Welcome to this fall’s NKE exam prep blog! My name is Michelle and I will be with you over the next 3 months to discuss my own challenges, exam prep tips and other experiences while preparing for the NKE exam. I know it may seem early, (after all we are still in summer) yet it’s never too early to start preparing for this comprehensive exam, which tests your understanding of the entire HR Body of Knowledge.
So here’s a little about me... I am a recent grad from a Bachelor of Commerce program with a major in Human Resources Management. I have some experience as a Human Resources Generalist, yet I am very nervous for this exam - most of you should be too. But, not to worry we will work together to prepare for our exam, which is on October 2. Be sure to register with your provincial association before August 3 (mark it down in your calendars!).
Ian, a previous HR Canadian Press blogger, will also be a key resource in helping us prepare for this exam. About a year ago he created a Facebook group, which will be useful for everyone preparing for the NKE. Discussions and feedback will all be posted on the Facebook page. To find the group, log in and look for: Canadian HR Press – Guides & Resources – Check it out regularly to be informed and meet others that you may choose to form a study group with.
So, first is first, for those of you who haven’t already done so, I definitely suggest you buy an Exam Prep package from Canadian HR Press. I just received mine this week!!! Thank goodness. I wouldn’t know where to start without it. The Canadian HR Press GOLD PACKAGE is my suggestion because it is THE BEST available to prepare for this exam, providing a comprehensive set of tools including over 2,000 pages of content. Now, don’t be afraid of how much material there is. It may be overwhelming; yet to conquer your fears sit down and make an exam prep schedule and PLAN it out!
Remember that the NKE exam topics and weightings are as follows:
- Professional Practice = 24%
- Organizational Effectiveness = 8.3%
- Staffing = 19.8%
- Employee & Labour Relations = 10.4%
- Total Compensation = 10.4%
- Organizational Learning, Development & Training = 18.8%
- Occupational Health, Safety & Wellness = 8.3%
Pay close attention to the weightings - because even if you graduated from a formal HR program like I did, chances are that you did not take courses in Professional Practice, Org. Effectiveness or Org. Learning, Training and Development - these three areas alone make up over 50% of the exam!
The Canadian HR Press exam prep packages include two free accesses to the online assessment tool, which will give you an idea of how prepared you really are for the exam. This week I took my first practice exam online. Since you get 2 times access only, I decided to benchmark where I am now, and to discover where I need to spend more time studying. I was in shock when I scored 55 out of 96. That’s only 57% - an academic “D” where I was an honours student - ouch! You need 70% (+/-) to even pass the NKE. This proves that I have lots of studying to do during the next several months.
If you have any questions related to preparing for the NKE exam over the next several weeks you can email me at nke@canadianhrpress.ca
Good Luck Studying!
Michelle
Suggested Exam Preparation steps:
Step One: Access the online assessment test free with your purchase (you will have two times access only). This assessment will provide you with feedback on your strengths and weaknesses in the seven exam areas as well as an overall mark that you can use as a benchmark to gage your likelihood of success on the actual exam. Follow the instructions very carefully! Build a study plan based on this feedback - focus on your weaknesses and reinforce your strengths.
Step Two: Access the online learning module free with your purchase. This module is designed to help you gain, retain, recall and reuse the knowledge and skills outlined in the Study Guide. It is important to approach this exam from a professional perspective (action orientation) NOT an academic perspective (memorization orientation).
Step Three: Visit our Facebook Group: Canadian HR Press - Guides & Resources on a weekly basis. Participate in the discussions!
Step Four: Begin studying the Study Guide by reading the “Read Me First”, Introduction, Contributors and Required Professional Capabilities (RPCs) sections. Use your study plan to allocate time and focus on your weaknesses and reinforce your strengths. Be sure to incorporate the supplemental material (Employment Standards Q&A, HR Quick Selector and Online Books (Gold package only)) that came with your package into your study plan.
Step Five: Read the Knowledge sections and complete the activities included in the Study Guide. You are encouraged to conduct independent research on topics you require more information on. Bring your book(s) with you wherever you go…study when and where you want!
Step Six: Use the sample multiple choice questions by completing a set of questions every week – DO NOT ATTEMPT ALL QUESTIONS IN ONE SITTING! Save the last 75 until close to the exam. For example, if you have a ten week study plan, complete 30 questions per week saving the last 75 for step nine.
Step Seven: Close to the actual exam date - Use your second access to the online assessment test free with your purchase. This assessment will provide you with feedback on your strengths and weaknesses in the seven exam areas as well as an overall mark that you can use as a benchmark to gage your likelihood of success on the actual exam and compare to your results in step one. Follow the instructions very carefully!
Step Eight: Review the knowledge areas that you are weak in.
Step Nine: Use the remaining 75 sample questions to practice your timing in answering multiple choice questions. You should set aside 90 minutes to answer 75 questions.
Step Ten: Relax knowing that you have completed Canada’s most comprehensive program for preparing for the NKE Exam!
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