One of the questions I get quite often by students is about HR certification prep materials specifically for SHRM and HRCI. Our Ace the HR Exam program works with any and all HR certification resources – including programs like the SHRM Learning System and HRCP.
Best HR Certification Books for HR Leaders and Administrative Assistants
HR certification prep is a marathon and not a sprint. I want to stress this because there are no short cuts to HR certification prep. Understanding the information on the exams takes time. In my HR certification prep work, I recommend that students use no less than three different HR certification prep resources to allow for information to be presented to the student not only differently but to allow for a more comprehensive knowledge and information set giving you the best chance to pass your HR certification exams. This is because SHRM or HRCI even with their exam overviews meaning the SHRM BaSK or HRCI’s BoK, are not all encompassing and comprehensive. Both certifying bodies are not going to give you a comprehensive list of the terms and information that could be on the exam. The following contains affiliate links. Know these are highly curated.
SHRM Exams – SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP Exams
All-In-One Exam Guide for SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP. I recommend the latest book by Dory Willer. This is a great resource for SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP. More information.
HRCI Exams – aPHR, PHR, SPHR exams (Including aPHRi, PHRi, SPHRi, and GPHR exams)
PHR and SPHR Complete Study Guide. When I first took my SPHR in 2008, I used Sandra Reed’s book to pass my exam, and I still recommend it today. More information.
GPHR Exam Study Notes. This is a resources that includes exam notes available in book or ebook form on Amazon. More information.
International Human Resources Management 5th Edition. This book is a common textbook used in Masters in Human Resources programs. It is not organized for the GPHR but offers great insights for you to pull from and develop notes as well as study flashcards. More information.
Other HR Certification Prep Study Resources for HRCI and SHRM
These books are an incredible resource for getting started with your HR certification preparation, however, I have a few other recommendations to ensure you have a broad knowledge base so you can pass your exam.
The Big Book of HR. This book is written by my friends Barbara and Cornelia who I recently had on the Workology Podcast. Their resource is a great addition to the SHRM or HRCI study prep materials because it is written as a guide and not just in order to pass the exam. Plus, it’s great to have around your office as a resource. More information.
Ace the HR Exam. This is the study prep course I wish I had when I first took my exam. With over 40 hours of audio and video review as well as downloadable resources including flashcards and a glossary it is packed full of everything you need to elevate your HR review and at only $89 per month. If you haven’t signed up what are you waiting for? More information.
The Essential Guide to Employment Law. I never think that there is enough information when it comes to understanding employment law. Note: that if you are not in the US and are taking the SHRM exams, you will not be tested on US employment law. The same is true if you are taking the aPHRi, PHRi, or SPHRi exams. More information.
A Deep Dive Into Digital HR & Recruiting
While I didn’t write my own book with HR Certification in mind, it does cover anything you need to know about the online world of HR and recruiting. In this hyper-competitive talent and recruiting market, digital recruiting presents employers with a distinct competitive advantage for reaching, engaging, and building relationships with qualified and interested job seekers. It is both an extensive survey of the ever-changing landscape of recruiting and a curated collection of recruitment tools, techniques, and strategies to engage passive and active job-seeker candidates with success. Get Digitizing Talent: Creative Strategies for the Digital Recruiting Age right here.
