PHR

PHR

Offered by HRCI

The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) from HRCI validates technical and operational HR knowledge, with a strong emphasis on U.S. laws and regulations...

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PHR exam at a glance

Format

115 questions (90 scored + 25 unscored pretest); multiple choice

Duration

2 hours (plus 30 minutes administration time)

Delivery

Pearson VUE test center or online proctored (OnVUE)

Passing score

500 on a 100–700 scaled scale

Exam cost

$495 USD total ($395 exam fee + $100 application fee)

Validity

3 years; renew with 60 recertification credits or by retaking the exam

Prerequisites

1 year of professional HR experience with a master's, 2 years with a bachelor's, or 4 years with less than a bachelor's

About the PHR certification

The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) from HRCI validates technical and operational HR knowledge, with a strong emphasis on U.S. laws and regulations. It's aimed at HR professionals who implement programs and handle day-to-day operations.

Unlike the SHRM-CP, the PHR requires professional-level HR experience to be eligible.

Who it’s for: HR practitioners focused on operational, compliance, and program-implementation work.

Official exam page· Details verified 2026-08

What the PHR exam covers
  • Employee and Labor Relations
    20%
  • Employee Engagement
    17%
  • Total Rewards
    15%
  • Business Management
    14%
  • Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition
    14%
  • Learning and Development
    10%
  • HR Information Management
    10%
How to study for the PHR
  1. 1Verify you meet the experience/education eligibility route before applying.
  2. 2Prioritize Employee & Labor Relations and Employee Engagement — over a third of the exam.
  3. 3Study U.S. employment law thoroughly (Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, OSHA, ERISA, COBRA).
  4. 4Practice scenario-based questions and track weak functional areas.
  5. 5Sit timed practice exams targeting the 500 scaled-score threshold.
PHR — frequently asked questions

Do I need experience for the PHR?

Yes. Eligibility requires professional-level HR experience: 1 year with a master's, 2 years with a bachelor's, or 4 years without a degree.

Is the PHR U.S.-focused?

Yes. It emphasizes U.S. laws and regulations, so it's most relevant for HR professionals working in the United States.