Useful Resources




It dawn on me it would be helpful if I create a resources page that you can always visit for all your PHR SPHR GPHR exam needs.  I’ll add to it as I learn more and I will reference this page more often in the future. I recommend bookmarking it for your reference and convenience.

Please note that I don’t have affiliations with all these sites and that you are responsible for your online research.You need to do your own due-diligence to determine if the content of each website  is right for your review preparation. Thank you.

PHR/SPHR/GPHR BOOKS

Click the title for more information.
  • Human Resource Management- Robert Mathis (Hardcover) – A leading resource for preparation for professional HR certification. It covers all major topics for the PHR and SPHR professional examinations given by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). This edition effectively blends theory and practice as it highlights the latest trends in human resource today, including strategic HR, employee retention, HR technology, talent management, total rewards, risk management, and workforce demographics changes.
  • Study Guide for Mathis/Jackson’s Human Resource Management, 12th (Paperback) – Find everything you need to enhance your learning experience, earn the grade you want in this course, and prepare for success on professional exams with this convenient study guide. Chapter objectives, chapter outlines and study questions and other learning tools help you maximize your study time and review.
  • SPHR Exam Prep: Senior Professional in Human Resources- Larry Phillips (2nd Edition) (Paperback) – This book provides proven study tools and expert insight that will help you score higher on the SPHR exam. It has focused exercises throughout the chapters that will reinforce your knowledge of test topics by allowing you to apply what you are learning. Practice questions include detailed explanations of the answers–so you can learn the material by understanding why an answer is correct. Comprehensive discussion of all subject areas covered by the SPHR: Strategic Management, Workforce Planning and Employment, Human Resource Development, Total Rewards, Employee and Labor Relations, and Risk Management. Two full-length practice tests (one in the book and one on the CD) enable you to time yourself under exam circumstances so you know exactly what to expect on test day and can identify any areas in which you are struggling before you take the real exam.
  • PHR/SPHR Practice Test: Presented by PHRPrep.com (Paperback) – This is a must-have for anyone taking the PHR or SPHR certification exam. This book provides a comprehensive, 200-question practice test. The questions will help you assess your preparedness for the PHR/SPHR exam and will help you target your study efforts. The questions are based on the HRCI exam’s body of knowledge. The book includes detailed answer explanations for each of the 200 questions.
  • PHR / SPHR Professional in Human Resources Certification Study Guide -Anne Bogardus (Paperback) – More than 80,000 HR professionals having earned the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) or Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification, and another 20,000 are expected to take the exam in 2009. This complete update of the bestselling guide to HR certification contains additional coverage of new HR policies and standards, as well as updated practice exam questions and real world scenarios. Key topics include strategic management, workforce planning and employment, compensation and benefits, employee and labor relations, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. The CD-ROM contains two bonus exams (one each for PHR and SPHR) as well as flashcards and an electronic book.
  • The SHRM Learning System 2009 Certification Prep Six Module Set (PHR/SPHR Certification, Modules 1 -6, (Paperback) – This is the most sought-after stand-alone review system available. It is quite expensive but the price is just right. It consists of 6 modules (Body of Knowledge) along with diffrent practice exercises to satisfy your review needs. There’s also an online and interactive review materials that go with it.
  • HR Certification Institute Official PHR and SPHR Certification Guide -Raymond B. Weinberg (Paperback) – Updated and revised to reflect the most current body of knowledge from which the exams are drawn, this thorough test-preparation guide is the ideal tool for human resources professionals preparing for certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). As the only guide prepared by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI), it features the foremost information on critical exam topics, including management staffing, family and social issues that affect the workplace, employee rights, and international competition. Tips for exam preparation, a practice exam, and a discussion of the exam answers are also included.
  • Official GPHR Certification Guide -Linda K. Angush (Paperback) – Excellent book professionals preparing for certification as a Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR). This updated and revised reference provides the latest test specifications on which the exam is based. Featuring tips for exam preparation, a 50-question practice exam, a discussion of the exam answers, and additional suggested resources, the guide is ideal for those with cross-border, international, and/or global HR responsibilities who are ready to take the next step in their careers.

Government Websites

  • www.osha.gov- The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is an agency of the United States Department of Labor. It was created by Congress of the United States under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, signed by President Richard M. Nixon, on December 29, 1970. Its mission is to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and occupational fatality by issuing and enforcing rules called standards for workplace safety and health. The agency is headed by a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor.
  • www.dol.gov- The U.S. Department of Labor is charged with preparing the American workforce for new and better jobs. DOL is responsible for the administration and enforcement of over 180 federal statutes.
  • www.doj.gov-is the United States federal executive department responsible for the enforcement of the law and administration of justice, equivalent to the justice or interior ministries of other countries.
  • www.uscis.gov-Outlines employment and career information. Details the pay, benefits, training and other aspects.
  • www.nlrb.gov-National Labor Relations Board is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1935 to administer the National Labor Relations Act, the primary law governing relationship between employers, unions and employees
  • www.justice.gov-The U.S. Department of Justice home page provides access to the latest news from the Department in multiple formats: blog, press releases, speeches, testimony, and video focusing on law enforcement, public safety, crime control and prevention, and the fair and the fair and impartial administration of justice.
  • www.eeoc.gov-The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
  • www.irs.gov-The US government agency responsible for tax collection and tax law enforcement. Includes income tax forms, instructions, and agency publications.
  • www.ftc.gov-The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an independent agency of the United States government, established in 1914 by the Federal Trade Commission Act. Its principal mission is the promotion of “consumer protection” and the elimination and prevention of what regulators perceive to be harmfully “anti-competitive” business practices, such as coercive monopoly.
  • Executive Order (US)-An executive order in the United States is an order issued by the President, the head of the executive branch of the federal government. In other countries, similar edicts may be known as decrees, or orders-in-council. Executive orders may also be issued at the state level by a state’s Governor or at the local level by the city’s Mayor. U.S. Presidents have issued Executive Orders since 1789, usually to help officers and agencies of the Executive branch manage the operations within the Federal Government itself.

Private  Organizations/ Institutions

  • www.hrci.com- The HR Certification Institute develops and delivers credentialing programs to validate mastery in the field of human resource management and to promote organizational effectiveness.
  • www.shrm.org – The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world’s largest association devoted to human resource management. Representing more than 250,000 members in over 140 countries, the Society serves the needs of HR professionals and advances the interests of the HR profession. Founded in 1948, SHRM has more than 575 affiliated chapters within the United States and subsidiary offices in China and India.
  • www.ilo.org – The UN specialized agency which seeks the promotion of social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights.
  • www.amanet.org – American Management Association (AMA) is an international leader in management training and professional development for individuals, teams and entire organizations. The AMA offers classes, seminars, workshops, books and other types of business educational courses that help professionals at all levels to learn new skills, achieve excellence, and advance in a complex & competitive world.
  • www.naspweb.com -NASP is a professional safety association offering safety training and certification courses. We offer courses in workplace safety, construction safety, built to assist you with OSHA compliance and beyond. Find out what the National Association of Safety Professionals can offer you, in terms of OSHA training, program safety, and how behavior based safety training could be right for you.
  • www.nsc.org- The National Safety Council (NSC) is a nonprofit, nongovernmental public service organization dedicated to protecting life and promoting health in the United States. The NSC’s mission is to “educate and influence people to prevent accidental injury and death,” and its vision is “making our world safer.” The NSC is nonpolitical and does not contribute to or support any political party or candidate.

Human Resources Blogs

  • Evil HR Lady – She can strike a chord when she writes. Straight and direct to the point. Here is the teaser on her blog: “Why am I evil? Well, I’m not, but that’s the perception of all of us in HR. Need to fire someone? Come to HR. Need to explain to someone why, even after working their rear end off all year, that their annual increase is 2.7%? Come to HR. Need to come up with new mountains of paperwork? Come to HR. So, come join me on the Evil Side. Oh, and send me your HR questions.”
  • About.com Human Resources -
  • Know HR Blog -
  • HR Daily Advisor -
  • George’s Employment Blawg -
  • HR Thoughts -
  • HR Guru -
SEO Powered By SEOPressor