aPHR HR Technology 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which HR technology concept involves using machine learning to match job seekers to open roles based on skills rather than job titles?
- Boolean keyword search
- Skills-based matching algorithm (Correct answer)
- Structured interview scoring
- Competency gap analysis
Correct answer: Skills-based matching algorithm
Skills-based matching algorithms use ML to surface candidates whose demonstrated abilities align with role requirements, reducing title bias.
Question 2: An HR team uses pulse surveys through an engagement platform to collect weekly employee sentiment data. This is an example of:
- Annual performance appraisal technology
- Continuous listening technology (Correct answer)
- Succession planning software
- Compensation survey benchmarking
Correct answer: Continuous listening technology
Continuous listening tools collect real-time employee feedback through frequent, short surveys rather than annual assessments.
Question 3: Which standard electronic format is commonly used to transmit benefits enrollment data between an employer's HRIS and insurance carriers?
- EDI 834 transaction set (Correct answer)
- CSV flat file only
- JSON API payload
- XML SOAP web service
Correct answer: EDI 834 transaction set
The EDI 834 transaction set is the ANSI X12 standard format specifically designed for benefits enrollment and maintenance data exchange.
Question 4: A manager can approve time-off requests, view team schedules, and initiate salary changes through the HRIS. This functionality is called:
- Employee self-service (ESS)
- Manager self-service (MSS) (Correct answer)
- HR service delivery
- Workforce analytics
Correct answer: Manager self-service (MSS)
Manager self-service gives managers direct access to HR data and workflows for their direct reports without requiring HR intermediaries.
Question 5: Which security practice requires HRIS users to verify their identity using both a password and a mobile authentication code?
- Single sign-on (SSO)
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) (Correct answer)
- Role-based access control (RBAC)
- Data encryption at rest
Correct answer: Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
MFA adds a second layer of identity verification beyond the password, significantly reducing unauthorized access risk.
Question 6: When evaluating an HRIS vendor, which document outlines the vendor's commitments regarding system uptime, response time, and support resolution?
- Data processing agreement (DPA)
- Service level agreement (SLA) (Correct answer)
- Master service agreement (MSA)
- Statement of work (SOW)
Correct answer: Service level agreement (SLA)
An SLA formally defines performance standards and remedies if the vendor fails to meet uptime or support commitments.
Question 7: Which HR metric, enabled by HRIS reporting, calculates the total cost of employee turnover including separation, replacement, and training expenses?
- Revenue per employee
- Cost-per-hire
- Total cost of turnover (Correct answer)
- Human capital ROI
Correct answer: Total cost of turnover
Total cost of turnover aggregates all direct and indirect costs associated with an employee leaving and being replaced.
aPHR HR Technology 5
Which HR technology concept involves using machine learning to match job seekers to open roles based on skills rather than job titles?