Earning your PHR or SPHR is no easy task, but it’s a step well worth taking. Getting your certification requires a dedication of undivided time and effort. Although the process is difficult, the benefits speak for themselves. Those who pass the exam join a prestigious group of HR practitioners and add unmatched HR credentials to their names.
While the destination is unparalleled, the journey can be tough. HRCI® certification exams test your knowledge in every sphere and facet of HR practice, and you must command a thorough understanding to succeed.
We sat down with Stephanie Runyan, HRCI’s director of learning, to learn how to prepare for these intense exams. Here are five tips curated to decrease your test stress and increase your likelihood of becoming certified.
Earning the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification demonstrates your expertise and credibility in the HR field. But passing the PHR exam requires thoughtful preparation and study. This comprehensive guide provides tips and strategies to effectively study for the PHR and build the knowledge you need to succeed on exam day.
PHR Exam Overview
Let’s start with a quick rundown of the PHR exam
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Administered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
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Tests core HR principles across 6 knowledge areas
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Includes 175 multiple choice questions
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Time limit of 3 hours
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Offered year-round at testing centers
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Scored pass/fail
Thorough preparation is key as the exam covers a broad spectrum of HR topics. The right study plan can help you walk in ready to tackle the exam with confidence.
Create a Study Plan
Establish a structured study plan that works for you. Consider:
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Exam date – Pick a test date far enough out to leave time to prepare.
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Study schedule – Block out regular study sessions in your calendar. Allow 2-3 months for prep.
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Study resources – Select prep materials (see recommendations below).
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Review sessions – Schedule periodic reviews of knowledge areas.
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Practice tests – Take mock exams close to your test date.
Give yourself enough time in your plan to study consistently. Stick to your schedule!
Study Resources
Use a combination of resources to fully prepare for the PHR.
HRCI’s Exam Content Outline
This detailed outline breaks down the knowledge areas covered in the exam, the tasks associated with them, and the number of questions per section. Thoroughly review this to understand the content you’ll be tested on.
prepHR Courses
HRCI’s prepHR bundles offer courses combining video lectures, quizzes, and practice questions tailored to the exam content outline.
PHR Practice Exams
Take HRCI’s official timed and untimed PHR practice exams to get comfortable with the format and assess your knowledge.
Study Guides
Review manual like SHRM’s PHR/SPHR Professional in Human Resources Certification or PHR/SPHR Professional in Human Resources Certification Practice Exams by Sandra M. Reed.
Flashcards
Use digital or physical flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the outline.
Study Strategies
Along with quality prep materials, utilize these strategies to get the most out of your studying:
Take Notes
Actively taking notes boosts comprehension and retention. Write down key takeaways, mnemonics, charts, etc.
Explain Concepts Out Loud
Verbalizing information reinforces neural pathways. Teach HR concepts to yourself!
Ask “Why”
Probe deeper on processes and laws by understanding why they exist and how they connect.
Focus on Weak Areas
Use practice quizzes to identify gaps, then devote extra time to those knowledge domains.
Take Breaks
Schedule regular short breaks during study sessions to help your brain absorb information.
Final Tips for PHR Exam Success
Round out your prep with these tips:
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Check requirements – Confirm you meet HRCI’s eligibility before registering.
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Know logistics – Review rules, ID requirements, authorized materials, etc.
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Get enough rest – Don’t cram. Sleep well for peak mental performance.
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Arrive early – Leave buffer time to get settled.
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Use time wisely – Answer easiest questions first. Return to tougher ones.
With thoughtful preparation using the right mix of resources and strategies, you will walk into the PHR exam ready to succeed. Trust your hard work during study sessions. Remain focused, confident, and calm throughout the test. You’ve got this!
Schedule Your Test Early
One really simple way to decrease the stress of sitting for this intense exam is to schedule as soon as you’re cleared to take the exam. This may seem like common knowledge, but scheduling actually is frequently overlooked until the last minute. Scheduling early may not guarantee you the exact date and time that you want, but it does increase the likelihood of getting a time that works best with your schedule.
“Exam spots fill up quickly,” Runyan says. “If you wait too long to schedule, there’s the added stress of either not having a time available or having to travel to an unfamiliar location.” Scheduling early gives you more control — and more confidence. “Some people work better in the morning versus the afternoon or have certain days that they can’t do,” Runyan says. “Scheduling early is a simple way to solve those potential pitfalls before they develop.”
Figure Out Your Learning Style
There are multiple learning styles, and each individual learns in a completely different way, typically through some combination of styles. “No two learners are alike, so don’t expect to find a one-size-fits-all study solution,” Runyan says. “Just because a coworker studies effectively using flashcards doesn’t mean that that’s the right method for you.”
It’s critical to determine how you best retain and understand information before you spend time studying for the exam. Think back to your past educational experiences. Which teaching methods had the most impact? Where were you most successful?
Some people learn from hearing material, for example, so audio prep courses or webcasts might be a good study option. Those who learn by doing might make the best connections through actual practice.
Once you’ve determined the learning style(s) that work best for you, there are a number of prep courses and study options that you can leverage, including individual self-paced study, online prep and actual classroom settings.
#1 How to PASS Exam Professional in Human Resources® PHR® in 20 Hours | Full Course Training Part 1
FAQ
What is the best PHR prep course?
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Course
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Cost
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Pass Guarantee
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BenchPrep Best Overall
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$399
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Extended access
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HRCP Runner-Up, Best Overall
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$670–$970
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Not eligible
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Mometrix Best for Accessibility
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$119.99/month
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No
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Distinctive HR Best for Self-Paced Learning
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$395–$425
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No
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Why is it important to study for the PHR exam?
It’s important to study for the PHR exam because it can help you feel more confident and prepared and improve your score. When you study, you review materials relevant to the exam to build your knowledge and skills on the topics it covers. The more you read and practice, the more you can improve and feel comfortable with the material.
What is the best test to know if H.phlori has been treated successfully?
There are several tests to confirm if H pylori has been successfully treated. Most convenient test done for the same is carbon 13 urea breath test which can detect presence of H Pylori from the breath of the infected person. Other tests for the same incudes blood culture and endoscopic biopsy from the previously infected site.
What is a PHR exam?
The PHR exam is issued by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and is a requirement for obtaining PHR certification. The exam covers five functional areas: business management, talent planning and acquisition, learning and development, total rewards, and employee and labor relations.
How do I prepare for a PHR exam?
Take prep courses Prep courses are a comprehensive studying option that you can use to prepare for your PHR exam. You can find prep programs from various providers, and they often provide you with review materials. These materials may include video and audio content, study guides, quizzes, flashcards and practice tests.
