Professional in Human Resources credential artwork

Professional in Human Resources (PHR)

Validates knowledge of US employment law and operational HR, including workforce planning, total rewards, engagement and labor relations.

Summary

PHR is HRCI's credential for HR professionals who run day-to-day HR operations and apply US employment law. The exam covers seven functional areas, with employee and labor relations and employee engagement carrying the most weight.

Good fit if

  • You work in HR with 1 to 4 years of professional experience
  • You handle operational HR such as hiring, pay and compliance
  • You want to test year-round, online or at a test center

Look elsewhere if

  • You have no professional HR experience yet: aPHR or SHRM-CP
  • You lead HR strategy and policy: SPHR or SHRM-SCP
  • You work outside the US: PHR is built on US federal law

Salary & jobs

Prerequisites

Experience required to apply

Professional-level HR experience

Required

HRCI checks your experience before approving your application. The years you need depend on your education; an HR degree is not required.

Master's degree or higher1 year
Bachelor's degree2 years
No degree4 years

Professional-level work means using independent judgment, having some decision-making authority and being accountable for results, not only clerical HR support. HRCI audits applications at random and can ask you to document your experience.

Cost

USD · Standard pricing
$100
$395
HRCI charges everyone the same fee. If you fail without Second Chance Insurance, you wait 90 days, then reapply and pay $495 again.

What holders say

Certification path

HRCI orders its certifications by career stage: aPHR to start in HR, PHR for operational HR and SPHR for strategic HR leadership.

Associate Professional in Human Resources credential artwork
aPHRHR fundamentals, no experience needed
This certification
Professional in Human Resources credential artwork
PHROperational HR and US employment law
Senior Professional in Human Resources credential artwork
SPHRHR strategy and leadership

Renewal

PHR is valid for 3 years.

Validity
3 years
Renewal requirement
60 HR recertification credits
Including 1 ethics credit
Renewal fee
$169 USD
$50 for each additional HRCI credential

Credits come from HR training, conferences, webinars, teaching, volunteering and qualifying work projects. You can also renew by retaking the exam. If you miss the deadline, the credential is suspended for up to 12 months and reinstating it costs an extra $100.

HRCI recertification fees and deadlines ↗

Alternatives

SHRM Certified Professional credential artwork
SHRM-CP$499 required · Intermediate

The other main US credential for HR generalists, with no experience requirement to sit the exam.

Associate Professional in Human Resources credential artwork
aPHR$400 required · Entry

HRCI's entry credential for people without professional-level HR experience.

Senior Professional in Human Resources credential artwork
SPHR$595 required · Advanced

HRCI's senior credential for HR leaders who set strategy and policy.

FAQ

What are the PHR requirements?

One year of professional-level HR experience with a master's degree, two years with a bachelor's degree, or four years without a degree.

How much does the PHR cost?

$495: a $100 application fee plus a $395 exam fee. Second Chance Insurance, which covers one retake, costs $250 more.

How many questions are on the PHR exam?

115 questions, of which 90 are scored, in 2 hours. Allow 2.5 hours in total with check-in.

Can I take the PHR online?

Yes. You can take it online with OnVUE or at a Pearson VUE test center, year-round.

What is the PHR pass rate?

HRCI reported a 72% pass rate for the PHR as of December 31, 2025.

PHR or SHRM-CP?

Most employers accept either. PHR requires professional-level HR experience and focuses on operational HR and US law. SHRM-CP has no experience requirement and is tested only in fixed windows at test centers.

Last updated October 2026