Week 1-2: HR Competencies
Review the SHRM BASK to familiarize yourself with the core Behavioral Competencies and HR Expertise Domains you will be tested on.
Take a full-length practice exam from a reputable source to gauge baseline knowledge and competency, noting strengths and weaknesses in competency as well as test-taking skills to focus more of your study time on deficiencies and giving strengths a quick review to reinforce learning and competency.
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Leadership and Navigation: leadership styles and theories, decision-making processes, ethical leadership, motivation theories
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Ethical Practice: code of ethics, ethical dilemmas, stakeholder management, corporate social responsibility
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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: diversity and inclusion best practices, cultural competency, anti-discrimination laws, diversity training
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Business Acumen: financial analysis, business strategy, market research, competitive analysis
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Consultation: Providing HR consultation to managers and stakeholders, HR needs analysis, consulting process, leading HR projects, client relationship management
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Critical Evaluation/Analytical Aptitude: data analysis, research methods, benchmarking, program evaluation
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Relationship Management: communication skills, negotiation tactics, stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution
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Communication: Communicating effectively with stakeholders, using technology to enhance communication, conflict resolution methods, and managing communication crises.
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HR from a Global Context/Global Mindset: Understanding and navigating cultural differences, global HR strategy, managing global HR operations, global talent management, international employment law, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Week 3-4: People Knowledge Part I
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HR Strategy: Strategic Planning: strategic planning process, environmental scanning tools, strategic goal setting, strategy implementation, strategy evaluation.
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HR in the Business Context: develop a deep level of understanding of HR’s role in the organization and HR’s contribution to the bottom line.
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HR Metrics and Analytics: data collection, data analysis, benchmarking, predictive analytics.
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Organizational Metrics: financial metrics, customer satisfaction metrics, operational metrics, HR metrics (learning and growth), benchmarking, data visualization
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Talent Acquisition: recruitment strategies, selection methods, applicant tracking systems, employment branding.
Week 5-6: People Knowledge Part II
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Employee Engagement & Retention: engagement survey design, retention strategies, turnover analysis, employee recognition programs
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Learning & Development: adult learning theory, training design and delivery, performance support, development planning
Week 7: People Knowledge Part III
Total Rewards: compensation structures/strategies, benefits administration, pay equity, variable pay plans, and associated federal regulatory compliance management
Week 8-9: Organization Knowledge
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Structure of the HR Function: HR roles and responsibilities, HR service delivery models, HR outsourcing
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Organizational Effectiveness and Development: change management, organizational culture, team effectiveness, organizational design
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Workforce Management: workforce planning, job analysis, job descriptions, succession planning, workforce analytics
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Employee Relations: employee communication, employee rights, dispute resolution, labor unions, collective bargaining
· Technology Management: HR information systems, HR analytics tools, social media, e-learning technologies
Week 10-11: Workplace Knowledge
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Managing a Global Workforce: strategies and methods for managing global workforces to achieve organizational objectives
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Risk Management: workplace safety, occupational health, emergency preparedness, data security, disaster recovery
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Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): sustainability, stakeholder engagement, philanthropy, corporate social responsibility reporting
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U.S. Employment Law & Regulations: major and precedent-setting U.S. federal employment law and regulations (i.e., FLSA, ADA, FMLA, NLRA, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and its amendments, ADEA, SOX, ACA, OSHA, DMCA, Copyright Act, HIPAA, GINA)
Week 12: Final Exam Preparation
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Develop Effective Test-Taking Strategies. Work on time management, question analysis, answer elimination strategies, exam pacing, and test anxiety management.
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Quiz and Take Lots of Practice Tests. Work on exam simulation, test format, reading answer rationales to compound learning, identifying keywords, key characteristics, and qualifiers in test items.
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Exam Logistics. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking your exam remotely or at a testing center and choose based on your personal needs, plan appropriately to arrive on time for your exam, ensure you fully understand the testing procedures, identification requirements, any allowed breaks, exam security, and exam regulations.
This study plan includes a great listing of key topics and concepts that you will need to learn and understand to pass the SHRM-SCP certification exam. It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other topics and concepts that are covered on the exam as well.
As you create your custom study plan, it’s important to be strategic in your approach and take your learning style into consideration to study smarter, not harder! Here are a few study tips and strategies to help you create a comprehensive and effective study plan designed to meet your learning needs and style and accelerate your exam preparation efforts:
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Identify your strengths and weaknesses: Take a practice exam and review the SHRM BASK, Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge, to identify which areas you are strongest in and which areas you need to focus on. This will help you prioritize your study time and focus on the areas that need the most improvement.
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Set achievable goals: Break down your study plan into smaller, achievable goals that you can realistically accomplish in the timeframe you have allotted. This will help you stay motivated and on track.
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Use a variety of study materials: Use a combination of textbooks, study guides, online courses, and practice exams to help you learn and reinforce the key concepts. This will help you approach the exam from different angles and improve your understanding of the material.
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Practice, practice, practice: Take as many practice exams as you can to get comfortable with the exam format and develop effective test-taking strategies. Use your practice exam scores to identify areas where you need more practice and review.
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Stay focused and consistent: Stick to your study plan and make studying a consistent part of your routine. Set aside dedicated study time each day or week and avoid distractions that can take you off track.
Remember, passing the SHRM-SCP certification exam requires a significant amount of time and effort, but with a comprehensive study plan and consistent effort, you can achieve your goal.
You’ve got this!
~Victoria
