Finally passed my HR certification — here's what actually helped me

So I've been lurking here for months and finally feel like I can contribute something useful. I passed my PHR last week after failing it the first time about eight months ago. First attempt I went in pretty confident — I'd been in HR for four years and figured my experience would carry me. Nope. Scored a 68 and needed a 70. Humbling doesn't even cover it.

Second time around I got way more systematic. I spent about six weeks working through a proper Human Resources study guide and doing timed practice sets every single day. The thing that clicked for me was using a Human Resources Employee Relations practice test to diagnose my weak spots early — turns out I was solid on comp and benefits but genuinely terrible on employee relations scenarios. Once I knew that, I could stop studying everything equally and actually focus.

Anyone else here prepping for their HR cert right now? Happy to share what worked and what was a waste of time. Would love to hear what resources you all are using for the Human Resources practice test portion of your prep.