HR training course
PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP Web-Based Certification Study Course
A ten week instructor-led program, twice a week, preparing you for the PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams. Digital and print study materials are included.
$1,199 for members and non-members, plus $25 shipping for the printed materials.
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About this course
What this course covers
Would you like to take a live, high-quality study prep course to prepare for the newest HR certification exams but really need scheduling flexibility? Now, from the comfort of your own home or office, you can participate in one of the most comprehensive HR cert-prep (certification preparatory) programs to be found anywhere.
Getting a PHR® (Professional in Human Resources®), SHRM-CP (Certified Professional), SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) or SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources®) certification will distinguish you from your peers, build your self-confidence, and earn you greater respect within the HR profession.
How the program works
Distinctive Human Resources has a reputation for being the top-quality certification prep provider, with over 25 years of experience helping thousands of people pass their PHR or SPHR certification. The program was developed by David Siler, SPHR, GPHR, SHRM-SCP, and targets the high-probability items on the exam so you have the best chance of passing on the first try. It is designed to eliminate unnecessary study time and provide a step-by-step preparation process led by world-class instructors, including the author and creator of the program.
Rather than rely solely on book learning, we focus on the types of learning materials adults prefer: audio files, lecture, test taking skills, quizzes of over 1,500 questions, virtual flashcards, and videos. Participants also have access to a live weekly Q&A hour of power with David Siler leading this informative and powerful study session.
While our singular study guide provides a good understanding of topics, it is the lecture from our distinguished instructors that nails the points home. We are also the only provider to offer The Seven Princes, which details the seven main principles of HRM that show up all over the tests. Written by David Siler, it is your secret weapon that no one else can offer. Materials ship approximately two weeks prior to the start of class.
What you get
- Study manual
- PowerPoint booklet of slides
- David Siler’s “Seven Princes” book
- Flashcards available virtually
- Downloadable and streaming audio files
- Hundreds of online practice exam questions
- Online testing games and videos on tough topics
- Access to the Learning Management System
- Online office hours with the instructor
- Best practices for taking standardized tests
- Comprehensive final practice exam
- Live weekly Q&A with David Siler
Not sure if you are ready? Attend the free 60 minute live preview webinar, “HR Certification Preparation Study Course: What’s It All About?”
Ask about the previewMeet your instructors
David Siler
SPHR · GPHR · SHRM-SCP
Founder and Managing Partner of Distinctive HR, Inc., and the author and creator of the DHR learning system for HR certification. Forty years as a senior level HR practitioner and thirty years guiding candidates through the HR cert-prep process. He holds all the major certifications from both HRCI and SHRM, is an award-winning lecturer, and was an HR executive with a Fortune 100 organization. Master’s degree in Psychology.
Ken Defeo
SPHR · SHRM-SCP
With Distinctive HR since 2012, teaching exam preparation programs, and working in compensation and benefits for over 27 years. Currently Vice President for APAC Compensation with GXO Logistics, Inc. His expertise spans strategic planning, compensation and benefits, affirmative action, compliance, employment law, talent acquisition, employee relations and talent management. Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Economics.
Brittany Siler
SPHR · SHRM-SCP
Seven years of experience across all areas of HR certification preparation, and one of the candidates in the first group to take the aPHR exam. She has obtained all the HRCI and SHRM core certifications. Brittany has helped launch new instructor-led programs, edited quiz and text materials, and created instructional videos, and has taught for a major university. BS in animal science and a BA in psychology.
Nick Tatarian
SPHR · SHRM-SCP
Seven years of HR experience across healthcare, medical technology and retail, bringing a strategic approach to aligning HR initiatives with business goals. Currently HR Manager for US operations at XVIVO, a global leader in medical technology, overseeing payroll, benefits, employee relations, talent acquisition, performance management, policy development, learning and development, and compensation. Degree in Psychology.
What learners say
“From start to finish, this course was the key to my success. The live instruction made complex topics clear and engaging, helping me understand how to think like a strategic HR leader rather than just memorize content. The practice exams were absolutely essential: they trained me to think critically, spot traps, and approach each question from a strategic perspective. David’s Seven Princes framework tied everything together. If you’re serious about passing the SPHR, I cannot recommend this course highly enough.”Hannah Royal, SPHR, CPSPHR Generalist
“I absolutely LOVED this web-based PHR/SPHR Certification Study Course. It was so convenient for my busy work schedule, I could attend class at work or home. I have taken the traditional SHRM 12 week course years ago and talk about boring lectures. David’s prep course is hands down the best. I have recommended his prep material and now his web-based study course to all HR professionals seeking to slay the beast!”Tammy SchmittHR Manager, CertainTeed Corp
“It didn’t take long for me to realize that the benefits of your program extend far beyond simply being ready for the test. The variety of learning methods, audio files, online sample tests and games, flash cards, and study manual, was a tremendous help in absorbing an overwhelming amount of information. I especially appreciate the test taking tips, and our lectures truly got me engaged in all aspects of Human Resources.”Laura Tomanelli, SPHRHR Generalist, Village of Pinehurst
“I cannot say enough about the comprehensive PHR prep course presented by Distinctive HR. David Siler’s exceptionally prepared lectures and materials covered every base in my exam prep and increased my confidence ten-fold. The study materials, in addition to the classes, enabled an older student to successfully complete a very intimidating exam. I would highly recommend this course as the best preparation around.”Nancy M. Rodgers, PHRHR Manager, Rural Health Group, Inc.
Before you enroll
Important things to know
- A materials shipping fee will be added at checkout.
- All classes are virtual with live instruction, and course times are Eastern time.
- For a listing of specific class dates within a session, use the dates button above.
- In order to receive course materials, all registrants must pay for the course on or before the first day of class.
- To ensure payment is received on or before the first day of class, paying by credit card is recommended. If paying by check, please mail it at least two weeks prior to the start of class so it is received and posted in time.
- Materials will arrive on or around the start date of your session.
- If you cancel after receiving the course materials, a nonrefundable materials fee of $500 will be charged.
- Webinar log-in instructions are sent 24 hours prior to the session, and again 1 hour before the class begins.
- You will be given access to the LMS online resource on the first day of your class.
Late registrations
- Once a class is no longer available on our website, please choose a future class date.
- If you need to register for a closed class, contact Learning@letscatapult.org.
- The only form of payment accepted for a closed class is a credit card.
- A $150 late fee will be added to the cost of the class to process a late registration.
- We cannot guarantee that your materials will arrive in time for the first night of class.
- For more information regarding online exam scheduling and delivery, see hrci.org and shrm.org.
The HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®) does not endorse any particular preparation program or offering. We encourage prospective certification holders to use a variety of resources that reflect their learning styles and needs. Purchasing a certification product is NOT required and HRCI does not guarantee that an individual will pass based on the purchase of a certification preparation product.
Reviewed by Cindy Satter, Senior HR Advisor, SHRM-SCP, PHR, and Linda Hunter, Senior HR Advisor, PHR, SHRM-CP. See Catapult HR Advisors.
Good to know
Course questions
Live online with an instructor, so you can join from anywhere. This course does not currently have in-person dates.
Anyone whose role touches this topic. Check the course overview above for the intended audience.
No. This certification course runs to a set schedule with a partner instructor, so it is not offered as private or on-site training.
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