Is CPRW a Challenge? My Exam Story [+ Tips for Success]

When I reminisce about my study days, I often recall them as fun and carefree. Despite the exams. Why did they entail so much stress?

I was enthusiastic and slightly uptight when I heard I would take a CPRW exam. No more exams! I swore to myself earlier. But was the strain really needed?

Whether you're an aspiring resume writer, a recruiter, or even an exam enthusiast, stick around. I'll share more about the CPRW certification journey and how I turned it into reality.

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CPRW Certification for Newcomers

The CPRW stands for Certified Professional Résumé Writer exam and is held by the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches (PARW/CC). It evaluates one’s ability to write effective and professional resumes.

The CPRW certification is well-regarded in the resume writing field and is ideal for professionals who want to showcase their skills in creating standout resumes.

If you work in career services or human resources, the CPRW can boost your credibility and demonstrate your high proficiency in the industry.

To get the CPRW certification, you need to pass a rigorous exam that covers resume and cover letter writing techniques, formatting standards, industry trends, and best practices. Once you're certified, you can use the CPRW designation to highlight your expertise and attract clients or employers looking for top-quality resume-writing services.

Exam Preparations & What to Focus On

You're probably curious about the CPRW certification itself and my personal experiences with it. Let me share some insights that might help you decide whether to take the exam and how to prepare for it.

If this were a movie, that would be the flashback scene where I take you back a few months to see my preparation for the exam right from the outset.

Following the registration process and setting the testing date for mid-February, I received branded PARW/CC materials they update yearly. These sources provided valuable insights into strategic resume writing, emphasizing essential elements and outlining expectations for future members.

Additionally, I gained access to an extensive video featuring discussions among several PARW/CC team members. They analyzed previously submitted resume and cover letter materials, highlighting those that achieved the highest scores. Seeing real-life resume examples was very helpful, as they clarified and made it easier to understand the expectations.

They also shared detailed insights into what they consider crucial when crafting a client's resume. What particularly resonated with me was their emphasis on the resume as a tool to 'sell' a candidate, regardless of their profile.

Coming from a PR & marketing background, I found this perspective refreshing and inspiring. It aligned with my understanding of promotion and image communication, which I cultivated throughout my career development.

The volume of materials received wasn't huge, and if you're already proficient in resume writing, delving into them in great detail may not be necessary. Rather, it's about grasping their perspective on resume crafting and assimilating their distinctive approach to align with their standards. At least, this is how I perceived it.

Eat, Sleep, Resume, Repeat

Your exam materials are due within 72 hours of receipt of this email. Tick, tock, tick, tock. 

On the chosen day, I received the exam along with brief instructions, reminding me to submit all required materials within the specified 72-hour window. The demanded materials included a professionally crafted resume, a cover letter, and a justification for both.

I won't go into the specifics of the exam content, but let's just say it's really essential that you review all the materials thoroughly. I also recalled some neat study tricks, like printing the notes and using colorful markers to highlight key points I didn’t want to omit.

At first, I thought I had plenty of time to make a resume and a cover letter for the assigned client, but I was in for a surprise. It turned out to be a bigger challenge than expected, requiring deepened focus and effort than I had anticipated.

I really got into the zone, fine-tuning every detail. Their evaluations are quite strict, so it's easy to lose a few points for small things and end up failing.

After some back-and-forth, I finally got everything ready and submitted it, and it was just an hour before the deadline. This was not because I was slacking, but I really wanted to ensure I did my absolute best and left no stone unturned.

Tips & Tricks to Share After a Successful Completion

While the exam demanded intense effort, I felt confident in passing it. As mentioned earlier, if you already possess relevant experience in resume writing, it shouldn't be difficult for you, either.

However, I've also heard stories from colleagues who didn't pass on their first attempt, so it's not something you can always take for granted.

Now that I have the CPRW certificate, let me give you a very few tips for your own journey:

1. Stay focused. Concentrate on the exam objectives and the materials you must master. If you get easily distracted, you’ll likely omit significant details.
2. Prepare a plan. With just three days to prepare, refine, and meticulously proofread your materials, it's crucial to outline how you'll allocate your time for each task.
3. Read thoroughly. Review the instructions and a practice task carefully. Pay attention to details and ensure you have a solid understanding of the content. Ideally, print those materials and use highlighters.
4. Get into someone’s shoes. Put yourself in the shoes of the candidate you’re promoting to gain a deeper understanding of their unique strengths, experiences, and goals.
5. Add some flair. While maintaining professionalism, don't be afraid to add creativity to your resume and cover letter. You can do this through subtle resume layout adjustments and the language style you use.
6. Proofread multiple times. Look for any grammatical errors, typos, or inconsistencies and make necessary revisions. Consider seeking feedback from peers or mentors to ensure your documents are polished and error-free.

For the final word, I wouldn't characterize the exam as super tough, but it's not a walk in the park either. If you're seeking certification to validate your expertise, it shouldn't pose a significant challenge if you already possess relevant knowledge and skills. However, if you're new to the field, take time to study resume writing materials and cover letter tips before the exam to strengthen your application. Good luck!

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Thanks for reading this article. If you would like to ask more about my personal views on the CPRW exam, feel free to do so. And best of luck if you’re taking one, too!

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