The Best PHR and SPHR Study Guides of 2024

If you’re working or looking to work in the human resources profession at some point, you’re going to want to look into the certification necessary to advance. Some companies or smaller shops might not require you to have these certifications in order to work in human resources, but if you want to keep moving upward or get a job with a more prominent company, you might not have that same option. In this post, we’ll review the best PHR and SPHR study guides.

We’re going to talk about some of the books that are going to help you study for your certification exams. If you are looking to get certified the PHR and the SPHR or Professional in Human Resources and Senior Professional in Human Resources certifications are going to be what you’re looking for. But you’re going to need the best PHR prep book and the best SPHR prep book to get you ready.

Here, we’re going to take a look at some of our favorites for each of these exams. No matter how much you’ve already studied or how long you’ve worked in the profession, these exams are going to test you and that means having a high-quality prep book is going to be instrumental in getting you exactly where you need to be. There’s no reason for you to struggle with your tests when the right books are out there.

If you want to just get back to studying, get our top pick for PHR and SPHR study guide here.

Last update: 2024-05-03

Our Favorites for Best PHR and SPHR

When it comes to studying for your tests, you want to make sure you have the best possible books, right? Well, these are our favorite books, whether you’re looking for the best SPHR study guide or the best PHR study guide. No matter what, you might spend a little more on the books in this category, but you’re going to get something you know is high quality. If you have the money, you’ll definitely want to pick up each of these, but don’t feel too bad if you want to go to one of the other sections first.

PHR/SPHR Professional in Human Resources Total Test Prep by Sandra M. Reed & Anne M. Bogardus

You’re going to pay a bit more when it comes to this test prep material, but you’re definitely going to get a lot for it. PHR/SPHR Professional is not just a book that you can use to study and recall information, but also a piece of software that allows you to practice even more online. You’ll be able to learn the skills necessary to become a real human resource professional, and you’ll get hundreds of different practice questions that could be on your actual test. Even more, the materials and tools are designed to focus on specific areas that are most important for your profession.

PHR/SPHR Professional in Human Resources has bonus study material, a comprehensive overview of the content, and even real-world examples. You’ll have hands-on exercises, review questions, flashcards, and even two full practice exams. All of this information makes it a whole lot easier for you to prepare and to pass the exams you need to take when you are ready to complete your certification. When you do make mistakes on the questions, you even get information to back up the correct answer, so you know what to do the next time.

Why Choose this Best PHR and SPHR Study Guide:

• Flashcards and study materials included with the CD version
• Easy access to tech support and assistance

What Makes it Unique

• Full practice exams included with the text
• Provides comprehensive information on all topics of human resources

Last update: 2024-05-04

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A Guide to the Human Resource Body of Knowledge by Sandra M. Reed & Dave Ulrich

Anyone who is looking to take the PHR and SPHR should read the official book written by the company who puts it together, don’t you think? A Guide to the Human Resource Body of Knowledge is precisely that. It’s a resource book that gives you all the information that you need to learn more about human resources as a whole. It looks at all six areas of human resources and then looks at all the things that are necessary in order to take the exam or to better understand the exam.

Real human resources experts are actually consulted throughout A Guide to the Human Resource Body of Knowledge so that the information that’s provided is realistic and follows best practices. Whether you’re actually looking to take the tests or just have a resource book that will help you revisit information as you need it, A Guide to the Human Resource Body of Knowledge will provide just that and a whole lot more. It’s all about giving you a good check for all the things you need to do in order to be a true professional.

Why Choose this Best PHR and SPHR Study Guide:

• Written by the official company behind the exams
• Covers all the foundational information in a comprehensive way

What Makes it Unique:

• Works as a reference guide or study manual
• Easy to read and check in with

Last update: 2024-05-03

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Runner Ups for Best PHR and SPHR

If you’re looking for great books that might not be quite as comprehensive or that might not be quite as detailed you’ll want to look at our runner up options. These are still going to be great practice and study guides, but you won’t get quite as much as you will if you decide to really go for it and pick the favorites. You might not get as interesting of books either.

SPHR Exam Secrets Study Guide by SPHR Exam Secrets Test Prep Team

If you’re preparing to take the SPHR exam you’re going to want to know everything you possibly can about it, right? Well, SPHR Exam Secrets Study Guide is all about that. You’ll find out all of the critical information you need to do well on your exam with a full analysis of all of the different aspects. You’re also going to have a great deal of practice questions that prepare you for what the exam itself is actually going to look like.

There are summaries throughout that make the information easy to understand and easy to read. Not only that, but the information included is written in extreme detail and in a highly logical fashion. There is no academic language that can get you lost or make you feel bogged down in SPHR Exam Secrets. The idea is to get the information needed rather than focusing on a lot of details and content that isn’t going to be tested in any respect.

Why Choose this Best PHR and SPHR Study Guide:

• Detailed information on each of the topics necessary
• Cliff’s notes style focus on a range of different areas

What Makes it Unique:

• Follows the HRCI exam outline
• Easy to read through and understand

Last update: 2024-05-03

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PHR Study Guide 2023-2024 by Test Prep Books Human Resources Certification

Comprehensive reviews, proven testing strategies, and practice questions are what PHR Study Guide 2023-2024 are known for. You’re going to find strategies for taking the test as well as information about each of the different areas that the test actually covers. You’ll find practice tests and questions that will prepare you well for what’s actually going to be on your official test. What’s even more important is that the answers to each of the practice questions are explained, so there’s no concern for why you got something wrong.

Designed to act as a refresher course for those who have been studying and working in human resources for quite some time, PHR Study Guide 2023-2024 gives you all of the information you’ll need and in the best ways. In fact, it offers the information with real-world experiences. Whether this is the only book, you use to study, or it’s one of several you’re going to find a whole lot of benefits to get you ready for your test. All it takes is a little bit of time to read through and get a thorough understanding of everything.

Why Choose this Best PHR and SPHR Study Guide:

• Comprehensive evaluation for all aspects of PHR
• Practice tests after every chapter

What Makes it Unique:

• Answers provided for each question on practice tests
• Great for those with a background in human resources

Last update: 2024-05-04

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Value Picks for Best PHR and SPHR

When it comes down to it, sometimes you really want to get a great deal, or you really need to get those books on a budget. You are definitely going to find some high-quality options right here, and you won’t have to worry about spending big bucks in order to do it. Our value options include SPHR exam prep books and PHR practice books but without the high costs of the other categories. You’ll still get some great features and all the tips and tricks you’re going to need to get started on your studying.

PHR/SPHR Professional in Human Resources Certification Bundle, Second Edition by Dory Willer, William H. Truesdell, et. Al

When it comes to getting the best you can for a value, you’re going to want Willer’s Professional in Human Resources Certification Bundle. You’ll get an in-depth look at all of the information related to PHR and SPHR as well as chapter reviews. As you read through each of the chapters, you’ll get more information about different topics related to just about anything you could come across in the field. There are even stories and tips from actual experts in human resources so you can get a better idea of what your future is actually going to look like.

Included with this text is a total of 600 practice questions, which are modeled after the actual exam questions. Not only that, but there are explanations for each of the answers, so you know why each one is right or wrong. Professional in Human Resources even offers a full pre-assessment exam, so you know which areas you’re already strong in and which ones are going to need at least a bit more work. There’s even a CD that provides even more information and tests for you to work with.

Why Choose this Best PHR and SPHR Study Guide:

• Offers real-world examples of the content
• Evaluates all areas of PHR and SPHR functional areas

What Makes it Unique:

• Explanations provided for right and wrong answers
• Offers over 600 practice questions based on real exam questions

Last update: 2024-05-03

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PHR Study Guide by Trivium HR Exam Prep Team

If you’re looking for a simple guide book that’s going to give you information to prepare for the first part of your human resources exams. PHR Study Guide pays attention to everything you need for this first round, giving you a comprehensive review of everything that’s going to be on the test, and it does so in even easier ways. You’ll have a combination of regular information, graphics, and even real-world examples that make it easier to retain the information and to stay on track.

Whether you need help with training and development, risk management, employee relations or business management (and much more), you’ll find it in PHR Study Guide. This PHR Study Guide provides practice test questions and is considered a guide that will raise your score and prepare you for your future as a human resources professional. Even those who don’t have a lot of human resources experience will be able to do well by using PHR Study Guide to study. If you’re looking to take the SPHR aspects of the exam, you’ll definitely need to get another study guide that addresses some of the more advanced elements, but you’ll find a good start with PHR Study Guide.

Why Choose this Best PHR and SPHR Study Guide:

• Preps for the PHR exam
• Evaluates all areas on this exam

What Makes it Unique:

• Includes realistic practice questions
• Great start for even those with little experience

Last update: 2024-05-04

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Summary of the Best PHR and SPHR Study Guides

Wrapping everything up, here are the PHR and SPHR study guides we went over today:

Last update: 2024-05-03

Hopefully, you’ll find at least a couple books amongst these that are going to make it a lot easier for you to study. No matter what you’re studying for, or how far along you are in the process, you’re going to be much better off when you have great books to review with. Whether you want to go with some of our favorites or you want to opt for the value picks, you’re still going to have high quality and some great information that can help you pass your test. Each of these books is going to prepare you for what’s to come, which is definitely going to create a great future for you when it comes to your work. Whether you want to become a high-level executive in human resources or you’re just getting started, the tests related to these books can be a great idea.

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