HR Professional Standards & Competencies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which SHRM competency describes the ability to effectively exchange information with stakeholders at all organizational levels?
- Communication (Correct answer)
- Consultation
- Relationship Management
- Global & Cultural Effectiveness
Correct answer: Communication
The SHRM Communication competency covers the ability to craft and deliver clear messages to diverse audiences across the organization.
Question 2: Under the HRCI Code of Ethical and Professional Responsibility, HR professionals must maintain confidentiality EXCEPT when:
- An employee requests it
- Required by law or to prevent harm (Correct answer)
- A manager demands the information
- It is inconvenient to do so
Correct answer: Required by law or to prevent harm
Confidentiality may be broken when legally required or when disclosure is necessary to prevent serious harm to a person.
Question 3: A newly promoted HR manager struggles to gain trust from line managers. Which SHRM behavioral competency should she focus on developing?
- HR Expertise
- Ethical Practice
- Relationship Management (Correct answer)
- Critical Evaluation
Correct answer: Relationship Management
Relationship Management focuses on building trust-based partnerships with internal clients and stakeholders.
Question 4: Which professional body offers the PHR and SPHR credentials specifically for HR practitioners in the United States?
- SHRM
- HRCI (Correct answer)
- WorldatWork
- ASTD
Correct answer: HRCI
The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) administers the PHR, SPHR, and related credentials for US-based HR professionals.
Question 5: An HR director uses data analytics to forecast next year's turnover and presents findings to the CEO. This best illustrates which SHRM competency?
- Business Acumen
- Critical Evaluation (Correct answer)
- Communication
- Consultation
Correct answer: Critical Evaluation
Critical Evaluation involves interpreting data and metrics to inform strategic HR decisions and present evidence-based recommendations.
Question 6: Which element is a core component of the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK)?
- Technical HR knowledge domains (Correct answer)
- State licensing requirements
- Union negotiation scripts
- Government pay scales
Correct answer: Technical HR knowledge domains
The SHRM BASK defines both behavioral competencies and technical HR knowledge domains that HR professionals should master.
Question 7: Continuing education requirements for maintaining an HRCI certification must be fulfilled within how many years?
- 1 year
- 2 years
- 3 years (Correct answer)
- 5 years
Correct answer: 3 years
HRCI recertification requires earning 60 recertification credits (PHR) or 60 credits (SPHR) within a 3-year cycle.
HR Professional Standards & Competencies 2
Which SHRM competency describes the ability to effectively exchange information with stakeholders at all organizational levels?