How I Used ChatGPT to Study for the PHR Exam (And You Can Too)

Why Use ChatGPT to Study for the PHR Exam?

Let’s be real: traditional study resources are expensive, time-consuming, and often not tailored to your personal learning style. Here’s what makes ChatGPT a game-changer:

• Custom-Tailored Explanations — Ask questions your way and get answers that actually make sense
• 24/7 Availability — Study whenever, wherever
• Simulated Practice Tests — Create mock exams on the fly, based on your weak spots
• Interactive Learning — You’re not just passively consuming; you’re actively engaging

💡 Tip: Think of ChatGPT as your AI tutor who never gets tired of repeating the FMLA eligibility requirements for the 7th time.

Step-by-Step: How to Study for the PHR Exam Using ChatGPT

Let’s break this down into a foolproof, action-oriented process. Each step includes prompts you can copy and paste into ChatGPT to start studying smart.

Step 1: Understand What the PHR Exam Covers

Before you dive in, know what you’re aiming at.

The PHR exam covers 5 domains:

1. Business Management (14%)

2. Talent Planning and Acquisition (16%)

3. Learning and Development (10%)

4. Total Rewards (15%)

5. Employee and Labor Relations (39%)

📌 Prompt Example:

“Can you break down the 5 sections of the PHR exam and explain what each one includes in bullet points?”

Step 2: Create a Personalized Study Plan With ChatGPT

Rather than following a cookie-cutter schedule, get ChatGPT to build one around your life and time.

📌 Prompt Example:

“I’m studying for the PHR exam and have 6 weeks. I can study 1 hour per day on weekdays and 2 hours on weekends. Can you build me a weekly study plan focusing more on Employee & Labor Relations?”

You’ll get a study map that focuses more time on high-weighted domains, while still reviewing others.

Step 3: Learn Core Concepts by “Tutoring Yourself”

You don’t need to memorize. You need to understand.

📌 Prompt Example:

“Explain the difference between exempt and non-exempt employees under FLSA like I’m a beginner, and give a real-world HR example.”

Follow up with:

“Now quiz me on this topic with 3 multiple-choice questions and explain the correct answers.”

This method turns ChatGPT into your flashcard + tutor hybrid.

Step 4: Simulate Full-Length Practice Exams

Simulated exams build endurance, confidence, and accuracy.

📌 Prompt Example:

“Generate a 25-question PHR practice test based on SHRM’s structure. Include multiple choice questions from all 5 domains and provide answer explanations after each question.”

You can even add difficulty:

“Make the test questions similar to the ones typically found on the real PHR exam.”

Pro Tip: Do one of these every weekend leading up to the exam. Track your score to watch your progress.

Step 5: Drill Down on Weak Spots With Follow-Up Prompts

Let’s say your mock test shows you missed questions on FMLA or COBRA.

📌 Prompt Example:

“I missed several questions on COBRA and continuation coverage. Can you explain it step-by-step, and quiz me again with 5 new questions that increase in difficulty?”

This is how you target your weaknesses and build true mastery.

Step 6: Use ChatGPT to Role-Play Real Scenarios

PHR isn’t just theory — it’s how you apply it in the workplace. So practice decision-making like you’re on the job.

📌 Prompt Example:

“Pretend I’m an HR generalist and an employee just requested leave under FMLA. Walk me through the steps I should take, and ask me follow-up questions to test my understanding.”

This builds situational awareness and prepares you for behavioral-type questions.

Step 7: Review Before the Exam With Smart Summaries

As your exam date nears, ask ChatGPT to generate condensed notes and review sheets.

📌 Prompt Example:

“Create a 1-page summary of all the important compliance laws I should know for the PHR exam, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, COBRA, and OSHA.”

Or:

“Give me a rapid-fire quiz with 20 true/false questions for last-minute review.”

Real Simulated Test Questions

Here are 3 sample questions you can try right now:

1. Which of the following is TRUE about the FMLA?
A. It applies to companies with fewer than 25 employees
B. It allows up to 6 weeks of unpaid leave
C. It guarantees job protection during leave
D. It includes mandatory PTO payouts

🟩 Correct: C — FMLA guarantees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for eligible employees.

2. A company is hiring a new HR Director. Which type of interview method focuses on how a candidate handled past work situations?
A. Panel interview
B. Situational interview
C. Behavioral interview
D. Technical interview

🟩 Correct: C — Behavioral interviews assess how a candidate behaved in prior job situations using STAR-format responses.

3. What is the main goal of a job evaluation process?
A. Attract qualified candidates
B. Determine fair compensation
C. Comply with OSHA standards
D. Increase employee engagement

🟩 Correct: B — Job evaluation ensures internal equity by assessing the value of each job relative to others.

📸 Visual Example of a PHT Test

Summary Checklist: Using ChatGPT to Pass the PHR

✅ Understand the exam structure
✅ Build a realistic study plan
✅ Use ChatGPT to explain & quiz concepts
✅ Simulate tests regularly
✅ Double down on weak areas
✅ Role-play real-world scenarios
✅ Condense review materials near the end

ChatGPT vs. Traditional PHR Study Resources

Using ChatGPT to study for the PHR exam changed the game for me — and I know it can for you too. The secret is treating it like a tutor, coach, and quiz master all rolled into one. If you show up consistently, ask smart questions, and practice in chunks, you will be ready.

And hey — when you pass that exam, follow-up in your career with our ChatGPT guide for HR professionals and shoot me a message. I’ll be celebrating with you.