HRCI (HR Certification Institute)

PHR

Professional in Human Resources

HRCI's credential for HR practitioners focused on operational and technical aspects of HR management and U.S. employment law. Widely recognized for mid-level HR roles and emphasizes program implementation over strategy.

$3952 hours testing (plus 30 minutes administration)

What's on the exam

2024 PHR Exam Content Outline

Business Management

14%

Organizational mission and strategy · HR's role in the organization · Business and financial concepts · Compliance and risk · Change management

Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition

14%

Workforce planning · Sourcing and recruiting · Selection and assessment · Onboarding · Employment law in hiring

Learning and Development

10%

Training needs analysis · Program design and delivery · Career development · Performance management · Succession planning

Total Rewards

15%

Compensation structures · Benefits programs · Pay equity and compliance · Payroll basics · Recognition programs

Employee Engagement

17%

Engagement strategies and surveys · Retention · Workplace culture · Communication · Recognition and motivation

Employee and Labor Relations

20%

Workplace investigations · Discipline and grievances · Labor law and unions · Workplace safety and health · Employee rights and policies

HR Information Management

10%

HRIS and data management · HR metrics and analytics · Recordkeeping and compliance · Data privacy · Technology and reporting

Frequently asked questions

How much does the PHR cost?

The PHR costs $395. Exam fee plus a US$100 non-refundable application fee.

How long is the PHR and how many questions does it have?

115 questions (90 scored) — 2 hours testing (plus 30 minutes administration).

What do you need to pass the PHR?

Scaled score of 500 of 700 (no published percentage).

Can you retake the PHR?

Allowed after a waiting period; retake fee applies.

What is the best way to study for the PHR?

Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Business Management 14%, Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition 14%, Learning and Development 10%, Total Rewards 15%, Employee Engagement 17%, Employee and Labor Relations 20%, HR Information Management 10%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.

Program in development

We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 11 exam.

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