How much does PHR certification cost?
How much does PHR certification cost?
$495 application & exam fees
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PHR certification cost
PHR certification costs $495, which includes the application and exam fees. This investment covers your eligibility review, exam scheduling, and official testing. Study guides cost $20 to $45, while review courses cost $375 to $1,200 depending on the provider and format.
| Factor | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application fee* | $100 |
| Exam fee | $395 |
| Total cost | $495 |
*Non-refundable
What is PHR certification?
The Professional in Human Resources® (PHR) certification validates your knowledge of HR practices and compliance at the operational level. It demonstrates your competency in areas like recruitment, employee relations, compensation and benefits administration, and HR operations.
The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) is the only organization that offers PHR certification.
What is on the PHR certification exam?
The PHR exam contains 115 multiple-choice questions, including 90 scored questions and 25 pretest questions that don't count toward your score. You'll have 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the exam.
The exam covers several functional areas of HR management:
Business Management (14%) tests your knowledge of organizational development, workforce planning, and change management. You'll answer questions about aligning HR strategies with business objectives.
Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition (14%) focuses on recruitment strategies, selection methods, and onboarding processes.
Learning and Development (10%) covers training, program design and administration, and measuring training effectiveness.
Total Rewards (15%) examines compensation strategies, benefits administration, and payroll processing. This section includes questions about legal compliance and market competitiveness.
Employee Engagement (17%) covers developing, communicating, and enhancing employee engagement strategies and activities to support optimal employee performance.
Employee and Labor Relations (20%) addresses workplace policies, conflict resolution, employee communication, and health and safety programs. This section also covers employment laws and regulations.
HR Information Management (10%) focuses on tools, technology, and systems for managing an organizations HR data.
The exam uses situation-based questions that test your ability to apply HR knowledge to real workplace scenarios. You'll need to demonstrate both technical knowledge and practical decision-making skills.
PHR certification eligibility criteria
You must meet specific education and experience requirements to qualify for the PHR exam. HRCI offers multiple pathways based on your educational background:
With a master's degree or higher, you need at least 1 year of professional-level HR experience.
With a bachelor's degree, you need at least 2 years of professional-level HR experience.
With less than a bachelor's degree, you need at least 4 years of professional-level HR experience.
Your HR experience must be gained in a professional-level HR position. Administrative or clerical roles typically don't qualify. The experience must be from within the past 10 years.
HRCI reviews your employment history carefully. You'll need to provide detailed information about your HR responsibilities, employer names, dates of employment, and supervisor contact information.
Preparing for the PHR exam
PHR study materials and exam prep courses will cost you as little as $20 or as much as $1,200 depending on the type and format:
Study guides cost $20 to $45.
A 3-month subscription to the Pocket Prep app costs $50.
Practice exams cost $75 to $150 and simulate the actual testing experience to help you identify your weak areas. Taking multiple practice tests significantly improves your chances of passing.
HRCI Cert Prep costs $399 to $500 and includes exam content outlines, practice exams, flashcards, videos, games, a built-in progress tracker, and more.
Certification prep courses cost $375 to $1,200, depending on whether they're self-study or live instructor-led courses.
PHR certification FAQs
Is PHR certification worth it?
PHR certification is worth the investment for most HR professionals. Many employers view it as a mark of professionalism and expertise. The credential enhances your credibility, demonstrates commitment to the profession, and can potentially increase your salary. Certified HR professionals often earn 5% to 20% more than their non-certified counterparts.
How hard is the PHR exam?
The PHR exam is challenging but achievable with proper preparation. The pass rate ranges from 65% to 70%, meaning adequate study is essential. Many candidates find the exam difficult because it covers broad HR topics in significant depth. Time management during the exam is also crucial.
The exam tests both knowledge recall and application skills. The scenario-based questions require critical thinking beyond simple memorization. You'll need to understand concepts and apply them to realistic workplace scenarios.
Can I retake the PHR exam?
Yes, you can retake the PHR exam 90 days after your previous exam date. You cannot take the exam more than three times in a consecutive 365-day period.
How to find the best PHR course near you
Follow these tips when choosing a test prep tutor near you:
Look for instructors who hold the PHR, SPHR, or other advanced HR certifications.
Compare self-paced and instructor-led options to match your learning style.
Read reviews and testimonials from past students.
Check whether the course includes practice exams and progress tracking.
Ask about pass rates for the instructor's previous students.
Questions to ask PHR instructors
Ask these questions to help you find the best PHR certification instructor:
How long have you been teaching PHR exam prep courses?
What is your course's pass rate?
What study materials are included in the course fee?
How much time should I dedicate to studying outside of class?
Do you offer personalized support or one-on-one sessions?
Do you offer any support after the course ends?
Can you provide references from past students?
What happens if I need to miss a class session?
How do you stay current with HRCI exam changes?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.