hrcp.com

What It Is

HRCP is a provider of HR certification exam prep materials, positioned around a “Complete HR Certification Solution.” Its products cover exams including aPHR, PHR, SPHR, PHRi, SPHRi, aPHRi, PHRca, as well as SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP. It is important to note that HRCP is not a certification-issuing body. Completing its study program does not automatically grant a credential; candidates still need to register for and take the exam through HRCI or the relevant organization.

Core Courses and Formats

Based on the collected information, HRCP’s core offering is not live classes or 1-on-1 coaching, but structured self-study materials: online textbooks, printed textbooks, audio narration, digital flashcards, practice exams, timed mock exams, and sample study plans. The online materials are browser-based and can be used on devices with an internet connection, but they cannot be downloaded, copied, or printed. Practice exams can be taken repeatedly, though the same exam is limited to once every 24 hours; timed exams are designed to simulate the real test environment. HRCP also lists an Accelerated Hybrid Prep Course and Test-taking Workshops, but its standard descriptions emphasize that HRCP primarily provides materials and works with associations, employer organizations, universities, and others to deliver prep courses.

Pricing and Relationship to Certification

The pricing tiers are relatively clear: the PHR/SPHR/SHRM comprehensive online version is around $270, the printed version is $375, and the printed + online package with audio is $480. International products such as PHRi/SPHRi are $240 for the online version, while aPHRi online is $125. The aPHR online version is $175, and the exam voucher is $400. Accelerated hybrid prep courses start from $1,100, and packages including an exam voucher can reach $1,500–$1,600. Exam vouchers are usually non-refundable. Online study materials and practice exams are accessible for 24 months after purchase, so the value depends on whether the candidate needs a longer prep period and extensive question practice.

Pros and Cons

Its strengths include a long operating history, with more than 100,000 users served since 1995; materials are updated annually, with particular attention to changes in HR management and the legal environment. The authors also have strong backgrounds: David J. Cherrington has participated in HRCI board and exam-development-related work, while Laura Z. Middleton has a teaching background in human resource management. The drawbacks are also clear: HRCP explicitly states that it is not endorsed by or affiliated with HRCI; it does not uniformly track official pass rates, only mentioning relatively high pass rates for some partner courses; and its online content is closed, making it less suitable for users who need offline study or printed materials for annotation.

Who It’s For and Access from China

HRCP is best suited to HR professionals with a clear HR certification exam goal who are comfortable with self-study and need a combination of textbooks, question banks, and flashcards. It is also suitable for bulk corporate purchases and instructors running prep classes. For users in China, the collected text does not clarify whether the website is reliably accessible via direct connection, whether it supports common Chinese payment methods, or the delivery time and customs costs for international shipping of printed materials. Therefore, its access status is rated as unknown. If official endorsement is a higher priority, compare it with HRCI or SHRM official prep resources; if Chinese-language instruction or local payment is required, domestic HR certification training alternatives may be more suitable.