A conciliation agreement (A) is a voluntary settlement used to correct identified deficiencies and provide remedial relief in cases of discrimination. At the SPHR level, this concept is central to understanding enforcement and resolution mechanisms within equal employment opportunity frameworks.

A conciliation agreement is typically entered into after a regulatory agency has found evidence of noncompliance or discrimination. Rather than proceeding with litigation, the organization voluntarily agrees to corrective actions such as policy changes, back pay, reinstatement, training, or monitoring. These agreements are legally binding but are designed to achieve compliance cooperatively.

Specific hiring quotas (B) are generally unlawful unless court-ordered under very limited circumstances. A notice of violation (C) and predetermination notice (D) are procedural steps in enforcement processes, not settlement mechanisms.

SPHR exam content emphasizes that HR leaders must understand both compliance obligations and resolution options. Conciliation agreements allow organizations to address deficiencies proactively, reduce legal risk, and restore equitable employment practices without prolonged litigation.

References :

HRCI SPHR Exam Content Outline — Functional Area: Employee Relations and Engagement (EEO compliance; dispute resolution).

HRCI SPHR Study Guide — Enforcement processes and voluntary compliance mechanisms.