How to Pass the PHR Exam: 2026 Complete Study Guide
The PHR (Professional in Human Resources) exam tests six HR functional areas. This guide covers the HRCI blueprint, employment law essentials, and a 6-week study plan to earn your PHR credential.
Problem this solves
This guide solves the next-step problem for PHR candidates: it explains what matters, then gives you a direct way to test that knowledge with practice questions instead of guessing what to study next.
TL;DR
The PHR has 175 questions (150 scored, 25 unscored) in 3 hours. The six functional areas are: Business Management (20%), Talent Planning & Acquisition (16%), Learning & Development (10%), Total Rewards (15%), Employee & Labor Relations (20%), Risk Management (19%). Employment law questions appear throughout all domains — know your federal statutes cold.
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PHR · Question 1 of 5
Which answer best describes SWOT analysis in professional HR practice?
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Employment Law You Must Know
Title VII: prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex, national origin. ADA: reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, interactive process required. ADEA: protects workers 40+. FMLA: 12 weeks unpaid, job-protected leave at companies with 50+ employees. FLSA: minimum wage, overtime (1.5x for non-exempt over 40 hours/week), exempt vs. non-exempt classification. OSHA: General Duty Clause, record-keeping (OSHA 300 log). NLRA: rights to organise and concerted activity — applies to non-union workplaces too.
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Employee & Labor Relations (20%)
Highest-weighted domain alongside Business Management. Focus on: progressive discipline and documentation, workplace investigations (procedures, confidentiality, documentation), grievance procedures, unfair labour practices (ULPs) under the NLRA, collective bargaining processes, alternative dispute resolution (mediation vs. arbitration), and employee engagement surveys.
Total Rewards: Compensation Structure
Know: base pay, variable pay (bonuses, commissions), equity (stock options, RSUs). Job evaluation methods: ranking, classification, point factor (most common). Pay equity laws. Benefits required by law vs. voluntary. ERISA applicability for employer-sponsored retirement and welfare plans. Know the difference between defined benefit vs. defined contribution retirement plans.
PHR Study Strategy
The PHR uses scenario-based questions — you must choose the most appropriate action, not just the legally correct one. When a question presents a conflict, the best answer typically: follows employment law, documents the interaction, involves HR as the facilitator (not decision-maker), and does not make assumptions. Study 80-100 hours over 6-8 weeks. Take at least 500 practice questions before your exam.
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Turn this guide into practice
Use the article to understand the topic, then do a short web practice session to find your weak spots. Paid web access is optional after the free preview.