Is This Certification Right for You?
Advance your HR career with the Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®) certification. Earning the PHR demonstrates your technical and operational knowledge of HR management, including U.S. laws and regulations. The PHR is for the HR professional with experience in implementing programs with tactical/logistical orientation. The PHR certification emphasizes a practitioner’s operational responsibilities for the organization’s HR department.
The PHR® is designed for HR professionals who:
- Are experienced in implementing HR programs.
- Have a tactical or logistical focus.
- Report to another HR professional within the organization.
- Primarily work within the HR department rather than managing HR at an organizational level.
Eligibility Requirements
To sit for the PHR® exam, you must meet one of the following education and experience requirements:
Master’s degree or higher + at least 1 year of professional-level HR experience.
Bachelor’s degree + at least 2 years of professional-level HR experience.
High school diploma + at least 4 years of professional-level HR experience.
Exam Format and Length
Here’s what to expect on test day:
- Exam time: 2 hours.
- Questions: 90 scored (mostly multiple-choice) + 25 pretest questions.
Preparing for the PHR® Exam
Studying for the PHR® can feel overwhelming at first—but with the right resources, you can be well-prepared. While HRCI® does not endorse specific study materials, it encourages candidates to explore the many available resources, including:
- Online courses and workshops.
- Study guides and practice tests.
- HR communities, forums, or study groups.
There’s no single approach that works for everyone. Combining multiple study tools is the best way to strengthen your understanding of HR principles and the exam content.
Read More: HRCI Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
