Which of the following functional areas covers activities related to planning for and managing entry
into and exit from the organization to meet changing business needs?
A
Explanation:
Answer option A is correct.
Workforce Planning and Employment covers activities related to planning for and managing entry
into and exit from the organization to meet changing business needs. This includes practices for
evaluating workforce requirements, recruitment and selection, developing an employer brand,
managing records, establishing a succession plan, and exiting employees from the organization.
Answer option B is incorrect. Business Management and Strategy looks at the "big picture" of the
organization and requires an understanding of overall business operations, basic knowledge of other
functional areas in the organization, and the ability to interact and work effectively with those
functions.
Answer option C is incorrect. Human Resource Development utilizes training, development, change,
and performance management programs to ensure that individuals with the required knowledge,
skills, and abilities are available when needed to accomplish organization goals.
Answer option D is incorrect. Employee and Labor Relations address the practices for building
positive employment relationships in both union and nonunion environments. This includes
employee relations programs, workplace policies and procedures, dispute resolution programs, and
collective bargaining activities.
Chapter: Certifying Human Resource Professionals
Objective: Development of the Human Resource Body of Knowledge
According to Knowles, there are five key assumptions about how adults learn. One of the
assumptions is the learner's need to know. Which of the following statements is best associated with
the assumption of the learner's need to know?
B
Explanation:
Answer option B is correct.
The statement "I understand why I need to learn this" is an assumption that the learner understands
the need to know the course material.
Answer option A is incorrect. The statement "I'm ready to learn this because what I learn will help
me function better in some way" is an example of the assumption of the learner's readiness to learn.
Answer option C is incorrect. The statement "What I learn today will help me solve problems at my
workplace tomorrow" is an example of the assumption of the learner's orientation to learning.
Answer option D is incorrect. The statement "I've got lots of valuable experience that I want to draw
upon to help me as I learn" is an example of the assumption of the learner's experience.
Reference: Professional in Human Resources Certification Guide, Sybex, ISBN: 978-0-470-43096-5.
Chapter 5: Human Resource Development. Official PHR and SPHR Certification Guide, HR
Certification Institute, ISBN: 978-1-586-44149-4, Section III, The US Body of Knowledge.
Chapter: Core Knowledge Requirements for HR Professionals
Objective: Adult Learning Processes and Learning Styles
As an HR Professional you must be familiar with the project management processes and the
stakeholders of projects. All projects can map to the project management lifecycle. Which one of the
following best describes the project management lifecycle?
C
Explanation:
Answer option C is correct.
The project management lifecycle is the flow of project management activities through the five
process groups of initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing.
Answer option A is incorrect. This answer describes the project life cycle - which is unique to each
project; not universal to all projects.
Answer option B is incorrect. This answer describes the integrated nature of projects where
performance in each knowledge area can affect the performance of all other knowledge areas.
Answer option D is incorrect. This answer describes project integration management - the
coordination of all necessary project management processes throughout the nine knowledge areas
of project management.
Reference: PHR Exam Prep, Pearson Education, ISBN: 978-0-7897-3677-2. Chapter Three: Strategic
Management. Official PHR and SPHR Certification Guide, HR Certification Institute, ISBN: 978-1-586-
44149-4, Section III, The US HR Body of Knowledge.
Chapter: Core Knowledge Requirements for HR Professionals
Objective: Project Management Concepts
The Department of Labor establishes the rules for unemployment insurance and associated claims.
Who administers the unemployment?
B
Explanation:
Answer option B is correct.
Unemployment insurance claims are managed locally within each state, but federal rules do apply.
Answer option A is incorrect. Unemployment claims are not managed by the department of labor.
Answer option C is incorrect. Insurance companies do provide unemployment insurance, but it's the
local state government that manages the claims.
Answer option D is incorrect. Each organization does not manage the unemployment claims.
Reference: PHR Exam Prep, Pearson Education, ISBN: 978-0-7897-3677-2. Chapter Six: Total Rewards.
Official PHR and SPHR Certification Guide, HR Certification Institute, ISBN: 978-1-586-44149-4,
Section III, The US HR Body of Knowledge.
Chapter: Core Knowledge Requirements for HR Professionals
Objective: Diversity Concepts
A correlation coefficient is an example of a type of what?
B
Explanation:
Answer option B is correct.
Qualitative analysis is a form of research that uses mathematical models such as correlation,
correlation coefficient, and measures of central tendency to provide solutions to problems.
Quantitative analysis attempts to measure historical data (B), a job evaluation measures the relative
value of each job within the organization (C) and a learning matrix is a generic term that can be used
to identify organizational learning strategies (D) . See Chapters 2 and 4 for more information.
Chapter: Core Knowledge Requirements for HR Professionals
Objective: Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
This nonmathematical forecasting technique brings the participants together to share and discuss
their ideas about the forecast. The ideas are then ranked based on the groups input. What technique
is discussed?
C
Explanation:
Answer option C is correct.
The nominal group technique is a nonmathematical forecasting technique in which participants meet
in person and share ideas as in brainstorming sessions. The group discusses and ranks the forecasts
collectively, not anonymously as in the Delphi technique.
Answer option A is incorrect. Management forecasts are predictions made by experienced managers
considered to be subject matter experts in their field or in the organization.
Answer option B is incorrect. The Delphi technique uses rounds of anonymous surveys to predict a
likely outcome. After each round of the survey, the results are tallied and a new survey can be
resubmitted to the survey participants. Eventually, consensus is found among the group on
forecasting, risks, and other organizational decisions.
Answer option D is incorrect. Brainstorming allows the group to discuss and share ideas, but it
doesn't rank the ideas or forecasts.
Reference: Professional in Human Resources Certification Study Guide, Sybex, ISBN: 978-0-470-
43096-5. Chapter Four: Workforce Planning. Official PHR and SPHR Certification Guide, HR
Certification Institute, ISBN: 978-1-586-44149-4, Section III, The US Body of Knowledge.
Chapter: Core Knowledge Requirements for HR Professionals
Objective: Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
Your organization offers an employees' retirement benefit program that is covered by the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. The administrative responsibility for enforcement of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 is divided among three government agencies.
Which one of the following is not a government agency that helps to enforce ERISA?
D
Explanation:
Answer option D is correct.
The FDIC is not one of the three agencies that help to enforce the requirements of ERISA.
Answer options A, B, and C are incorrect. The IRS, Department of Labor, and Pension Benefit
Guaranty Corporation are the three agencies that do help to enforce the requirements of ERISA.
Reference: PHR Exam Prep, Pearson Education, ISBN: 978-0-7897-3677-2. Chapter Six: Total Rewards.
Official PHR and SPHR Certification Guide, HR Certification Institute, ISBN: 978-1-586-44149-4,
Section III, The US HR Body of Knowledge.
Chapter: Core Knowledge Requirements for HR Professionals
Objective: Employee Records Management
You are the HR Professional for your organization. You are discussing the status of your company's
employees to determine who may be considered nonexempt versus exempt. Which one of the
following types of employees can never be considered exempted from overtime provisions?
A
Explanation:
Answer option A is correct.
Manual workers, i.e. people that complete repetitive work with their hands, physical skill, and
energy, can never be exempted from overtime pay.
Answer options B, C, and D are incorrect. Sales people, managers, and administrative assistants can
be exempted from overtime pay.
Reference: PHR Exam Prep, Pearson Education, ISBN: 978-0-7897-3677-2. Chapter Six: Total Rewards.
Official PHR and SPHR Certification Guide, HR Certification Institute, ISBN: 978-1-586-44149-4,
Section III, The US HR Body of Knowledge.
Chapter: Core Knowledge Requirements for HR Professionals
Objective: Employee Records Management
Holly and Gary are HR Professionals in their organization and they are working to develop the
strategic plan for their organization. Holly and Gary are using SWOT analysis to help understand the
needs of human, financial, technological, capital, and other aspects of their organization. What is
SWOT?
D
Explanation:
Answer option D is correct.
SWOT is an analysis that can be used to determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and
threats.
SWOT analysis is a strategic planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or in a business venture. It involves specifying the
objective of the business venture or project and identifying the internal and external factors that are
favorable and unfavorable to achieving that objective. A SWOT analysis may be incorporated into the
strategic planning model.
It is a part of business policy that helps an individual or a company to make decisions. It includes the
strategies to build the strength of a company and use the opportunities to make the company
successful. It also includes the strategies to overcome the weaknesses of and threats to the company.
Answer option A is incorrect. This is not a valid definition of SWOT so this choice is incorrect.
Answer option B is incorrect. This is not a valid definition of SWOT so this choice is incorrect.
Answer option C is incorrect. This is not a valid definition of SWOT so this choice is incorrect.
Chapter: Core Knowledge Requirements for HR Professionals
Objective: Environmental Scanning Concepts
There are many different types of organizations that people create to accomplish business goals.
Which business organization has just one person who is responsible for all decisions in the business,
retains all profits, and has unlimited personal liability for all business decisions?
B
Explanation:
Answer option B is correct.
A sole proprietor is the owner of the business, has the authority over the business, and is responsible
for all liabilities the business may incur. Sole proprietorships are the easiest organizations to create
and generally to manage.
Answer option A is incorrect. Partnerships are formed with two or more people and the people
involved generally share the decisions, profits, and liabilities.
Answer option C is incorrect. A limited liability company is similar to sole proprietorship, but the
owner has limited liability and is somewhat protected from the faults and liabilities of the legal
organization.
Answer option D is incorrect. A corporation is a legal entity that limits liabilities to the assets of the
organization.
Reference: Professional in Human Resources Certification Study Guide, Sybex, ISBN: 978-0-470-
43096-5. Chapter Four: Workforce Planning and Employment. Official PHR and SPHR Certification
Guide, HR Certification Institute, ISBN: 978-1-586-44149-4, Section III, The US Body of Knowledge.
Chapter: Business Management and Strategy
Objective: Organizations
The human resource professional fulfills three core roles in any organization. These three roles help
propel the company's success. Which of the following statements best describes the roles of an HR
professional?
A
Explanation:
Answer option A is correct.
Human resource professionals help an organization achieve its goals through strategic, operational,
and administrative roles. The strategic role builds on employee strengths. The operations role
manages the employee relations and recruiting functions. The administrative role describes
compliance with regulations, employee records, and confidentiality of employee information.
Answer option B is incorrect. Legal isn't a role of the HR professional; compliance with regulations is
part of the administrative role.
Answer option C is incorrect. Logistical is not one of the three roles of an HR professional.
Answer option D is incorrect. Functional and logistical are not roles of an HR professional.
Reference: Professional in Human Resources Certification Study Guide, Sybex, ISBN: 978-0-470-
43096-5. Chapter Four: Workforce Planning and Employment. Official PHR and SPHR Certification
Guide, HR Certification Institute, ISBN: 978-1-586-44149-4, Section III, The US Body of Knowledge.
Chapter: Business Management and Strategy
Objective: Organizations
Each collective bargaining agreement outlines the process to file a grievance. Most agreements
define a four-step approach to the grievance procedure. During which one of the following steps of
the grievance procedure, might the president of the local union meet with the manager of the plant
at which the employee with the grievance works?
B
Explanation:
Answer option B is correct.
The four stages of the grievance procedure are: Initiate the complaint, Escalate the complaint
internally, Reach the highest level of internal escalation, and then Participate in binding arbitration.
The second phase of the grievance procedure likely has the local union's president meet with the
plant manager to try to find a resolution.
Answer option A is incorrect. This is the first step of the grievance procedure, and the supervisor of
the person who experienced the grievance is notified of the complaint and offered a time period to
find a resolution.
Answer option C is incorrect. This phase of the grievance procedure may actually bring the president
of the national union to meet with president of the company, where the union member works.
Answer option D is incorrect. If no resolution has been met, this final procedure causes the grievance
to move onto the court systems.
Reference: PHR Exam Prep, Pearson Education, ISBN: 978-0-7897-3677-2. Chapter Seven: Employee
and Labor Relations. Official PHR and SPHR Certification Guide, HR Certification Institute, ISBN: 978-
1-586-44149-4, Section III, The US HR Body of Knowledge.
Chapter: Business Management and Strategy
Objective: Strategy
A business professional must plan on the direction and mission of the organization. Questions that
direct the business ask where is the business now, where does the business want to go, how will the
business get there, and how will we know when it has arrived. What term is assigned to this business
introspection?
C
Explanation:
Answer option C is correct.
These questions are all indicative of strategic planning.
Answer option A is incorrect. While this is a form of planning, this isn't the best answer for the
question.
Answer option B is incorrect. Mission building happens as the business is in its startup phase of the
organizational life cycle.
Answer option D is incorrect. Vision is linked to the mission of the company. It's the image and model
the founder and executives see for the organization.
Reference: Professional in Human Resources Certification Study Guide, Sybex, ISBN: 978-0-470-
43096-5. Chapter Four: Workforce Planning and Employment. Official PHR and SPHR Certification
Guide, HR Certification Institute, ISBN: 978-1-586-44149-4, Section III, The US Body of Knowledge.
Chapter: Business Management and Strategy
Objective: Strategy
What plan captures and projects how human resources will contribute to achieving the organization's
strategic plan?
A
Explanation:
Answer option A is correct.
The human capital management plan is a plan created by HR to define how the HR department and
staff will help the organization achieve its strategic goals.
Answer option B is incorrect. The HR Staffing Plan is not a valid plan for this question.
Answer option C is incorrect. The Resource Development Plan is an HR plan that describes the
competency and skills improvement for the human capital in the organization.
Answer option D is incorrect. A change management plan describes the change and how the
company may best overcome the challenges and risks the change presents.
Reference: Professional in Human Resources Certification Study Guide, Sybex, ISBN: 978-0-470-
43096-5. Chapter Four: Workforce Planning and Employment. Official PHR and SPHR Certification
Guide, HR Certification Institute, ISBN: 978-1-586-44149-4, Section III, The US Body of Knowledge.
Chapter: Business Management and Strategy
Objective: Strategy
An HR audit is designed to help management do what?
D
Explanation:
Answer option D is correct.
An HR audit is an organized process designed to identify key aspects of HR in the organization such as
employee morale, HR policies, programs and procedures, and HR effectiveness. See Chapter 3 for
more information.
Chapter: Business Management and Strategy
Objective: Strategic Management