Professional certification · Business & HR
Professional in Human Resources
The PHR is HRCI's certification for HR professionals focused on the technical and operational side of human resources and U.S. employment law. Eligibility depends on a mix of education and professional-level HR experience.
Issued by HR Certification Institute (HRCI) · Official page
Verified by ConnectPrep Verified against HR Certification Institute (HRCI) on October 18, 2026. Fees and rules change; always confirm on the official page before you apply.
Who can apply
- A master's degree or higher plus at least 1 year of professional-level HR experience; or
- A bachelor's degree plus at least 2 years of professional-level HR experience; or
- At least 4 years of professional-level HR experience with no degree requirement.
Exam
- Exam
- PHR Exam
- Format
- Computer-based at a Pearson VUE test center or online through OnVUE
- Questions
- 115
- Time
- 2 hours of testing plus 30 minutes of administration time
90 scored questions plus 25 unscored pretest questions. Candidates can apply and test throughout the year.
Official fees
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $100 | Nonrefundable once an application is approved. | Official page |
| Exam fee | $395 | Total with application fee is $495. | Official page |
Only fees published by the issuer or regulator are listed. Blank amounts mean no official figure was available to verify.
Renewal and continuing education
- Cycle
- Every 3 years
- Requirement
- Earn 60 HR recertification credits over the three-year period, or retake the exam.
Related careers
| Occupation | National median wage |
|---|---|
| Human resources specialists | $75,940 |
| Human resources managers | $149,280 |
Holding a credential does not guarantee these wages; they describe all workers in the occupation.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, National. May 2025 reference period. Published April 30, 2026. Retrieved October 18, 2026. Methodology.
Sources
- HRCI: PHR Certification, accessed October 18, 2026
- HRCI: Exam Fees, accessed October 18, 2026
Verification notes
Member or discount pricing, retake fees, and recertification fees were not listed on the pages reviewed.
ConnectPrep is not affiliated with HR Certification Institute (HRCI). Credential names may be trademarks of their owners.