Okay, HRCI (Human Resources Certification Institute), it’s time for a social media makeover! I alluded to this post when I was talking about everything else going on in my world recently. I am doing my best not to be mean-spirited or rude, because that doesn’t help anyone do anything better. Everything I say today should be taken with a smile. (<–Like that!)

HRCI on Twitter

Near the end of last year, I realized that HRCI was on Twitter. Being a lover of HR certification, I was thrilled to see them there. I had a few back-and-forth chats with Alexis, and we shared a few tips and ideas back and forth. Fun was had by all. Although they were using their URL in every. single. tweet. I was still inclined to give ‘em a break.

Flash forward to the past few weeks. They’ve been doing work on their website. How did I know that? Well, they’ve tweeted over a dozen times in a three day period about what you can do on their website. Okay, so they’re sharing. That’s something, I suppose. Continue Reading »

Update: the free HR flash card giveaway is past (for now). Find out who won here. If you want to get your hands on one of the best HR certification study aids available, why not snag the eBook?

Or you can get the HRCP discount! If you purchase the HRCP study materials and use “UPSTART12″ as your promo code, you will get a $20 discount!

It’s getting to be that time for a large number HR professionals out there. They’ll be hitting the HRCI website and signing up for the PHR, SPHR, or GPHR exam. And I have something to help along the way. I’ve partnered with HRCP for a few months now, and I haven’t regretted it once. They have a great HR certification prep study guide, and you can save yourself the hassle of making flashcards by getting some from them. However, they’ve given me a pack of their flashcards to give away for free.

Free HR Certification Flashcards

Would you like a free set of HR certification flashcards? Here’s what you have to do.

In 50 words or less, simply tell me why you’re taking the exam.

Your story can be touching, funny, crazy, or eye-gougingly boring. It’s up to you. The deadline is 11:59pm on Wednesday, March 10th. The winner will be chosen randomly (thanks to Random.org) and notified via email. Depending on the popularity of the contest, I may host another in the near future. But we’ll see. So get cracking on your answers!

In all of the HR certification talk that I get into, I really don’t know much about the Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) exam.

What’s on it? Who takes it? Is it worth the effort?

GPHR Tips and Advice

Recently I had the opportunity to interview Lori Goldsmith, SPHR/GPHR (LinkedIn, Twitter) about what her experience was like. If you’re wondering what the GPHR exam is all about, you’re going to learn from someone who’s been there and done that.

If you like this post feel free to subscribe or check into the study guide. It’s not GPHR specific, but the testing tips are definitely helpful for the HR certification exams and you have a money back guarantee.

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Me: Why did you decide to get GPHR certified? Continue Reading »

The new version of the Rock the PHR guide is going live today at 6:00 p.m. Central. I’ve been pushing it hard in the past few weeks, but that’s only because I think it’s really going to help people with their own exams. I’ve bumped the price since the initial release, but some people have told me that it’s still cheap (especially now that it comes with a private forum/chat room, a 50-question practice exam, and more).

For the first 10 buyers, I’m going to throw in a special bonus report that will not be available to the public. You won’t want to miss it.

If you’re already certified, or if you think that it’s not for you, it wouldn’t hurt to pass it along to someone who could benefit. Thanks for playing along. Look for another “regular” post on Wednesday.

Here’s the link to the Rock the PHR page (I’ll turn off the redirect around 6:00 p.m. Central or a maybe a bit before then).

The guide received two reviews in its first revision. Feel free to check them out here and here.

I love having the opportunity to help people who are studying for the HR certification exam. It’s something that allows me to use my knowledge and love of teaching to help others. Definitely a fun way to spend some time!

I don’t know if any of you realize it, but I got started in writing as I chronicled my PHR exam study sessions online.  I wanted to help others with their own self-study process, motivate myself, and give encouragement to those that were feeling lost amid the practice questions, exam requirements, and study resources.  I’m working on putting the articles together into a free eBook (I have put them together into a free eBook already) because I want people to be able to see the process that I went through.

I, like many people, jumped into HR feet-first. I took the PHR in the 12-month window after college, and that meant I didn’t need the pesky 2 years of exempt experience.  Now, while I’m not technically “certified” without the experience, I have passed the exam, so that hopefully says something about my capabilities.  Self-study. All the way. Rockin’.

To take it further, I later created a great tool called the Rock the PHR study guide. It’s an inexpensive tool to help you stay motivated, learn what to study, and pass the exam once and for all. Check it out!

If you’re working on your own study journey or trying to decide if you should take the HR certification exam plunge, shoot me an email or leave a comment.  I’d love to offer any help I can give.

And if you would like free updates via email (i.e. when another free product comes along), just click here!