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Official details for Professional in Human Resources PHR Certification Guide as published by the certification body.
The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification validates technical and operational expertise in human resources management. The official exam consists of 115 questions, including 90 scored items and 25 pretest questions, lasts 2 hours, requires a scaled passing score determined through psychometric analysis, and costs approximately $395 USD plus a $100 application fee. The exam is administered by the Human Resource Certification Institute and is available through computer-based testing centers and online proctoring options.
The PHR certification practice tests focuses primarily on the technical and operational aspects of human resources management, making it ideal for HR professionals who implement policies rather than develop organizational strategy.
Exam Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Exam Name | Professional in Human Resources |
Exam Code | PHR |
Provider | HRCI |
Certification Organization | Human Resource Certification Institute |
Exam Cost | $395 USD |
Application Fee | $100 USD |
Exam Duration | 2 Hours |
Number of Questions | 115 Questions |
Scored Questions | 90 |
Pretest Questions | 25 |
Passing Score | Scaled Score |
Delivery Method | Computer-Based Testing |
Certification Level | Professional |
Languages Available | English |
Testing Options | Testing Center and Online Proctoring |
Validity Period | 3 Years |
Many professionals ask, "What is PHR in human resources?" or "What does PHR mean?"
PHR stands for Professional in Human Resources. It is a globally recognized HR credential designed for professionals responsible for implementing HR programs, managing employee relations, administering compensation and benefits, and ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations.
Unlike strategic HR certifications that emphasize organizational leadership, the Professional in Human Resources PHR credential focuses on operational HR responsibilities and day-to-day HR management activities.
The Professional in Human Resources PHR certification is widely respected by employers across industries because it demonstrates practical HR knowledge and a commitment to professional development.
Benefits include:
Increased professional credibility
Greater promotion opportunities
Higher earning potential
Improved understanding of employment regulations
Stronger expertise in employee relations
Enhanced recruitment and talent management skills
Competitive advantage in the HR job market
Many employers specifically prefer candidates holding the PHR certification for mid-level HR positions.
Category | Details |
Primary Focus | Technical and Operational HR |
Geographic Focus | United States Employment Laws |
Target Audience | HR Specialists and Generalists |
Credential Validity | Three Years |
Recertification Requirement | Continuing Education Credits or Retesting |
Industry Recognition | Global |
Topics include:
Business strategy alignment
Organizational effectiveness
Risk management
Corporate governance
Financial principles for HR professionals
Workforce planning support
Topics include:
Workforce planning
Recruiting strategies
Candidate selection
Interview techniques
Employer branding
Onboarding processes
Topics include:
Employee development programs
Performance management
Leadership development
Career planning
Succession planning
Topics include:
Compensation programs
Benefits administration
Incentive plans
Salary structures
Pay equity regulations
Topics include:
Employment law compliance
Employee engagement
Workplace investigations
Conflict resolution
Labor relations
Performance issues
Employee communications
Workplace policies
Domain | Percentage |
Employee and Labor Relations | 39% |
Business Management | 20% |
Talent Planning and Acquisition | 16% |
Total Rewards | 15% |
Learning and Development | 10% |
Employee and Labor Relations represents the largest section of the PHR exam and should receive the greatest amount of preparation time.
The Professional in Human Resources PHR exam evaluates a candidate's ability to:
Apply employment laws and regulations
Manage employee relations programs
Support organizational objectives
Administer compensation programs
Conduct recruiting activities
Implement performance management systems
Develop employee development initiatives
Ensure regulatory compliance
Candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge in:
Federal employment regulations
Equal employment opportunity requirements
Wage and hour laws
Employee benefits administration
Recruitment and selection strategies
Compensation structures
Workforce planning
Employee engagement initiatives
Workplace investigations
HR reporting and analytics
One of the most common questions is, "How do I get PHR certification?"
Candidates must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
At least one year of professional HR experience with a master's degree or higher.
At least two years of professional HR experience with a bachelor's degree.
At least four years of professional HR experience with a high school diploma.
Meeting eligibility requirements is mandatory before scheduling the exam.
The process typically includes:
Verify eligibility requirements.
Submit an application through HRCI.
Pay the application and examination fees.
Receive authorization to test.
Schedule the PHR exam.
Pass the examination.
Maintain certification through recertification activities.
Successful candidates typically possess:
Experience with HR operations
Knowledge of employment regulations
Employee relations experience
Recruiting and hiring experience
Compensation and benefits administration exposure
Most candidates have between two and five years of HR experience before pursuing certification.
The Professional in Human Resources PHR credential supports careers such as:
Human Resources Generalist
Human Resources Specialist
Human Resources Business Partner
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Compensation Analyst
Employee Relations Specialist
Human Resources Manager
Benefits Administrator
Professionals holding the PHR certification frequently earn higher salaries than non-certified peers.
Position | Average Annual Salary |
HR Generalist | $65,000 - $90,000 |
HR Manager | $85,000 - $130,000 |
HR Business Partner | $95,000 - $145,000 |
Employee Relations Manager | $90,000 - $140,000 |
Compensation Analyst | $80,000 - $120,000 |
Actual compensation varies based on location, industry, and experience.
Organizations continue investing heavily in experienced HR professionals due to:
Increasing workplace compliance requirements
Growing focus on employee retention
Expansion of remote and hybrid work models
Greater emphasis on employee experience
Rising workforce complexity
Certified HR professionals remain highly sought after across industries.
A common progression path includes:
HR Coordinator
HR Generalist
Human Resources Manager
Senior Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Director
Vice President of Human Resources
Chief Human Resources Officer
PHR-certified professionals regularly apply their knowledge to:
Workplace investigations
Employee onboarding
Benefits administration
Compensation reviews
Performance management
Recruitment programs
Policy implementation
Compliance management
The Professional in Human Resources PHR certification remains valid for three years.
Recertification options include:
Earning recertification credits through approved activities.
Retaking and passing the examination.
Maintaining certification ensures professionals remain current with changing HR regulations and best practices.
Candidates can register by:
Creating an account with HRCI.
Completing the application process.
Submitting eligibility documentation if requested.
Paying applicable fees.
Scheduling the examination through an approved testing provider.
Many candidates search for "schedule PHR exam" or "PHR testing schedule" during this process.
Recommended preparation resources include:
Official exam content outline
Practice questions
Practice exams
HR reference books
Employment law resources
Compensation and benefits references
Focus on Employee and Labor Relations.
Study Business Management and Talent Planning.
Review Total Rewards and Learning and Development.
Complete full-length practice exams and review weak areas.
Conduct final review sessions and reinforce key concepts.
Candidates often struggle with:
Employment law regulations
Compensation calculations
Benefits administration rules
Labor relations scenarios
Regulatory compliance questions
Candidates frequently encounter questions involving:
FMLA compliance
FLSA regulations
ADA requirements
Employee discipline procedures
Compensation strategies
Recruiting methods
Workplace investigations
Employee relations issues
Arrive early if testing in person.
Read each question carefully.
Manage time effectively.
Mark difficult questions for later review.
Eliminate incorrect options before selecting answers.
Professionals often pursue:
Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR)
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)
SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
Candidates should regularly review updates regarding:
Exam objectives
Eligibility requirements
Fee changes
Recertification policies
Employment law updates
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