PHR

“PHR” stands for Professional in Human Resources.

The PHR human resources certification is an exam offered by the HR Certification Institute. PHR certification is offered by the HRCI as an exam.

The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) was established in 1976. It is an internationally recognized certifying organization for the HR profession. HRCI has certified over 130,000 HR professionals worldwide based on experience and examination. HR certification is a globally recognized demonstration of professional achievement.

HRCI offers different types of certification exams for the HR profession. Certifications include: Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR), and more.

The PHR requires mastery of the tactical aspects of HR and a foundational knowledge of US laws and regulations. You must apply to the HRCI to take the PHR test. To earn your PHR, you must pass the test and have a combination of experience and education.

A PHR shows you are an accredited professional. It proves your professional expertise. After you pass the test, you can put the PHR designation after your name. Getting a PHR can increase your earning potential. A PHR credential shows your added value to your organization.

The PHR is geared for the HR professional who implements HR programs, acts tactically, reports to a more senior HR professional, and focuses on the HR department.

To get your PHR, you need a combination of education and professional experience.

The PHR requirements are:

1. A master’s degree with at least one year of experience in an exempt-level (professional) HR position, OR

2. A bachelor’s degree and at least two years of experience in an exempt-level (professional) HR position, OR

3. At least four years of experience in an exempt-level (professional) HR position with a high school diploma.

PHR is a professional certification. There is no PHR degree.

No. The SHRM is the Society for Human Resource Management. This organization is different from the HRCI. The SHRM also offers professional certifications. SHRM offers the SHRM-CP and the SHRM-SCP. SHRM PHR is not a certification. Some people have their PHR and their SHRM-CP, for example. It is up to you to decide what certification is most important for you.

To get SPHR certification, you need more education and experience than what is required for PHR. The basic requirements for the SPHR are:

1. At least four years of experience in an exempt-level (professional) HR position with a master’s degree at minimum, OR

2. A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of experience in an exempt-level (professional) HR position, OR

3. At least seven years of experience in an exempt-level (professional) HR position with a high school diploma.

You must create an account with the HRCI to take the PHR. You’ll need to apply. Expect to pay the $100 application fee. You’ll need certain levels of professional and educational experience.

The PHR is offered year-round.

The PHR costs $395. There is an additional $100 application fee. Total PHR certification cost is $495.

There are 175 questions on the PHR.

The PHR is 3 hours long.

The PHR is a multiple-choice test.

The PHR is administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers around the nation. You can schedule your test through HRCI as soon as your application is approved.

The PHR is administered at Pearson VUE at testing centers around the nation. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the exam; if you arrive more than 15 minutes after the test starts, you will not be admitted. Bring two forms of ID and be prepared to be photographed and have a palm vein scan. Your primary ID must be government issued, include a recent photograph and signature, and match the name under which you registered to take the test. You secondary ID must include your name and signature or name and photograph. If you do not have proper ID, you will not be allowed to take the test.

You will not be allowed to bring any personal items into the testing room, such as calculators or phones. You may not bring pens, pencils, or scratch paper. Other prohibited items include hats, scarves, and coats. You may wear religious garments, however. Most testing centers provide lockers for valuables.

Yes. You can reschedule your exam up to three business days in advance. You will be charged $150. You must reschedule through Pearson VUE.

HRCI provides forms to request accommodations. You will need to provide documentation showing that you have a disability that affects your ability to take the exam. The type of documentation required will depend on your disability and the accommodations you are requesting. For more information, you will need to contact HRCI directly.

All Pearson VUE testing centers meet ADA accessibility guidelines.

According to HRCI, 71% of candidates passed the PHR as of December, 2020.

As of January 2021, 71,130 HR professionals had their PHR.

You will receive a preliminary score immediately after you complete the exam. HRCI will make your official results available in one or two days. Your results will say “Pass” or “Did Not Pass.”

The number of questions you answer correctly is your raw score. That number is then scaled to a number from 100 to 700. Your score report will indicate your performance on different question types. If you do not pass, you can use this information to target your studying and improve your score.

A passing score is 500 or above.

If you do not get the scores you want, you will be able to retake the test. You will need to reapply and pay applicable fees. You must wait 90 days before the next exam.

You will need to recertify your PHR credentials every three years.

No. You can earn your recertification by taking continuing education courses. You can retake the exam instead if you wish.