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. It's aimed at HR professionals who implement programs and handle day-to-day operations.
EXAM AT A GLANCE
Questions
115
90 scored
Testing time
30
minutes
Sections
7
Delivery
Pearson VUE test center or online proctored (OnVUE)
Passing score
500
Cost
$495 USD total ($395 exam fee + $100 application fee)
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What the 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%
About the PHR certification
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.
- Testing time
- 2 hours (plus 30 minutes administration time)
- Passing score
- 500 on a 100–700 scaled scale
- 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
Official exam page· Details verified August 2026
Exam details can change. Always confirm current requirements, fees, and exam policies with the certification provider before registering.
How to prepare
01
Verify you meet the experience/education eligibility route before applying.
02
Prioritize Employee & Labor Relations and Employee Engagement — over a third of the exam.
03
Study U.S
employment law thoroughly (Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, OSHA, ERISA, COBRA).
04
Practice scenario-based questions and track weak functional areas.
05
Sit timed practice exams targeting the 500 scaled-score threshold.
FAQ
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.
Turn your exam date into a PHR study plan
Tell us when you're taking the PHR and when you're available to study. We'll build a personalized schedule you can add to your calendar.
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