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SVSU Announces SHRM Online Test Prep Course!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 


1. To whom is the SHRM Learning System Online Course directed?  

The SHRM Learning System Online Course is specifically designed for the HR professional who seeks qualified training assistance leading to the HRCI certification, but does not have access to a campus where the Learning System is taught, or the time to commit to a regular routine of class attendance. While the Online Course is designed to be completed in twelve weeks, it can be managed at a pace convenient to the student.  

2.   I live in an area where I can attend the SHRM Learning System Course at Saginaw Valley State University. Which would be better for me – to attend a classroom course? Or to take the Online Course? Is there a difference in cost?  

While many people prefer the interaction of the classroom, experience shows that busy HR professionals will often miss important class meetings because of conflicts between business and their personal educational aims. For those prospective students expecting such conflicts to arise, the online course is a perfect solution. Online sessions are taken at the convenience of the student. The course fee for the online course is the same as that offered in the classroom. However, some savings may accrue to the online student as s/he avoids transportation costs, parking fees, childcare expenses and other incidental personal costs normally incurred while attending evening courses at university campuses.  

3.   If I sign-up for the SHRM Learning System Online course, what home study materials do I receive?  

The materials an online student receives are the same as provided to on-campus students, and include:

a. Print based materials consisting of the six existing modules of the SHRM Learning System. The modules are: 1) Strategic Management, 2) Workforce Planning & Employment, 3) Human Resource Development, 4) Total Rewards, 5) Employee & Labor Relations, and 6) Risk Management. Students complete these modules on their own to a general schedule set by the course instructor. Students will also be assigned Application Exercises, Discussion Cases and Discussion Questions on the web site within the weekly assignment sections. 

b. Access to SVSU Course Site hosted by SVSU V-space. This will be the primary platform on which the course will be taken. Information regarding how to get connected will be sent to you upon registration.  

c. Registered access to www.learnHRM.com. This component allows web access to a SHRM site containing more than 1000 questions covering the areas of general knowledge set forth in the Learning System modules. This SHRM educational web site offers students the opportunity to take a practice pre-test, twelve module specific tests, and the course Post Test (final exam) that serve as the basis of awarding a course grade. Your instructor will assign a specific pair of tests for completion each week. The tests may be taken over and over again until the student feels s/he has mastered the full range of questions available on the web site. The web site testing simulates the actual PHR/SPHR exams – however, one should not expect the questions to be the same as found on the actual exams. This web site also includes a valuable glossary of HR terms and “flash cards” to help students retain essential knowledge. A PC with a Microsoft Windows Internet capability is required to access the site. Your course grade will be based upon the average of all Module specific Tests and the course Post Test (final exam), subject also to your having completed all other weekly assignments.

d. The HRCI Certification Handbook. This guide provides application materials for the PHR/SPHR/GPHR Certification Examinations, and all the information one needs to check personal eligibility, dates and locations of the exams.  

e. The SHRM Learning System SPHR Preparation Book. This pamphlet describes the written course materials, and provides a guide to smart test taking as well as sample questions. This pamphlet tells the student how to develop study skills, prepare for the HRCI exam, and develop memory techniques. It also explores exam taking strategies and tactics.  


4.    I can order the SHRM Learning System materials and pursue a self-study program on my own. How does the on-line course add value to my study efforts.   

The SVSU SHRM Online Course provides the learner professional instruction, focus, challenge, interaction and encouragement not available to the independent student. The Online Course provides the following additional features not found in the SHRM materials:  

a. Instructor’s Perspective. Within each major section of each of the six modules, the instructor provides his or her own perspective on the material to be learned through lectures that can be listen to at your convenience and/or re-listened to as needed throughout the course period. This perspective will include amplification of concepts and real-life examples of the points being made. By including the Instructor’s Perspective in each weekly assignment, the learner is provided with additional insight and understanding. These perspectives serve as the instructor’s weekly lecture on the material to be covered and examine many areas in greater detail than provided in the course modules.

b. Site Quizzes: To assure students understand the content of the Instructor’s Perspectives, there are six Site Test consisting of multiple-choice questions covering the material. These tests are taken on alternate weeks with the Module Tests. The Site Quiz grades do not count toward the course grade.

c. Progress Tests: This provides the student with answers (and rationales) to the end-of-section quizzes that come with the Learning System modules. Answers will be provided and explained to students electronically.

d. Module Tests: There are twelve specific Module Tests, two for each Module, each comprised of 25 multiple-choice questions. These tests are taken in alternate weeks and are found on the www.learnHRM.com web site. These are graded quizzes that are averaged to determine your course grade.

e. Post Test: There is a single Post Test on the learnHRM.com web site that serves as your final exam on the last week of the course. Again, it is a multiple-choice quiz, and counts toward your course grade.

f.  On-line Assignments. These include case studies, application exercises, discussion questions, and additional quizzes (and answers) that have been developed specifically for the SVSU version of the online course.

g. E-mail and Online Access to the Instructor. The Web site contains a Virtual Office and a drop-box feature for direct interaction among students and between students and the instructor. The instructor is also available through his/her own e-mail address. The instructor is anxious to answer any questions you may have about the Learning System materials or the HRCI examination. The instructor checks weekly to respond to your questions.

h. “Post a Comment” Forum. A special “Discussion” content item on this web site provides the capability for students to interact and discuss course related questions on an asynchronous basis; i.e., you join in on the conversation at your own convenience – this is not a chat room where everyone needs to be online at the same time. 

5.   I want to take either the PHR or SPHR exam at the next opportunity. Is taking the SHRM Learning System the best way to assure myself I will pass the exam? What are my chances of passing the exam on the first try?  

In the Learning System SPHR Preparation Book, HRCI states “The SHRM Learning System does not ‘teach the test.’ There will be some content covered in the Learning System that is not tested in the HRCI exam, and, conversely, there will be some content tested in the HRCI exams that are not covered in the Learning System. There is no course or training resource available anywhere that covers all of the content tested on the HRCI exams.” HRCI adds further, “Neither the SHRM Learning System nor any other training resource is a substitute for actual experience. The HRCI exams tests generalist knowledge of human resource management.” Both SHRM officials and experienced academics agree that the SHRM Learning System is but one of many ways to prepare for the HRCI exams. An historical analysis of success rates in passing the exam shows that those most likely to pass on their first try are those holding masters degrees in human resources,* followed by others with varied graduate degrees. Other groups with high success rates are those with bachelor’s degrees in HR, and those with extensive actual work experience in HR. Since reducing the eligibility requirements a couple of years ago, the National pass rates for the PHR have tumbled to below 70%, and the SPHR pass rates are slightly over 55% for first time test takers. Passing either exam is not easy. It takes a lot of work and dedicated study in the months leading up to the exams. Those people unable or unwilling to make the commitment should not attempt this course, or the exam. The demands of the course are rigorous – as are the challenges presented on the certification exams. 


6.   The Online Course is twelve weeks long. May I complete the course in less time? What if I need more than twelve weeks to complete?  

You may complete the course in less than the scheduled twelve weeks. This will require a major study effort on your part, and a substantial commitment of your personal time. If you find you are getting ahead of schedule, let your instructor know via e-mail and s/he will work with you to the pace you set. Many people, however, might find they are getting behind in their studies and will require more time. Students may continue the course for the full twelve weeks, but must seriously consider whether they are truly prepared for the HRCI exam. If you get too far behind, you may wish to reschedule the exam with the HRCI (see the current HRCI Certification Information Handbook for rescheduling information).  

7.   I am very busy with my work and family. How many hours will I have to devote to this Online Course each week?  

The average student will need to spend between 8 and 10 hours per week studying the Learning System modules, plus spend another 2 to 4 hours completing related assignments on the web site. The 10 to 14 hours invested each week may seem considerable, but it is an investment in yourself, your professional development, and the professional recognition you deserve. Those persons unwilling or unable to devote this much time to the program seriously diminish their chances of successfully passing the HRCI exams. 

 

8.   How am I graded on the Online Course? Do I receive college credits or Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for the SHRM Learning System Course?  

The Online Course is graded using an un-weighted average of your module Post-tests and the course Final Examination. We grade on a pass or fail basis. A pass grade will be issued depending upon whether or not the student completes the assignments and successfully achieve a 70% total grade or better. Upon successful completion of the course, the student receives a Certificate of Completion of the Learning System Course from the Society for Human Resource Management, and a Certificate of Completion from Saginaw Valley State University.  

 

9.   My company will reimburse me for the Learning System Online Course, but I need to show that I received a letter grade from SVSU upon completion. Can I obtain a letter grade, or does this course simply award a pass or fail grade?  

SVSU Office of Continuing Ed & Professional Development will record a letter grade for every student completing the SHRM Learning System course. If your company requires a letter grade before reimbursing you, SVSU OCEPD will accommodate you.  

 

10.  How can students interact with their instructor on the Online Course?  

Student interaction with the instructor on the Online Course is principally via e-mail. Telephone and conference calls can be arranged among students and the instructor to deal with specific questions not generally covered in the course.  

 

11.  I am not eligible (or not planning) to take the PHR/SPHR exams this year. Is there any point in my taking the Learning System Course? Or should I take other HR related courses available from area colleges and/or universities?  

Each year a number of SHRM Learning System students who take the course have no intention of taking the HRCI examination in the immediate future. People wishing to pursue a career in human resource management learn that the SHRM Learning Systems Course is the most thorough, most comprehensive, and most intense learning experience they can receive in mastering the areas of HR general knowledge. Many colleges and universities offer excellent courses in HR, and some even offer a certificate in HR. However, none of these programs are specifically aimed at preparing the learner for a widely recognized professional certification and a professional career in HR; only the SHRM course, and the HRCI examination provides that. The SHRM course focuses on the body of HRM knowledge, while the typical college course focuses upon the theory of HRM. The practitioner needs knowledge of the laws and practical applications of HR policy/practices, not theory without substance.  


12.  What are the recommended system requirements for taking the course?  
       System requirements include:  

 

 13.  Should I plan to use my computer at work or my home computer to take the course?  

You can use both your home computer and your office computer for logging on to the web site and pursuing your course of study. On SVSU’s web site, you have access to both the SVSU V-space web site and e-mail. Remember too, each time you take a complete test, you will spend nearly an hour doing so. Test taking should be done when you have the time and opportunity to concentrate without interruption. 

 

14.  According to the SHRM eligibility requirements, I am eligible for either the PHR or SPHR exam. Do I have to take the PHR first? What should guide my choice of exams? Can I change my mind later?   

If you meet the minimum eligibility requirements of two years exempt level experience as either an HR practitioner, educator, consultant or researcher, you may elect to take either the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification examination. There is no requirement that you must successfully complete the PHR exam before attempting the SPHR exam. Before choosing, however, please note that the PHR focuses more on the technical/operational aspects of HR, whereas the SPHR exam focuses more on the strategic/policy issues of HR. SHRM and the HRCI recommend that candidates attempting the PHR exam have two to four years of HR exempt-level experience. They further recommend that candidates attempting the SPHR exam have six to eight years of exempt-level HR experience. Your success on either exam may be directly correlated with your education and experience in the field. Therefore, candidates should carefully assess their qualifications prior to selecting a desired level of certification.  

 

15.  If I take the Online Course, will I be networking with other students taking the course? What background information on students will be shared with other students, and how will this information be made available?  

There may be as many as 30 people sharing the Online Course training experience with you. Your common point of focus will be this SVSU V-space web site that is used for posting assignments and responding to the instructor. Certain windows on the V-space platform provide an open channel of communication between students, and thus forms the basis for creating networks between them. Each student is asked to post a brief profile (biography) of his or her HR experience, current position, reason for taking the course, and any previous experience in taking an online course. Adding your e-mail address to this profile is an option for students who wish to encourage direct communication links with other students on the course. Some students may wish to relate to classmates only through the web site by participating in the “Post a Comment” discussions. The choice is yours. The SVSU V-space web site is password protected so only registered participants may access the content and information located there. Your instructor will, of course, need your e-mail address for direct communication with you regarding issues of your personal progress.  

 

16.  When I do my homework assignments, will I receive feedback from the instructor?  

Your homework assignments are submitted to your instructor weekly via the course’s web site. She will respond with general commentary on the work provided by all students within a week of receiving it.  A major link between you and your instructor will be through your analysis of each case study and the instructor’s assessment of your analysis – this will be one of your better learning tools. The instructor will also provide specific comments to you, via e-mail or the course’s grade book, suggesting ways your work could be improved, or where you might consider other factors bearing on the issues assigned. Constructive feedback from the instructor is an important element of this course. Your module test answers will be entered directly on the test site located at www.learnhrm.com, and your instructor will be able to access your grades. 

 

17.  What test scores must a student achieve to pass the course?  

The Online Course is graded using an un-weighted average of your module Post-tests and the course Final Examination. To pass the SHRM Learning System Online Course you must achieve an average grade of at least 70% on all module tests and the course Post Test (final exam). You must also complete all assigned homework and case exercises in a satisfactory manner. The passing grade for course certificates of completion from SVSU SHRM program are a minimum total of 70%.  

 

18.  If I fail to pass the HRCI PHR/SPHR Certification Examination after having taken the SHRM Learning System Online Course, what will it cost me to repeat the course at the next available opportunity?

Students having fully attended the SVSU SHRM Learning Systems Online Course, or the Learning System Course on a SVSU campus, may repeat the course without being charged additional tuition if they do not pass the HRCI PHR or SPHR exam for which they were preparing. They must, however, use the materials provided them on the initial course – no new Learning System materials will be provided, even if a newer edition has been published. New materials may be purchased by the student, if desired. To repeat the online version of the course, students may also be assessed a small web site access fee of $50.    

 

19.  If I start the online course and discover I have difficulty learning through this media, may I switch to an in-class program?  

SVSU Office of Continuing Ed & Professional Development will always attempt to meet the learning needs of its students. Yes, if you fail to make progress in the online program, you may join one of the next in-class sessions. There will be no additional fee for the transfer. Where you live will make a difference, however. Courses are currently taught on the SVSU Campus at University Center Michigan. Class start dates and schedules will vary.