Preparing for the HRCI or SHRM certification practice test can be challenging, but our effective time management tips will help you stay organized and focused. Here’s a guide to help you manage your time and maximize your preparation.
Human Resources Practice Test
The human resources certification tests evaluate your knowledge of HR fundamentals and practices, which can be vast and complex. You’ll want to organize your study time efficiently to absorb the material and also reduce stress as you approach the exam.
Time Management Tips
Here are our best time management tips so you can make the most of your time between now and the test.
Make a Plan
Before you start studying, plan how to spend your time most effectively. Take note (literally) of what you’ll need to accomplish and how much time it will take, and allocate fixed time in your daily schedule for studying. Plan when you will study which materials and set daily and weekly goals. In addition, take time daily and weekly to review how your plan and your goals are going and to reinforce the materials.
Prioritize Topics
When you make your plan, make it tailored to you. What are the areas you feel less confident about? Spend significant time on those areas and areas that are important skills to have for the exam.
Set Timers
Take advantage of when your attention is strongest and work in focused intervals with productive breaks.
Consider the Pomodoro technique where you study in focused intervals (e.g., 25-30 minutes of studying followed by a 5-minute break). After 4 intervals, take a longer 15–30 minute break. Or, choose what works best for you as far as timing and set your own timers.
Practice
Time to practice! Prep as if you were taking the real test with these suggestions.
- Mock tests: Complete full-length practice exams under timed conditions.
- Track performance: Monitor your progress and adjust study strategies based on your results.
- Simulate test conditions: Regularly practice with timed quizzes to gauge your readiness and improve time management on the actual test.
- Review incorrect answers: Analyze why you got an answer wrong and focus on improving those areas.
Limit Distractions
Ensure your study environment works for you. Choose a quiet space and remove potential distractions.
Try using apps, websites, and other tools to help you focus. Set timers or blocks on distracting apps, put your phone in another room, turn it off, or turn off notifications. Another option is trying tools such as Focusmate for virtual coworking and accountability or Focus Buddy for an AI productivity copilot.
Use Active Learning Techniques
Incorporate active learning techniques. One effective method to test your understanding is to teach what you learn by explaining concepts to a friend or colleague as if you were the instructor. Even talking out loud to an imaginary audience or writing about the ideas can help! Reviewing flashcards of key concepts or terms can also strengthen memory. The important thing is to practice retrieval by testing yourself without referring to notes.
Take Care of Your Health
Taking care of your health is essential for effective learning. Instead of engaging in marathon study sessions, focus on quality and consistency. Aim for steady progress instead of long hours of cramming. Incorporate “active rest” into your routine, like listening to HR podcasts, watching webinars, or reviewing notes during downtime.
Take care of your body and mind by getting enough sleep and rest, regularly exercising, drinking plenty of water, and eating energizing foods. Take short breaks to stretch or walk around.
How HREN Can Help You Prepare for Your HRCI or SHRM Certification Practice Tests
HREN provides valuable resources to help you succeed in your HRCI or SHRM certification practice test. Our programs are designed to give you the knowledge and confidence you need by offering a variety of human resources practice test materials and practice exams. These tools help you assess your strengths and identify areas for improvement.
To learn more and get started with our test prep resources, visit HREN Test Prep Programs.
