This blog contains a few recommended textbooks and preparatory courses to help aid in studying for the NKE. I’m also looking to set up a study group in the near future, info on that is at the bottom of this post.
Recommended Texbooks:
The NKE exam is based on correct definitions, so a text-study supplemented with preparatory courses, depending on personal learning style, should be an effective way to study.
All the HR professionals and instructors I consulted with recommended the following textbook for a general study approach to HR principals:
Canadian Human Resources Management : A strategic approach. 9th edition
Authors: Schwind – Das – Wagar
As laws and regulations change the NKE is update to reflect them so a current edition of the textbook would be a more accurate study resource than older editions.
As well,
Strategic Compensation in Canada. 4th edition
Author: Richard J. Long
was recommended because it provides comprehensive coverage of compensation issues.
If you have found any other textbooks helpful, please add them to the Facebook Discussion Board conversation thread
Study Courses:
The HRIA offers an intensive two-day preparation workshop twice a year in locations across the province. The goal of this course is to equip NKE writers with the tools and knowledge needed to prepare effectively for the National Knowledge Exam.
Participants review and discuss important HR theory for each competency area. Sample exam questions will be analyzed, enabling participants to identify knowledge gaps. Participants will have an opportunity to practice in a simulated exam setting and discuss techniques for passing.
The next workshop available for registration in Edmonton is on March 6th. Registration for this session closes on February 18th. Click here for more information
The Canadian Council of Human Resource Associations offers CampusHR, an online preparatory course that includes: a diagnostic test and three practice exams in as well as 25 hours of multimedia lecture presentations that provide broad coverage of the RPCs. It covers 19 units, each with a review quiz that provides feedback. The registration fee provides you with 18 weeks of access to the course resources. Click here for more information
If you have comments regarding your experiences with these preparatory programs, please add them to the Facebook discussion thread.
Personally, I already have a copy of Canadian Human Resource Management: A Strategic Approach and am planning to focus heavily on studying that. To supplement it I am planning to use the online CampusHR course. When my account is set up I’ll post my initial impression of the material provided, and hopefully provide a subjective summary of how it functions.
I am also hoping to form a study group with others prepping for the NKE near the end of February, (once I have covered some material on my own). If this is something that interests you, send me an email at zabel.tom@gmail.com to get the ball rolling.
Best of luck preparing!
Tom Zabel
http://ca.linkedin.com/in/tomzabel