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 have studied this book, pocket prep, and HRCI study materials with practice tests for about 3 to 4 months and I passed my PHR. What I loved about this book was the ease of finding the word or topic in the index. Reading the books and taking practice tests will help you pass. I still plan on using this book as a reference in HR. Good luck to all taking the test! Stay positive and set small goals.

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.

I passed my first try for my PHR certification!!! This book is amazing! I love how it breaks everything down and challenges your old way of thinking! I look at HR in a very strategic way now! I paired this book with pocket prep! If you feel discouraged or the information is too much, get this book! Even after I passed I plan on coming back to this book as my go to!

This book is the truth! I keep changing my mind about wanting to take the PHR exam but this book will definitely help me prepare for it. The in depth discussions on each of the topics help to better understand the test material and the end of chapter questions help to retain the information.

Passed on my first attempt with this book

Informative and perfect for test prep.

I passed my PHR with this book, along with the Reed big book, and the pocket prep app. Worth the purchase!