As an HR professional, obtaining the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification can be a game-changer in your career. It demonstrates your expertise in the field and opens up new opportunities for growth and advancement. However, passing the SHRM-CP exam is no easy feat, and it requires thorough preparation and practice.
One of the most effective ways to prepare for the SHRM-CP exam is by taking practice questions. While there are many paid resources available, such as the SHRM Learning System and practice tests from various providers, there are also several free options that can help you get ready for the exam.
Check Out: How Do I Get SHRM Certified?
Understanding the SHRM-CP Exam
Before diving into practice questions, it’s essential to understand the structure and content of the SHRM-CP exam. The exam consists of 160 multiple-choice questions, with 60% testing your functional knowledge and 40% assessing your situational judgment.
The questions cover the following content areas:
- People (40%)
- Organization (30%)
- Workplace (15%)
- Strategy (15%)
It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK), which outlines the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for the exam.
SHRM CP Free Practice Questions and Answers
Prepsaret offers a valuable resource for those preparing for the SHRM-CP exam through its collection of free SHRM-CP practice questions and answers. These practice questions are designed to closely mirror the format and content of the actual exam, providing a realistic preparation experience.
When using Prepsaret’s practice quizzes, you first have the opportunity to answer each question on your own. After submitting your response, the correct answer is revealed along with a detailed explanation.
This approach allows you to test your knowledge and immediately understand any mistakes you might have made. If your answer is incorrect, you will receive a thorough explanation of why the correct answer is right, helping to clarify concepts and improve your understanding.
This method not only helps you gauge your readiness but also reinforces learning by explaining the rationale behind each answer.
By regularly practicing with these well-explained questions, you can enhance your test-taking skills and boost your confidence for the SHRM-CP exam.
Check Out: What Are SHRM-CP Scores?
How to Effectively Use Free SHRM CP Practice Questions
Create a Study Plan
To make the most of free SHRM CP practice questions, it is essential to create a structured study plan. Start by identifying the key HR competencies covered in the exam and allocate specific times for studying each area.
Incorporate practice questions into your study schedule to regularly assess your understanding and track your progress.
Use Questions Strategically
Rather than randomly answering practice questions, use them strategically to address specific areas of your study plan. For instance, if you find that you are struggling with talent acquisition, focus on practice questions related to that topic.
This targeted approach will help you improve your performance in areas where you need the most help.
Review Incorrect Answers
One of the most important aspects of using practice questions is reviewing the answers you get wrong. Analyze why you answered a question incorrectly and understand the correct response.
This process helps reinforce your learning and ensures that you do not repeat the same mistakes.
Simulate Exam Conditions
To build confidence and improve your performance, simulate exam conditions when using free practice questions. Set a timer and attempt to answer a set of questions within the allotted time frame.
This practice helps you manage your time effectively during the actual exam and builds your endurance for the test.
Seek Additional Resources
While free SHRM CP practice questions are valuable, they should be used in conjunction with other study materials. Consider using textbooks, online courses, and other resources to supplement your practice.
Combining various study methods such as enrolling in the SHRM–CP test prep program ensures a well-rounded preparation approach and increases your chances of success.
Find Out More: What is the Best Way to Prepare for the SHRM?
How Many Months Can I Study for SHRM-CP?
The duration of study for the SHRM-CP exam varies based on individual knowledge and familiarity with the material. Generally, candidates are advised to prepare for 60 to 120 hours in total. This translates to approximately 1 to 3 months of dedicated study time, depending on how many hours a week you can commit.
Recommended Study Time Frames
Short-Term Preparation (1 Month):
- If you can dedicate around 15-20 hours per week, a focused month of study may suffice, especially if you have prior HR knowledge.
Moderate Preparation (2 Months):
- Studying 8-10 hours per week over two months allows for a more thorough understanding of the material, which is beneficial for grasping complex concepts.
Extended Preparation (3 Months):
- For those who prefer a more gradual approach, studying 5-6 hours per week over three months can help reinforce learning without overwhelming yourself.
Factors Influencing Study Duration
- Prior Knowledge: Candidates with a strong background in HR may require less time to prepare than those who are new to the field.
- Study Methods: Utilizing structured resources like the Prepsaret SHRM test prep program and SHRM Learning System can enhance efficiency and effectiveness in studying.
- Personal Learning Style: Some individuals may grasp concepts quickly, while others benefit from repeated review and practice.
Ultimately, the best approach is to create a personalized study plan that aligns with your schedule, learning style, and comfort level with the exam material.
Regular self-assessment through practice questions can also help gauge readiness and adjust study time as needed.
Check out: SHRM Exam Dates 2024
Why Use Free SHRM CP Practice Questions?
Familiarization with Exam Format
One of the primary benefits of using free SHRM CP practice questions is that they help familiarize candidates with the exam format. The SHRM-CP exam consists of 160 questions, including multiple-choice and scenario-based items.
Practice questions mimic the structure of the actual exam, giving candidates a clear idea of what to expect. This familiarity can reduce exam anxiety and improve performance on test day.
Assessment of Knowledge and Skills
Free SHRM CP practice questions are valuable tools for assessing one’s knowledge and skills. They allow candidates to gauge their understanding of various HR competencies and identify areas where they may need additional study.
By regularly practicing with these questions, candidates can track their progress and focus their efforts on weaker areas.
Cost-Effective Preparation
Preparing for the SHRM-CP exam can be costly, with many study materials and prep courses requiring significant financial investment. Free SHRM CP practice questions offer a cost-effective way to enhance preparation.
Exposure to Different Question Types
The SHRM-CP exam includes a variety of question types, including multiple-choice questions and scenario-based questions. Free practice questions expose candidates to these different formats, helping them develop strategies for tackling each type effectively.
This exposure ensures that candidates are well-prepared for the diverse nature of the exam questions.
How Many People Pass the SHRM-CP Exam on the First Try?
The SHRM-CP exam is a challenging assessment that requires thorough preparation to pass successfully. While the exact pass rate on the first attempt can vary across different testing windows, SHRM provides regular updates on the global pass rates for the SHRM-CP exam.
Recent SHRM-CP Exam Pass Rates
According to the latest data from SHRM, the global pass rates for the SHRM-CP exam are as follows:
- December 2023 – February 2024: 70%
- May – July 2023: 71%
- December 2022 – February 2023: 68%
- May – July 2022: 65%
- December 2021 – February 2022: 64%
These pass rates indicate that on average, around 65-70% of candidates pass the SHRM-CP exam on their first attempt.
However, it’s important to note that individual performance can vary based on factors such as preparation time, prior HR knowledge, and test-taking skills.
Factors Influencing First-Time Pass Rates
- Preparation Time: Research by SHRM suggests that candidates who spend 41 to 200 hours preparing for the exam tend to have the highest pass rates. Spending more than 200 hours may not necessarily lead to better performance.
- Prior HR Experience: While limited HR experience does not bar candidates from passing the SHRM-CP exam, those with more extensive experience (16+ years) may have lower pass rates, potentially due to the impact of increased job responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Test-Taking Skills: Candidates who have recently completed their HR education and have fresh test-taking skills may perform better on the exam compared to those who have not taken a comprehensive test in many years.
Strategies for Passing the SHRM-CP Exam on the First Try
- Create a Structured Study Plan: Dedicate at least 12 weeks to studying, with a focus of 3-7 hours per week. Break your studying into manageable chunks with multiple deadlines to stay on track.
- Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Take a self-assessment to identify areas where you need to focus your study efforts. This will help you create a targeted study plan.
- Practice with Sample Questions: Familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types by practicing with sample questions and taking practice tests. This will help you manage time effectively during the actual exam.
By following these strategies and dedicating sufficient time to preparation, candidates can increase their chances of passing the SHRM-CP exam on the first attempt and earning their HR certification.
Discover: How Many Questions Can I Get Wrong on SHRM?
FAQS
What Type of Questions Are on the SHRM-CP Exam?
The SHRM-CP exam features two main types of questions: knowledge-based and situational judgment questions. Knowledge questions assess your understanding of HR concepts across 14 functional areas and 9 behavioral competencies.
In contrast, situational judgment questions present real-world scenarios, requiring you to choose the most effective response to resolve issues. The exam consists of 134 multiple-choice questions, with 110 scored and 24 unscored field-test questions that help evaluate future exam content.
Check out: What Types of Questions are on the SHRM?
What Is the Passing Score for the SHRM-CP Practice Test?
The SHRM-CP exam uses a scaled scoring system with a range of 120 to 200, where all passing candidates receive the maximum score of 200. The number of questions that must be answered correctly to achieve a passing score varies depending on the specific exam form.
While practice tests can help gauge your readiness, the actual passing score is determined by SHRM and is not shared publicly. The best approach is to focus on learning the material thoroughly rather than aiming for a particular practice test score.
What Is the Best Test Prep for SHRM-CP?
The best test prep for the SHRM-CP exam is Prepsaret.com which includes practice questions and materials that are tailored to the exam's content and have been shown to improve pass rates.
Additionally, using the official SHRM study guides and workbooks can enhance your preparation. Combining these resources with practice tests and study strategies will provide a comprehensive approach to mastering the exam content and format.
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