HRCI SPHR Exam - Topic 2 Question 98 Discussion

Actual exam question for HRCI's SPHR exam

Question #: 98
Topic #: 2

[All SPHR Questions]

As a Senior HR Professional, you must be familiar with certain legal terms, laws, and regulations that affect how you and others operate in the workplace. One term is protected class. Which of the following statements best describes a protected class?

AA group of people who share a common characteristic and who are protected from discrimination and harassment on the basis of that shared characteristic.

BA group of people who share a common characteristic and who are exempt from discrimination regulations on the basis of that shared characteristic.

CA group of people who do not share a common characteristic and who are not protected from discrimination and harassment on the basis of that shared characteristic.

DA group of people who share a race and who are protected from discrimination and harassment on the basis of that race.

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: C

Answer option C is correct.

A Notice of Contest must be filed within 15 days of the citation. The OSH Act requires employers to allow the CSHO to inspect the workplace (D). Employers may request variances until repairs are made (A) or for processes that provide equal or greater safety for workers. Employers may consult with OSHA to identify possible hazards without fear of a citation or penalty (B); but once a consultant becomes involved, the employer must abate any violations, or the consultant will refer the violation to an OSHA inspector.

Chapter: Risk Management

Objective: Review Questions

by Rikki at Jan 23, 2025, 11:43 AM

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Jaime

4 months ago

B seems misleading, they’re not exempt from regulations, right?

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Jerry

4 months ago

A is spot on! It's crucial for workplace equality.

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Yolando

5 months ago

Wait, are we sure about that? Sounds too simple.

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Larae

5 months ago

Definitely agree with A! That's the right definition.

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Marvel

5 months ago

A protected class is all about shared characteristics.

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Rolland

5 months ago

I think option D is too narrow since it only mentions race. Protected classes cover more than just that, right?

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Avery

5 months ago

I keep mixing up the definitions. Wasn't there a practice question that mentioned exemptions? I hope I didn't confuse that with this.

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Adelle

6 months ago

I remember studying that protected classes include various characteristics, so I feel like option A is the right choice.

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Maddie

6 months ago

I think a protected class refers to groups that are safeguarded against discrimination, but I'm not entirely sure which option fits best.

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Stephen

6 months ago

I think the key here is understanding that protected classes refer to groups that are legally protected from discrimination, not exempt from it. I'm feeling pretty confident I can identify the correct statement that best describes this.

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Royal

6 months ago

Wait, I'm a bit confused. Is a protected class a group that's exempt from discrimination laws, or a group that's protected by them? I need to re-read the question and options more closely.

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Justine

6 months ago

Okay, I've got this. A protected class is a group of people who share a common characteristic and are legally protected from discrimination and harassment based on that characteristic. I'm feeling good about selecting the right answer.

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Jesus

6 months ago

Hmm, I'm a little unsure about this one. I know protected classes have to do with characteristics that can't be used to discriminate, but I'm not 100% sure of the exact definition. I'll have to think this through carefully.

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Alyce

6 months ago

This question seems straightforward - I'm pretty confident I know the answer based on my understanding of protected classes and employment law.

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Xochitl

6 months ago

I'm a bit unsure about the nuances here. I'll make my best guess, but I may need to review this topic again.

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Kristel

6 months ago

Protected class - that's a key legal term we've covered in class. I've got a good handle on this.

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Jennie

6 months ago

Okay, let me re-read the question and options. I think I can eliminate a couple of these.

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Staci

6 months ago

Hmm, I'm not totally sure about this one. I'll have to think it through carefully.

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Cyril

6 months ago

This question seems straightforward, I'm pretty confident I know the answer.

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Katie

12 months ago

Wait, is a protected class like a secret society where they all wear capes and fight for justice? No? Dang, option B sounds way more fun than the actual definition.

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Paris

10 months ago

B) A group of people who share a common characteristic and who are exempt from discrimination regulations on the basis of that shared characteristic.

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Vivienne

10 months ago

No, it's not like a secret society with capes. Option A is the correct definition of a protected class.

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Kayleigh

11 months ago

A) A group of people who share a common characteristic and who are protected from discrimination and harassment on the basis of that shared characteristic.

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Celestine

12 months ago

Option D is a bit too specific, isn't it? I mean, a protected class can be based on race, but also gender, religion, disability, and a whole bunch of other characteristics. Gotta keep those definitions broad, you know?

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Margurite

11 months ago

B) A group of people who share a common characteristic and who are exempt from discrimination regulations on the basis of that shared characteristic.

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Ines

11 months ago

A) A group of people who share a common characteristic and who are protected from discrimination and harassment on the basis of that shared characteristic.

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Cathrine

12 months ago

Oh, I was totally fooled by option C. I thought a protected class was just a bunch of people who didn't have anything in common. Guess I need to brush up on my legal jargon!

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Marylou

1 year ago

Haha, a protected class is like a secret club, but instead of cool handshakes, it's all about anti-discrimination laws! Option B is so off the mark, it's like saying the 'protected' part means they're exempt from the rules.

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Carmen

1 year ago

A protected class is a group of people who share a common characteristic and are protected from discrimination and harassment. This is the correct answer, option A.

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Lashandra

10 months ago

As HR professionals, we play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees.

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Emmanuel

10 months ago

Discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics are illegal and should not be tolerated in any workplace.

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Rupert

11 months ago

It's important to understand and follow laws and regulations related to protected classes in the workplace.

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Florinda

11 months ago

I agree, a protected class is a group of people who share a common characteristic and are protected from discrimination and harassment. Option A is correct.

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Goldie

1 year ago

I'm not sure, but I think A is correct because it aligns with the purpose of protecting individuals from discrimination based on shared characteristics.

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Lorrine

1 year ago

I agree with Alayna, A makes sense because protected classes are groups of people who are safeguarded from discrimination.

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Alayna

1 year ago

I think the answer is A.

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