Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed the Human Resource Certification Preparation Program?
How often is the program updated?
Can the units be purchased separately?
After I finish this program will I be certified?
What is the relationship between this program and SHRM?
What is the difference between this program and the SHRM Learning System?
How do I register to take the certification exam?
What is the success rate on the certification exams for those using this program?

1. Who designed the Human Resource Certification Preparation Program?

The program's designers, David J. Cherrington, DBA, SPHR and Laura Z. Middleton, SPHR, both teach human resource management courses at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Dr. Cherrington, a university professor, previously served on the Human Resource Certification Institute Board of Directors, where he was the Director of Codification and Research and the National Director of Exam Development. Mrs. Middleton serves as the president of HRCP, L.C.

2. How often is the program updated?

The Human Resource Certification Preparation Program is carefully updated each year to reflect changes in the field of human resource management. Particular attention is given to changes in the legal environment.

3. Can the units be purchased separately?

The flash card set and each of the units can be purchased separately. Buying the materials as a complete program, however, provides a substantial savings over buying the units separately.

4. After I finish this program will I be certified?

Completing the Human Resource Certification Preparation Program does not certify you; the program is designed to help you prepare to take the certification exams that are administered by SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) through their credentialing body, the HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute).

You apply to take the examinations through the HRCI. You can request a Certification Information Handbook, which includes information regarding qualifying for the exam and an application form, by writing to HRCI at 1800 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-3499 or at the HRCI web site.

5. What is the relationship between this program and SHRM?

The Human Resource Certification Preparation Program is not endorsed by, produced by, or in any way affiliated with SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) or HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute). This program is an independently-produced product designed to help individuals studying for human resource certification.

6. What is the difference between this program and the SHRM Learning System?

The Human Resource Certification Preparation Program is a lower-priced alternative for human resource exam preparation. Both this program and the SHRM Learning System, which is produced by Holmes Corporation and published by the Society for Human Resource Management, are based on the Content Outline used by the HRCI (Human Resource Certification Institute) in preparing the certification exams. However, the flash cards are only available from us.

7. How do I register to take the certification exam?

The human resource certification exams are administered by HRCI. You can request a Certification Handbook, which includes information regarding qualifying for the exam and an application form, by writing to HRCI at 1800 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-3499. You can also visit the HRCI web site.

8. What is the success rate on the certification exams for those using this program?

We do not attempt to track success rates for those using our program for two main reasons. First, we would be forced to rely on self-reported data, where those who passed the certification exam would be more likely to respond than those who didn't. Second, the fact that people purchase our program does not insure that they study the materials carefully. If an individual buys our program and then fails to study carefully for the exam, a poor exam performance reflects more on that individual's lack of diligence than on the quality of our study materials.

If you have a question that is not answered here, you can contact us.