as to what they can and can’t do when it comes to allowing time off, etc?

A properly administered compensation strategy can not only reduce payroll costs, but can also dramatically increase the productivity of a workplace, enhance the company culture, and overall increase the company bottom line.

To find out if your compensation plan needs to be updated, download a free compensation plan analysis toolkit here.

Completing these three projects can dramatically smooth the HR Operations of your business, allowing you to focus on the continued success of your business. Another project you should consider for 2012 is getting your HR certification (if you don’t have it already). Check back soon for a blog about how HR certification can help you career!

So don’t wait until 2013 to find success (after all, the world may not be here after 12/21/12)!

Let us know your big plans for 2012 in the comments below! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Don’t have time for these HR projects. Learn how Integrity HR can help you shine even more!

ARE YOU READY?

There is probably a lot riding on you passing this exam. Maybe there is a new job or promotion on the line. Maybe your boss is expecting you to pass. Maybe you want more money. Or maybe you are looking to take the next step in your career.

Whatever the reason, if you’re paying to sit for the exam and spending a LOT of your valuable time studying for the exam, you need to pass!

Unfortunately earlier this year, according to the Human Resources Certification Institute, about 50% failed to pass the exams.

We don’t want this to happen to you! 

HRReview wants to help you get prepared!

We are offering two Last Minute PHR/SPHR Exam Preparation Courses (one in Louisville, KY and one online) to give you a last minute boost of confidence!

The Louisville class and online course both include a comprehensive 225-question, four-hour exam. The remaining time is spent carefully detailing the answer to each question. Not just the correct answer, but why it’s the right answer and the additional facts and strategic thinking that makes it the right answer!

The Last Minute course is perfect for anyone preparing for the PHR/SPHR exam and looking for a “final review” to assess exam readiness.

Here are the details:

Last Minute PHR/SPHR Certification Exam Preparation Class in Louisville

Exam: Nov. 30 — 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. EST
Class Dates: Dec. 1 & Dec. 2 — 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. EST
Where: Integrity HR, 2013 Frankfort Ave. Louisville, KY 40206
How much? $399 a person

Attend the Last Minute Class in Louisville by clicking Buy Now:

Last Minute PHR/SPHR Certification Exam Preparation Online Course

Exam: Taken on your own before the webinar
Webinar Dates: November 28 & 29 –10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CST
How much? $499 a person

Attend the Last Minute Online Course by clicking Buy Now:

I’m sure you’re getting nervous. You’re probably starting to stress out. Have you studied enough? Are you sure you’re ready for the test? I know that’s how I was before my exams!

I bet there is a lot riding on you passing this exam. Maybe there is a new job or promotion on the line. Maybe your boss is expecting you to pass. Maybe you want more money. Or maybe you are looking to take the next step in your career.

Whatever the reason, if you’re paying to sit for the exam and spending a LOT of your valuable time studying for the exam, you need to pass!

Unfortunately earlier this year, according to the Human Resources Certification Institute, about 50% failed to pass the exams.

We don’t want this to happen to you!

If we could sum up passing the SPHR/PHR exam or GPHR in two steps they would be:

• Having the requisite required skill set to take the exam; and
• Knowing how to properly prepare prior to exam day so you select the right answers with confidence.

We want to help you get prepared. We are not only offering two Last Minute PHR/SPHR Preparation Courses (one in Louisville and one online) to help you study, but we are now offering a FREE resource for a limited time only!

That’s right. I said FREE. A few months ago, we asked HR professionals who had recently passed the HR certification exams to give us their advice to help others pass the exam. We compiled an E-book with all of their successful test taking tips to help you PASS your exam.

In this E-Book, you’ll discover:

• How to prepare the night before. What is the last thing you should do before going to the sleep the night before?
• How to mentally prepare yourself for the exam. What should you be thinking about so you don’t psyche yourself out?
• How to first approach the exam. What is the first thing you should do when you start the test?
• How to change your answer. Is it okay to go back and change your answers? What if you had it right the first time?
• How to choose the right answer. What do you do when you’re down to two answers that both seem correct?
• How to make it through the exam with the time restrictions. How long should you spend on each question?
• AND MUCH MORE!

As a BONUS, I’ve added my advice that helped me pass the SPHR and GPHR exam. Also, HRReview’s other co-founder Carolyn Sperl, JD, SPHR, GPHR has revealed her expert tips that she usually only gives out to her classes!

This E-Book has so many successful test taking tips that we really shouldn’t be giving it away for FREE. But HRReview wants to do everything we can to help you pass your HR certification exam and that’s why this great resource is FREE (for now).

Get one step closer to passing your HR certification exam by downloading our FREE E-book with Successfully Test Taking Tips here.

Steve Jobs resigned as Apple’s CEO. For those who don’t know much about Jobs, he is the mastermind who brought us the Mac, iPod, iPhone and iPad. Just think where the world would be without him? We would still be using slow-moving virus-prone PCs (oh, wait I’m using one right now), listening to music through portable CD players, making calls through a Zack Morris-sized cell phone and reading hard copies of newspapers and magazines. Blasphemy!

Jobs isn’t exactly abandoning the company; he will now serve as the board chairman (a position that didn’t exist before he asked to step into).

But with Jobs’ resignation comes emotional unrest and weeks of soul-searching for Apple’s 49,000 employees who’ve stood behind Jobs since the beginning of time (or at least Apple’s time).

Apple employees have to decide exactly where their loyalties lie. Employees have to ask themselves, “Was I working for Apple or for Jobs?” If the answer is Jobs, they will wonder if Apple will be the same place without him.

Although, Jobs resignation was years in the making (he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2004 and has since taken three medical leaves in the last seven years), it will still resonate with Apple workers. Apple has a history of high job satisfaction among employees. How can the company keep this up?

The HR Professionals at Integrity HR understand the effects of leadership change on organizations. We know the best way to survive a resignation like Jobs is to be proactive, not reactive. Exactly how can a company do this?

Every company (big or small) needs to have a succession plan in place.

Succession planning tied to employee development and career planning is becoming more strategic for today’s organizations. Businesses need to realize that succession planning in an ongoing, dynamic process, not a static objective.

What is Succession Planning? Managing key personnel transitions for maximum continuity of operations, retention of “institutional knowledge,” and minimum disruption.

In the past, succession planning typically targeted only key leader positions. But in today’s organizations it is important to include key positions in a variety of job categories.

Here are Integrity HR’s Top Reasons for Succession Planning:

• Help individuals realize their career plans within the organization
• Tap the potential for intellectual capitol in the organization
• Encourage the advancement of diverse groups
• Improve employee’s ability to respond to changing environmental demands
• Improve employee morale
• Cope with effects of voluntary separation programs

Now that we’ve showed you how important succession planning is to an organization, we bet you’re wondering: How exactly do I implement succession planning?

Have no fear, we’re here to solve even the toughest of HR problems.

Integrity HR’s Recommended Steps to Take:

• Have a plan. Before planning the succession of key personnel, you need to know where you want to go. Define your company’s mission, vision, values, goals and objectives.
• Evaluate your current situation. See that your current business processes and organizational focus are aligned with your vision and plan. But remember to stay flexible and plan for change!
• Identify key positions. Prepare a list of all the positions for which succession plans are necessary or helpful. For each key position develop lists of skills & abilities, required knowledge, and attitudes. These lists will help your narrow down your internal talent pool in the next step.
• Identify internal talent. Assess your internal talent pool first and identify your high-potential employees. Look at the history of your hires and promotions and see if you can identify natural career development paths. Can you alter the structure to create paths?
• Document! Document! Document! Documentation of policy, procedures, plans, activities etc. is the best way to capture and preserve the “institutional knowledge” that will be lost when key people depart. Make documents and procedures available to the people who replace those who depart.

Adopting a succession planning strategy allows organizations to identify critical jobs, potential successors and skills gaps while providing employees with insight into available career goals. This integrated approach optimizes the benefits for employees, management and the organization as a whole.

Now, back to Apple. It seems that they successfully implemented succession planning. Tim Cook stepped into the role as Apple’s new CEO, per Jobs’ recommendation. (Cook’s been filling in for Jobs since January).

Only time will tell how Cook will transition into the position. Profiles of Cook and Jobs reveal that the two men are very different. Cook is soft-spoken, low-key while Jobs is sarcastic, fearsome, and has a larger-than-life personality.

But when looking into succession planning, it is not necessary that the predecessor and successor be the exact person. Sometimes, change is good. Cook needs to be humble enough realize that he cannot replace Jobs, but strong enough to promote his own visions for the future of the company.

To say the least, Cook has a lot to live up to. Apple is one of the most profitable companies the world has ever seen! No pressure or anything.

But succession planning isn’t just for billion dollar companies, it even more important to have a succession plan in place in small companies who can really feel the aftermath of a resignation of a top position.

How has your company implemented succession planning? Have you ever been in a situation where you wished you had succession planning? Let us know in the comments below.

Need help with your succession planning? The HR Professionals at Integrity HR are here to help! We help small businesses and HR professionals implement successful succession planning! Contact us today!

Check Out Our Online PHR and SPHR Practice Exams. You’ll Get Instant Access to a 125 Question PHR or SPHR Exam Simulation That You Can Take Anytime, Day or Night.

In this article, I’ve compiled a list of the most successful test taking tips. I know how stressful studying for a big exam can be; I’ve taken these exams. Now, I’m giving you the tips that helped me and many other professionals pass the exams.

Continue reading for our Successful Test Taking Tips, but click HERE if you are quickly approaching exam day and watch our video on “Three Key Strategies To Get Your Brain in The Game On Test Day.”

Without further ado, here are our Successful Test Taking Tips:

1. BUDGET your study time; make sure you have plenty of time to study so you are well prepared for the exam.  Create a “study calendar” and plan backward several weeks to begin your study schedule. Be diligent!

2. REVIEW the outlines, and HRReview WORKBOOK exams – whether you access our FREE exams or purchase our WORKBOOK and access to nearly a thousand practice questions.  Go over sample test questions along with the answers several times.  It is important that you are used to the style of questions that could be asked, and that you train your brain to read questions carefully. Practice makes perfect, right?

3. MEMORIZE. Some exam questions could require memorization of certain topics. Study the laws and terminology so it is familiar to you. The HRReview QuickReview CD and Audio Flashcards are tools to help you with this, and they come with the HRReview WORKBOOK automatically with your order. If you order the GPHR material, you get a similar package as well. Study them diligently; understand the various laws and their names/acronyms, as well as all terminology in the outlines.  Find ways to memorize terms so that they can be easily recalled.

4. PARTICIPATE. Consider participating in the free HRReview one-hour “coaching” session shortly before the exam window. Information about registering for the session is also in the letter you received with your order from HRReview, or contact one of the authors to participate.

5. THINK. A few days before the exam, stop taking practice exams. Review your study materials including the WORKBOOK outlines, Appendix, and CD and Audio Flashcards.Then, think of practical HR applications. Ask yourself questions and work through all possibilities. For example, “An employee is about to have her first child and asks if she is eligible for family and medical leave”; or “You just found out that the company health insurance premiums will go up by 25% next year and management asks you to investigate alternatives.” As an HR professional, what would you have to consider, and what steps would you take?

6. SLEEP. Don’t pull an “all-nighter” cramming the evening before the exam. The day before should be a final review of your notes, study materials and WORKBOOK Appendix. Try to eat a normal dinner, and get a good night’s rest. It will help you be better prepared, and your brain will process much more effectively when well nourished with sleep and food.

Lastly, be CONFIDENT. If you follow these tips, you will do great. Believe in yourself and you will succeed.

Now that you’re all ready for exam day, sign up here to watch our free video on “Three Key Strategies To Get Your Brain in The Game On Test Day.” Good luck!

Check Out Our Online PHR and SPHR Practice Exams. You’ll Get Instant Access to a 125 Question PHR or SPHR Exam Simulation That You Can Take Anytime, Day or Night.

Although the motto is “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” we want to share with you some secrets we brought back from our trip.

We showed the casino-goers who stopped by our booth just how important it is to have credibility in the HR world. Building your credibility is important because it will help you move higher up in the business world and make more money. Who doesn’t want that, right?

Here are our three tips to help you build credibility:

1. Be consistent. It is always better to show, not tell. Show you company that you work hard by consistently improving and succeeding. Set high standards for yourself in your business and never let them get out of sight.
2. Be an expert. If you want to succeed, you need to be an expert in your field. You can do this by being PHR, SPHR, and GPHR certified. Our tools at HR Review help you study for the PHR, SPHR and GPHR exams so that you can be a certified HR expert. Check out our workbook and videos to learn more. Show people outside of the HR world how smart and talented you are by getting you PHR, SPHR, or GPHR certification.
3. Build relationships. Develop relationships and partnerships with others in the business world. This will not only give you connections, but it will help you see how others have become successful. You learn from your partnerships and become a stronger personally and professionally.

Also, if you’re looking to find even more Top Secrets to Success on Exam Day, then look out for a free informational video on how you can “get your brain in the game” and improve your chances for passing coming soon!

Now we know some of you weren’t fortunate enough to visit us Las Vegas, so we hope that these tips will help in your career and also help you pass the PHR, SPHR or GPHR exam!

Let HR Review help you get prepared for your next exam!

Need Extra Practice Before Your HR Certification Exam?

Check Out Our Online PHR and SPHR Practice Exams. You’ll Get Instant Access to a 125 Question PHR or SPHR Exam Simulation That You Can Take Anytime, Day or Night.

This year, as every year we’ll be exhibiting at the SHRM National Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada from Sunday, June 26- Tuesday June 28. Cool, right? As a special gift to you, we’re giving away FREE EXHIBIT HALL PASSES!

Yes, that’s right, FREE! These are an incredible opportunity if you’re taking a spouse or guest to the event, or if you just want to find yourself in Las Vegas and want to check out what’s happening at the conference. Plus, HR Review is going to show you the latest and greatest HR Certification Programs! We’ve got something for everyone – PHR takers, SPHR takers and even GPHR programs!

So click here to gain access - we only have a limited number of passes! So be sure to get them fast! And come visit us at BOOTH NUMBER 1424! So if you can’t use this, then please forward to a friend! We hope to see you and please stop by and see us! And of course – tell your Company, HR Chapter, or Friends about HRReview programs - we want to help as many people PASS their certification exam in 2011!

Come to the SHRM Conference and learn lots about human resources! Then visit us in booth 1424!

Need Extra Practice Before Your HR Certification Exam?

Check Out Our Online PHR and SPHR Practice Exams. You’ll Get Instant Access to a 125 Question PHR or SPHR Exam Simulation That You Can Take Anytime, Day or Night.