Posted by Amy Letke on Thu, Sep 02, 2010 @ 10:07 AM
Welcome back to the HR Review HR Certification Practice Exam Blog. Thanks for all of the comments and participation. We've got more names each week in our prize drawing pool. Remember to answer the questions if you want your name to be entered.
Yesterday we asked:
If the President receives a bill from the House of Representatives and the Senate for his approval and does nothing with it:
a.) It automatically becomes a law
b.) The legislation dies
c.) Depends on whether the House and Senate are in session
d.) It is a "pocket veto"
And the answer is: C
Here is the explanation:
The President either signs the bill into law, or if opposed, vetoes it. If no action is taken for ten days (remember that) while Congress is in session, it will automatically become law. If Congress has adjourned its second session and the President takes no action, it is a "pocket veto" and the legislation dies, although it may be reintroduced in the next session.
Hopefully you got the right answer. This question is an example of how closely you must read each question. Note that this question pertains to a specific situation which is dependent on the House or Senate being in session.
How are you doing so far? If we can help clarify be sure to ask questions in the comments section. Until next time!
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The HRReview Online Store is open 24/7 for your convenience. If you're looking for study material for your PHR, SPHR, or GPHR exam visit the HRReview Store today to browse our products.
Posted by Amy Letke on Wed, Sep 01, 2010 @ 09:42 AM
Last week we launched the new HR Review Practice Test Question portion of our blog by posing a basic question about the law making process. A handful of visitors were brave enough to post their answers and a couple even got it right. Congrats to those who did. Let's see if you can get this week's question.
By the way if you didn't get a chance to participate in last week's blog you can find that here (no peeking at the answer until you've thought about it in detail!)
The Law Making Process
This week's question follows the same sort of theme, but goes a little bit deeper. Let's see how you do. The answer might surprise you:
If the President receives a bill from the House of Representatives and the Senate for his approval and does nothing with it:
a.) It automatically becomes a law
b.) The legislation dies
c.) Depends on whether the House and Senate are in session
d.) It is a "pocket veto"
Think about it and post your answer with your explanation in the comments section. Remember, we're watching for comments. If you think you know the answer make sure to chime in.
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The HRReview Online Store is open 24/7 for your convenience. If you're looking for study material for your PHR, SPHR, or GPHR exam visit the HRReview Store today to browse our products.
Posted by Amy Letke on Thu, Aug 26, 2010 @ 08:15 AM
First we want to say thanks to everyone who participated in the comments. The more you participate, the better you will learn. We are happy to see so many people who are passionate about HR and who are serious about passing their exams.
Earlier in the week we asked:
Please choose the correct answer. The steps involved with passing new laws begin with:
- a. Placing a bill on a committee agenda
- b. Referring the bill to a subcommittee
- c. Examining the bill for its likelihood of passing
- d. Debating the merits of the bill on the House or Senate floor
If you chose A. Placing a bill on a committee agenda, then you are correct. The following explanation describes the law making process. Please be sure to read the explanations and commit them to memory. They may help you with other questions on the exam.
Persons outside of Congress may draft a bill, but only members of Congress may introduce the legislation. The bill is introduced and placed on a committee's agenda. The committee examines the bill and its' likelihood of passage is then determined.
The bill may then be referred to a sub-committee for additional study or hearings. Once the bill is returned to the committee, a written report is published, and the full chamber (House or Senate) then debate and vote on the bill. If the bill is passed, it is referred to the other chamber where the same process of committee and floor action reoccurs.
Great job with all of the comments and discussion this week. Keep studying everyone. Upcoming we will continue to examine the law making process, a vital part of the HR certification exams.
Until next week!
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The HRReview Online Store is open 24/7 for your convenience. If you're looking for study material for your PHR, SPHR, or GPHR exam visit the HRReview Store today to browse our products.
Posted by Amy Letke on Mon, Aug 23, 2010 @ 08:15 AM
So here it is. The day has come. This is the official launch of the all new theme for the HR Review Blog. If you did not get a chance to read the email we sent out it will work like this. At the beginning of each week we will post at least one question, possibly more, from our HR Review PHR, SPHR, GPHR Exam Home Study Materials.
We will then allow readers time to think about the answer, ask questions and discuss. Most questions will be multiple choice so we encourage readers think about the answer before looking at the possible choices. We will then post the answer with an explanation later in the week after the discussion.
We highly encourage participation and discussion of the questions. This is proven to enhance the learning process. To encourage this, periodically we will draw for some sort of prize, whether it be a discount on our materials, free materials, or perhaps even some cool new gizmo. Each comment with a valid email address will be thrown in the proverbial hat.
We hope this will at least keep studying on your mind each week. These are the exact types of questions you will see on the exams so be sure to pay attention. There are many types of questions on the exams. We'll start off with a basic one. Remember to comment if you think you know the correct answer.
Let's see how you do!
The Law Making Process
Please choose the correct answer. The steps involved with passing new laws begin with:
- a. Placing a bill on a committee agenda
- b. Referring the bill to a subcommittee
- c. Examining the bill for its likelihood of passing
- d. Debating the merits of the bill on the House or Senate floor
If you think you know the answer make sure you back it up with a few sentence explanation in the comments section. We will post the correct answer with the explanation in a couple of days.
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The HRReview Online Store is open 24/7 for your convenience. If you're looking for study material for your PHR, SPHR, or GPHR exam visit the HRReview Store today to browse our products.
Posted by Amy Letke on Thu, Aug 05, 2010 @ 07:45 AM
It's no secret that workplaces have been pretty hectic the past couple of years. Many employers have been forced to "cut the fat" out of their organizations and only keep their most valuable employees. Unfortunately this has meant the dreaded axe for a lot of would be HR Professionals.
If you were one of the unlucky you obviously want to avoid this in the future, and you obviously want to get back into the workplace as quickly as possible. If you have been lucky enough to stick around, well, the dust isn't clear just yet so do everything you can to improve yourself.
As an aspiring HR Professional, there is one very obvious choice to increasing your credibility substantially beyond a college education.
It might sound biased coming from the blog of an HR Certification training organization, but that's ok. We believe in our mission 100% and we want our readers to succeed. We truly believe an HR Certification is the best way to not only get that instant credibility that you need to be designated as a valuable employee, but also many other benefits to your career as well.
In the world of human resources surprisingly more than 108,000 HR professionals have already earned HR Certification! Earning the PHR, SPHR, or GPHR credentials demonstrates to your organization that you commit to a higher standard.
When you become HR Certified you:
1. Show that you know the most current principles and core practices of HR management
2. Become more marketable when competing for top HR positions
3. Raise your professional confidence among your staff and your peers
4. Demonstrate your commitment to ongoing HR education
5. Immediately become recognized as an expert
From an employer point of view, when you insist on certification for your HR staff, you help to ensure updated HR programs and policies in your organization. You set a standard of a staff that is committed to excellence, education, and ongoing professionalism in Human Resources. And most importantly, you get a staff that knows how to take your HR department to the next level.
It's true. Getting certified can be tough. But it should be tough. That makes it that much more powerful for those who are HR Certified. When preparing for your HR Certification Exam it is important to evaluate programs to help you in passing the difficult questions you’ll be asked on the PHR, SPHR or GPHR exams.
After registering to take one of the exams at www.hrci.org, you’ll need to select a system to help you review all the areas that will be covered on an exam, and to practice your “know how” so you’ll be ready come exam day.
Of course we believe 100% in our products, but don't take our word for it. We want you to make your own decision about your HR training needs.
Here’s what to look for in a system to help you prepare for your HR Certification Exam:
1. A system that has a lot of sample exam quality questions so you can practice selecting the “best” answer from the group
2. A system that has a means for measuring your progress, so you know exactly what you need work on, so you’re better prepared exam day
3. A solution for adult learners – Since you’re taking an exam for HR professionals, you’ll want a system that is designed to help you pass the exam, not just teach you HR. This is where many training programs fall short.
4. A solution that offers solid adult learning principles to reinforce learning – for example, reading works, writing answers, listening to materials, then taking practice exams are all examples of how you utilize more senses to help your better retain information
Again, we want you to make your own decision, but we would like you to try out some of our free practice exams (see the buttons on the sidebar to the right). There's no obligation at all. Just give em a shot. There are a couple of buttons to the right of the blog - one for PHR and one for SPHR.
Remember, the key to finding the right solution is determining first what your needs are, then carefully selecting the tool that is right for you.
If you're serious about your HR career, take our advice and get certified. It can only make things better for you.
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The HRReview Online Store is open 24/7 for your convenience. If you're looking for study material for your PHR, SPHR, or GPHR exam visit the HRReview Store today to browse our products.
Posted by Amy Letke on Fri, Jun 25, 2010 @ 10:21 AM
PHR and SPHR Pass/Fail Rates:
Each year thousands of potential Certified HR Professionals sit for their PHR certification exams. Unfortunately in 2009, according to the Human Resources Certification Institute, 41% of them failed to make the cut.
Compare this to the 48% who fail to make the cut on the SPHR exam. That's a pretty big chunk for both. Nearly half of all individuals who take these exams fail. Why? Because they wait too long to prepare or they don't adequately challenge themselves prior to the exam.
A PHR or SPHR Certification designates you as a professional by definition, gives you immediate and unmatched credibility, and puts you an in exclusive bunch of individuals. There are many benefits to becoming a Certified HR Professional, and for that reason the exams are designed to be difficult. Proper preparation is necessary if you are serious about passing.
To illustrate, pass rates have declined each year since 2001 going from nearly 70% to 58% in 2009 for the PHR, and nearly 60% down to 52% for the SPHR.
Fortunately, if you're reading this article you're in the right place to drastically increase your chances of success. You can avoid being in this group by preparing thoroughly with our interactive online tests and our study guide and workbook. Our chapter members have cited up to 90% success rates on their certification exams.
If you can't get to a PHR or SPHR prep class we have materials that we have developed and revised over the years that will help you prepare for your exam.
We have a couple of free online resources for you as well if you're not ready to start your studying just yet. You can take free a PHR practice exam here, or a free SPHR practice exam here. Sign up for either of those and we'll send you some more test taking tips with our email follow-up series.
Staring soon, we'll be posting practice questions, study tips, and much much more on this blog to help you prepare for your PHR or SPHR exam. Be on the lookout!
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The HRReview Online Store is open 24/7 for your convenience. If you're looking for study material for your PHR, SPHR, or GPHR exam visit the HRReview Store today to browse our products.
Posted by Amy Letke on Sun, Jan 17, 2010 @ 09:49 AM
Time is ticking away, and only a few weeks to take your PHR or SPHR exam. Some people are studying like crazy (which they should be) and others are stressed out knowing the test date is looming. What's the best way to get ready, knowing your deadline is near? Here's a few quick tips to help you keep on track:
1. Remember, the exam is only multiple choice - no written answers. Work on focusing how to answer a 4 choice question. Eliminate the two wrong answers, and identify the others that may be possible. This will help you gain confidence and focus in answering questions.
2. Don't forget to review terminology. If you've been in HR a long time or not, the exam will have some terminology that is and is not familiar. Be sure to have some means to review terms currently in use either by means of a manual or study materials.
3. Review the HRCI body of knowledge. This is important because they'll tell you what is being tested - if you've missed an area or are uncertain about a topic, this can help you refocus.
4. Try not to cram at the last minute. Both the PHR and SPHR are designed to assesss knowledge based on real word experience - so if you're late on studying, focus on the areas where you're most unfamiliar.
5. Take practice tests - whether they're free or not, practice, practice, practice. This will get you in the groove for exam day!
Yes, the window for taking the PHR or SPHR will close in a few short weeks - so keep the ball in motion, stay focused, and work those exams to help you achieve great results!
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The HRReview Online Store is open 24/7 for your convenience. If you're looking for study material for your PHR, SPHR, or GPHR exam visit the HRReview Store today to browse our products.
Posted by Amy Letke on Sat, Dec 05, 2009 @ 09:58 AM

You're studying like crazy because the exam window is open! Yes, many of you have registered to take the PHR or SPHR, and most likely will wait until January to take it. But before you go to your exam site, be sure to do the following:
1. Take online practice tests to help you with multiple choice tests. You can take the HRReview online practice test by clicking on the link or on the picture above. If you haven't taken a college entrance exam lately, it would be a good idea to regain the knack of how to select from 4 choices, oftentimes when more that one answer can be correct.
2. Be prepared exam day with a valid drivers license, taking minimal items to the test site. Just last year, I had a student show up to take the PHR, only to find her drivers license had expired. Needless to say, she had to get an updated license prior to be admitted to the test site. A delay you may not be able to afford!
3. Be sure to get a good nights rest the evening before the exam. This is an athletic feat - taking the PHR, SPHR or GPHR - so treat it like an athletic event! Eat those carbs, get some good exercise and most importantly rest well. You'll have a short 4 hours to demonstrate expertise - so be on top of your game!
4. Take 15 minutes before the exam as quiet, meditation time. How many days do we run from one thing to the next, barely focusing on what's next or what we just did? Get to the exam site early, "get in the zone" and you'll have your mind ready to conquer the questions!
5. Once taking the test, resist the temptation to question yourself and change answers. Many times your first instinct is your best. You'll have the opportunity to flag answers you're not sure about, but resist the temptation to go back and review all of them, as many times it will be a mistake to make changes. Trust yourself, and only review/change answers where you were completely stumped.
Practice these 5 tips and you'll be better prepared to pass the PHR, SPHR or GPHR exam! Good luck!
Amy Letke, SPHR - Co-Founder
amy@hrreview.com
www.hrreview.com
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The HRReview Online Store is open 24/7 for your convenience. If you're looking for study material for your PHR, SPHR, or GPHR exam visit the HRReview Store today to browse our products.
Posted by Amy Letke on Thu, Nov 26, 2009 @ 08:24 PM
Okay, it's Thanksgiving, and we're all thinking about those things we're thankful for, including our own ability to pass the PHR exam! While you may have had too much stuffing, your exam is really only a few short weeks away. So what's that mean on your 4 day weekend? Get hustlin', honey! If you're not taking practice exams several times a week - and yes, focusing on the body of knowledge at that - you'll be singing the blues come test day.
Here's three easy steps to help you get your mojo on for test day:
1. Research shows that adults taking multiple choice exams need to study not only the content for the exam, but how to master multiple choice exams. Take many - go to various websites where free exams exist (including www.hrreview.com) and work your brain.
2. Don't give up. Be sure to cover all the areas of the body of knowledge. Know where you have strengths and know where you are weak - double your time on those weak areas or where there is more focus for your exam. You'll be glad you did.
3. Pace your studies as well as how you take the exam. If you don't have a 6 week count down now, you'll be doomed on test day. Get your study materials (if you don't have them already) NOW and write down your study goals and time table. You'll be glad you did.
So while you're resting after lots of turkey, thinking about those things you're thankful for...don't forget that exam is coming up. You still have 3 days you can get started before work is back!
Amy Letke, SPHR, Co-Founder, HRReview, LLC
www.hrreview.com
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The HRReview Online Store is open 24/7 for your convenience. If you're looking for study material for your PHR, SPHR, or GPHR exam visit the HRReview Store today to browse our products.
Posted by Amy Letke on Sun, Nov 15, 2009 @ 10:51 AM
If you're an HR professional trying to decide which exam to take, it can be a challenging topic. Many test takers want to take the SPHR, but let's take a closer look at this.
1. My personal experience taking the SPHR exam and PHR exam was an interesting one. If I hadn't been afforded Forune 500 HR experience, I'm not sure I would have fared as well on the SPHR exam. I truly believe that having a mentor on higher level HR decisions made all the difference, and I hear this from other counterparts as well.
2. The SPHR will have many situational questions where you will need to make a judgement call. If you've not taken a lot of practice questions to prepare for this type of question, I would strongly encourage you to test your knowledge before taking the SPHR exam. Many of the questions will ask what the best solution is, or all of the following "except", so it is important to train your brain on these kinds of questions.
3. The PHR is a challenging exam and most certainly demonstrates the HR professional's proficiency in human resources matters. If you're not sure which exam to take,
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The HRReview Online Store is open 24/7 for your convenience. If you're looking for study material for your PHR, SPHR, or GPHR exam visit the HRReview Store today to browse our products.