Leverage Your Learning Style

With the next round of SPHR and PHR classes starting up in September (Sept 17th for my classes) I thought it timely to post a little blurb on leveraging your learning style to maximize your studying.  In my opinion, it does not matter what materials you use. . . they all run on the dry side and who has time to read and not retain?!  I can't tell you how many times I would finish a page to find an absolute ton of highlighting and I had not retained a smidgen.  My brain felt like an anti-stick Teflon with extra learning resistance coating.  It was looking dire and I had to do something creative and keep my learning really active.  That is when I discovered posing questions to myself was extremely helpful to get myself in the "right" frame of mind.  You will know you are asking the right questions because your brain will suddenly click into gear, the page will come into focus.  You can keep your learning active by asking yourself the questions listed above in the picture.  If you are curious about the titles "Synthesizer", "Trailblazer", "Historian" and "Interfacer" they represent the four brain processing quadrants used in the Close Group Communication Works! TM instrument.  It is a really quick and easy way to find out how your brain processes information and how that relates, in this case, to learning styles.  If you are interested in taking the instrument or finding out more click onto the Communication Works! ticket on the left side.  Folks who sign up to take a Close Group course ALWAYS get a free assessment!!!  What a deal.

Have a great day!
Amanda

SPHR and PHR Study Tips

For those of you out there planning on taking the SPHR or PHR exam I am happy to announce a new section to this blog that features all of my tried and true SPHR and PHR study tips.  I have the first four posted already and will keep adding as they come to mind.  The new page is aptly titled "SPHR and PHR Study Tips".  I know the exam success rate across the country is running in the 50% and feel blessed that my student pass rate is holding steady at 80%.  These are the tips that I share with my students. Please, use these tips and share with people you care about in the hopes that it will give you and others that little nudge needed to achieve that gold ring.
Good luck to you all!   Amanda

Fall 2012 SPHR/PHR Course in Seattle

Hello!
Looking for an excellent SPHR/PHR course that is also a great value? Look no further!
When: September 17th 2012
Where: Seattle

Feel free to sign up early for the SPHR/PHR Fall offering of the Seattle SPHR/PHR course. Sign up now and receive your books and online lectures for no additional cost. Study at a leisurely pace over the spring and summer and be ahead of the curve when you attend the course that starts September 17th 2012. If it has been awhile since you have chosen to study massive amounts of information, this more "leisurely pace" will give you the breathing space to really absorb the material.
Tuition is still the same amazing $995!!!
Give me a call if you have questions.
Cheers,
Amanda

Sweetheart Deal: 2 for 1 Sale

Good until February 14th, 2012.
The Close Group is offering an amazing deal. . .
Pay full tuition for a course and receive a second course (at lesser or equal value) for no additional cost.
This is our way of saying "Thank You" to the wonderful Human Resources community for their unfailing support of the Close Group consulting services and courses.

The offer expires on 2/14/12, so I suggest you hurry and enroll now for a course and pick your "course on us" for later.

For details visit our website at: http://www.closegroup.org

SPHR/PHR Prep Course in Seattle Starts February 20th 2012

Calling all SPHR/PHR students! Time to get a jump start on February 20th, 2012.

Happy New Year to you all and a special call to those planning on taking the SPHR or PHR in Seattle this May-June. The Close Group will be offering another round of SPHR/PHR Prep courses this Winter/Spring. The "live" class starts February 20th and will run weekly (Monday evenings from 6-9 pm) until April 23rd. As always, Amanda Close will be the instructor and students will have access to the online learning materials provided through the Close Group for no additional charge. The tuition has remained steady at the low price of $995 (includes books). We of course still use the wonderful HRCP materials (excellent books and an amazing value) so we pass the saving on to you.

I am always happy to chat with folks about the class, so feel free to give me a call: 206.782.1254

Feel free to sign up early! Folks that sign up early for the course get their books drop shipped directly to them plus immediate access to the online lectures.

Check out the website for more details and reserve your spot
http://www.closegroup.org

HR Mgt (SPHR/PHR Prep) Course starts Sept 12th, 2011

It is hard to believe that I have been teaching the SPHR and PHR prep course for 15 years! There are a lot of you out there that I have had the pleasure of having in a class. But wait. . . did you just hear your coworker talking about studying for the SPHR or PHR test? This is the moment; the moment to beam and pass on the baton. Your stamp of approval, your vote of confidence, your support is priceless. Share your classroom learning experience with Amanda Close as the instructor! As always, together we will bring forth the next group of HR folks studying for the PHR/SPHR exam through the Close Group.
The tuition is still $995 (this includes the books.) High value and reasonably priced! Unbelievable! How does the Close Group do it? In short, because of you, the alumni of courses taught by Amanda Close. You are my champions and your ‘stamp of approval’ brings new students. In turn we say “thank you” by passing on the savings. The course is a bargain because of you.

Please pass on a good word.
The class starts soon, so people need to reserve a spot.
When: September 12th- November 21st 2011 (Monday evenings 6-9 pm)
Where: Seattle
Sign up: http://www.closegroup.org/hr_mgt_course.html

If folks are not sure they would qualify to take the exam, please direct them to: http://www.closegroup.org/PHR_and_SPHR_Eligibility.html

SPHR and PHR Prep Course Starts Week of September 13th, 2010

It is that time again to think about and then decide whether or not to study for the SPHR/PHR exam. The classes I offer in the Seattle area start the week of September 13th. This will be the last "round" before the testing requirement change and become more stringent.
Here is a link to a summary of the changes:2011 SPHR/PHR eligibility changes

To find out more about the course I offer: Take the SPHR/PHR Course

What a recent student had to say about the course:
"I just wanted to say thank you for your PHR/SPHR prep course. I passed the PHR, which was a huge relief! Your questions and material covered in class were the perfect combination of learning for this type of exam. I found that after re-reading all the material, listening to the lectures, and doing the HRCP flashcards that the exam was not near as difficult or detailed as the questions in class."