PHR Exam Prep
HRCI Professional in Human Resources
1,000+ scenario-based practice questions in the app (350+ on the web) · All seven functional areas · Built-in HR Law Reference
Web access works in your browser. Native iOS and Android apps are separate purchases for offline mobile study.
PHR exam at a glance
The HRCI PHR exam has 115 questions (90 scored, 25 unscored pretest) and 2 hours of exam time. You pass with a scaled score of 500 on a 100–700 scale. To qualify you need 1–4 years of professional-level HR experience, depending on your degree.
| Questions | 115 (90 scored + 25 unscored pretest) |
|---|---|
| Time | 2 hours, plus 30 minutes for administration |
| Passing score | Scaled score of 500 (scale 100–700) |
| Published pass rate | 72% (HRCI, as of December 31, 2025) |
| Fees | $395 exam + $100 application |
| Delivery | Computer-based at a Pearson VUE test center or online via OnVUE |
| Eligibility | 1 year of professional-level HR experience with a master's or higher, 2 years with a bachelor's, or 4 years with no degree |
Scoring is from HRCI's results-report guide, the pass rate from HRCI's pass-rates page, and functional-area weights from HRCI's 2024 PHR content outline.
Source: HRCI — PHR certification · checked 2026-10-16
What the PHR Exam Covers
HRCI's 2024 PHR content outline has seven functional areas. Employment law questions thread through several of them, so know your federal statutes (Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, NLRA).
PHR Exam Blueprint
Weights from HRCI's PHR exam content outline (took effect 2024).
PHR Exam FAQ
What is the PHR exam?
The PHR (Professional in Human Resources) is a credential from HRCI (HR Certification Institute). The exam has 115 questions (90 scored, 25 unscored pretest) in 2 hours, covering seven functional areas of HR in HRCI's 2024 content outline. The exam uses scenario-based questions that test your ability to apply HR principles, not just recall facts.
What are the PHR eligibility requirements?
To sit for the PHR you need one of: a Master's degree + 1 year of professional HR experience, a Bachelor's degree + 2 years of professional HR experience, or 4 years of professional HR experience with no degree requirement. 'Professional-level' means decision-making authority in HR functions.
How many questions are on the PHR exam?
HRCI lists 90 scored questions and 25 unscored pretest questions (115 total). You have 2 hours of exam time, plus 30 minutes for administration.
What is the PHR pass rate?
HRCI's published pass rate for the PHR is 72% (as of December 31, 2025). Scores are reported on a 100–700 scale and a scaled score of 500 is required to pass.
How long should I study for the PHR exam?
HRCI does not prescribe a study-hour target. Build your plan around the seven functional areas in the 2024 content outline, your own HR experience, and the topics you miss in practice — employment law statutes (Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, NLRA) and scenario application run through many questions.
What is the most tested topic on the PHR exam?
In HRCI's 2024 PHR content outline, Employee and Labor Relations is the largest functional area at 20%, followed by Employee Engagement at 17% and Total Rewards at 15%. Federal employment law (Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, NLRA, OSHA) shows up across several areas.
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1,000+ scenario-based PHR practice questions in the app (350+ on the web). Free to start — no account required.
Web access works in your browser. Native iOS and Android apps are separate purchases for offline mobile study.
PHR Study Resources
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