Having the aPHR certification could be a piece of cake if you implement the proper study strategies. Go through this blog to explore the preparation tips.
Overview of the aPHR Certification:
The aPHR certification, or Associate Professional in Human Resources certification, is a professional certification for individuals who are new to the field of human resources or who work in a support role. The certification is offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge of the fundamental principles of HR management.
To obtain the aPHR certification, individuals must pass a 100-question multiple-choice exam that covers a range of topics related to HR management. Among these questions, 25 are pretest questions. These topics include HR operations, recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and HR strategy.
The HRCI administers the exam, and it must be completed within 1 hour 45 minutes. An aspirant gets extra 30 minutes of administration time to complete the exam.
What Is the Best Strategy to Get Ready for the aPHR Exam?
Preparing for the aPHR exam requires a combination of studying and test-taking strategies. The HRCI offers a variety of study materials, including the aPHR Certification Handbook, the aPHR Exam Content Outline, and the HRCI Learning Catalog. Additionally, there are many third-party study resources available, such as study guides, flashcards, and practice exams.
Understand the aPHR Certification:
Before we dive into the study materials and exam tips, let’s first understand what the APHR certification is and why it’s valuable. The aPHR certification is a credential awarded by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) to individuals who demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles of HR management. It’s an entry-level certification designed for professionals who are new to HR or who work in a support role.
Having an aPHR certification on your resume can give you a competitive edge in the job market, as it shows that you have a solid foundation in HR knowledge and are committed to professional development.
Chalk Out the aPHR Syllabus Domains:
Once you have gone through the exam pattern, your next task is to look at the syllabus percentages. You must keep more time for the higher percentage domains while you prepare a study routine. Covering all the topics are essential to score good marks in the aPHR certification exam.
Write Down Essential Notes:
As you are going to face a multiple-choice exam, having knowledge of specific details of the domains is essential. Therefore, write down some specific topics to remember them for a longer time.
Get the Proper Study Materials:
Now that we know what the exam covers, it’s time to start studying! HRCI offers a variety of study materials to help you prepare for the APHR exam, including:
- The aPHR Certification Handbook: This guide provides an overview of the certification process, exam content, and study tips.
- The aPHR Exam Content Outline: This document breaks down the exam content into specific knowledge areas and provides sample questions.
- The HRCI Learning Catalog: This online portal offers courses, webinars, and other resources to help you prepare for the exam.
In addition to HRCI’s study materials, there are also many third-party study resources available, such as study guides, flashcards, and practice exams. It’s important to choose a reputable source and to make sure the materials align with the exam content.
Exam Tips and Strategies During the Exam Day:
Studying is important, but so is developing a test-taking strategy. Here are some tips to help an aspirant on exam day:
Pace yourself:
You have a limit to complete 100 questions, so ensure you’re keeping track of time and spending only a little bit on any one question.
Read the aPHR Question Carefully:
Make sure you understand what the question is asking before selecting an answer. Don’t assume you know what the question is asking without reading it thoroughly.
Eliminate Incorrect Answers:
If you’re unsure of an answer, try to eliminate any obviously incorrect answers to increase your chances of getting the question right.
Don’t Second-Guess Yourself:
If you feel confident in your answer, don’t change it unless you have a good reason to do so.
Arrive Early and Stay Focused:
On exam day, make sure you arrive early and bring a valid form of identification. You’ll be provided with scratch paper and a pencil, but you won’t be allowed to bring any other materials into the testing room.
During the exam, stay calm and focused. Take breaks if you need to, but don’t spend too much time on any one question. Remember, you can always come back to it later.
Concluding Thoughts:
Earning an HR certification is highly beneficial when you earn it from a recognized institute like HRCI. The aPHR certification proves your specific skills and demonstrates your commitment to getting certified. Therefore, shine the certification on your resume and open up the path for a better future.
