PHR, PHRi and SPHR, SPHRi Human Resources Certification Complete Study Guide: 2024 Exams (Sybex Study Guide)

If you’re gearing up for the PHR, PHRi, SPHR, or SPHRi exams and only want to buy one book, this study guide by Sandra M. Reed is the one I’d pick every time. I used it as my main resource and passed the PHR on my first attempt. It’s not just a dense textbook—it actually teaches HR concepts in a way that makes sense, and more importantly, helps you apply what you’ve learned to real workplace scenarios. That’s exactly how the exam questions are structured, so the practice you get here feels relevant, not just theoretical. The book is organized to cover each exam domain clearly, with chapters that break down complex topics into manageable pieces. There are practice questions at the end of each section, and full-length practice tests that mimic the real thing. I clocked my practice test time and found it matched the pacing I needed for the actual exam. The explanations for answers aren’t just “right” or “wrong”—they walk you through the logic, which helped me understand not just what I got wrong, but why. What really stood out to me was how the guide connects HR theory to practical, real-world situations. For example, it doesn’t just define employee relations or compensation strategies—it gives examples of how you’d handle those issues as an HR professional. That made it easier to remember the material and to think the way the test wants you to think. I also appreciated the online resources that come with the book. The digital flashcards and extra practice questions were useful for studying on the go. I used the online tests to track my progress, and my scores steadily improved as I worked through the material. If there’s one thing to note, it’s a big book—over 600 pages—so you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to get through it. I started about two months before my test date and studied a little each day. Overall, this study guide made a huge difference for me. It’s thorough, practical, and focused on the kind of thinking and application the exams require. I’ve recommended it to colleagues, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. If you want to walk into your HR certification exam feeling prepared and confident, this is the resource I’d trust.

I passed my PHR using this book. Excellent resource for anyone looking to certify or for recertification. Very detailed explanations.

Sandra’s book is the gold standard for HR certification exam prep and much more inexpensive than the courses and official training resources out there. If you dedicate the time to reading and note-taking, you’ll pass the exam using this book.

I'm studying for my PHR certification and, although I have not taken the test yet (I will next month) I found the material on this book to be on point with what's required to pass the test. It also includes a free access to 1000 questions online and glossary of contents. Everything is well explained and gives good examples of real life cases. Also, after each chapter you find a test. I'm using it with the PocketPrep APP that, on the answer to the test questions, refers to this book with the specific page to find the content. I think they did a great job, and honestly, if you only purchased the book as a refresh for your HR knowledge it'd be very useful. I've purchased other books I will not mention here and found the content to be very hard to digest. All in all is a very affordable material to study for the test or just have on your desk at work for reference.

Informational

This book was very helpful. I passed my SPHR exam on the first try!

I passed my exam by relying on this and the pocket prep app as my primary sources of studying. Highly recommend! This truly helps you understand the concepts needed and relevant to the exam

I am very pleased with the information and format of this book. I used this book heavily to study for my SPHR exam and happy to say that I passed on the first try. Year’s ago I bought a prior version of this book to study for my PHR exam and passed that one as well. This book provided a great deal of knowledge and insight on the total body of HR. I used the online practice tests, flashcards and assessments tests that came with this book to help me prepare. They have a test after each chapter but also provide the same test electronically as well. I plan on keeping this book in my office to use as a reference tool in my HR position. I highly recommend this book if you want to prepare for your PHR or SPHR exams.