Empowering HR Leaders to Govern with Authority
At CriticalThink HR, we believe every HR leader deserves access to world-class tools for building the judgment that certification demands. We're here to make that journey as effective and rigorous as possible.
Our Mission
To provide a rigorous, effective, and continuously calibrated decision governance system that enables HR leaders to exercise judgment with confidence at the certification level and beyond.
Why CriticalThink HR Exists
Founded by HR leaders who understand how certification truly works, CriticalThink HR was built from a simple observation: existing tools were either too generic, too expensive, or lacked the rigor that decision governance demands.
We observed talented HR leaders struggling with outdated materials, fragmented resources, and the isolation of training alone. That's when we decided to engineer something better.
Today, we're the trusted platform for HR leaders who have earned their SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP credentials. But we're just getting started.
Our Vision
To become the definitive decision governance standard for how HR leaders evaluate, justify, and defend high-stakes decisions in complex organizations.
Our Values
These principles guide everything we do and every decision we make.
Collaborative Development
We believe judgment sharpens through discourse. Our collaborative features ensure you refine your reasoning through structured feedback and analysis.
Governance Rigor
We're committed to delivering the highest quality content, features, and support to ensure your success.
Empathy
We understand the weight of certification and the challenges of governance training. Every feature is designed with your professional experience in mind.
Continuous Calibration
We constantly calibrate our content and features with the latest SHRM BASK standards and evolving governance requirements.
Integrity
Transparency, honesty, and ethical practices are at the core of everything we do. Your trust is our priority.
Systems Thinking
We leverage technology to create better training experiences and continuously improve our governance system.
Meet the Founder
CriticalThink HR is built by an HR professional who understands your certification journey.
Mike Penn, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Founder & CEO
Mike Penn is a skilled entrepreneur, business consultant, and IT specialist with extensive experience spanning human resources, technology, and organizational development. He combines deep technical expertise with HR certification experience to create world-class learning tools.
Holding aPHR, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certifications, Mike understands firsthand the challenges of HR certification preparation. His background in IT consulting, web development, and custom software development enables him to build technology that truly serves HR professionals.
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Why CriticalThink HR is Different
CriticalThink HR is not a content platform. It is a decision governance system designed for certification-level authority.
Built by HR Professionals
Our content is created by certified HR professionals who understand the real-world application of concepts, not just academic theory.
Adaptive Governance
Our platform adapts to your learning style and pace, focusing on areas where you need the most improvement.
SHRM BASK Alignment
Every scenario and question is mapped directly to the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge, ensuring your training aligns with current certification standards.
Continuously Updated Content
Our content team monitors SHRM updates and exam trends to ensure you're always studying the most current material.
Decision Analytics
Track your progress with detailed insights into your performance across all knowledge domains and question types.
Mobile-First Design
Study effectively on any device with our responsive design that works seamlessly across desktop, tablet, and mobile.
Ready to Govern with Authority?
Become part of a community that's committed to your success. Start your journey with CriticalThink HR today and take the first step toward achieving your HR certification goals.
Questions about our mission or team? We'd love to hear from you