Professional in Human Resources Test
The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) test is offered by the Human Resources (HR) Certification Institute to entry-level HR professionals who want to earn certification. Having a certification brings about many benefits in the workplace, such as higher standards of professionalism, recognition from staff and management, more job opportunities, and higher pay and bonuses. The PHR test and certification are designed specifically for individuals who have two to four years of professional HR experience, primarily focused on program implementation, are accountable to another HR representative in an organization, and are responsible for an HR department rather than an entire organization.
In order to take the PHR test, you must first be eligible for it. If you have a master’s degree, you must possess at least one year of HR experience. If you have a bachelor’s degree, you must have two years of HR experience. Four years of HR experience is required for those without a degree. The PHR test is offered only two times a year: spring and winter, typically from May-- June and then again from December – January. You will need to apply online using a user ID and a password. The application will ask for your personal information, mailing address, demographic information, HR work experience, felony conviction statement, and payment. The fee is $250 for Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) members and $300 for non-members.
If your application is approved, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter, which will explain how to schedule your PHR test. It is ideal to schedule it as early as possible, as testing appointments are first-come, first-served and do fill quickly. You may schedule the PHR test online or via telephone. There are approximately 250 testing centers throughout the United States. Many of them are open Monday through Saturday.
On the day of the PHR test, plan to arrive at the testing center 30 minutes early. You will need to bring a valid photo ID, and it is recommended that you bring your ATT letter as well. The PHR test is computer-based and contains 225 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours. The test is divided into six areas: workforce planning and employment, employee and labor relations, human resource development, strategic business management, total rewards, and risk management.
After you finish the PHR test, your results will be immediately available. You will know before you leave the testing center whether you have passed or failed. However, it can take up to four weeks to receive your official score report. The PHR test is scored using a scale. Out of 700, you must score at least 500 points to pass. If you pass, your official score report will show your total score and a breakdown of how many questions you answered correctly in each area. You will receive a certificate and pin. You will need to recertify every three years. If you fail the PHR test, your score report will show which areas you need to improve upon so you can spend more time studying these areas should you plan to retake the test. You can take the PHR test again during the next exam season, provided you re-register and submit another fee payment on time.