How to Get a PHR Certification - The Ultimate Guide for HR Professionals

As an HR professional, obtaining a PHR certification can be a real game-changer for your career. Becoming a certified Professional in Human Resources shows employers that you have the competencies and knowledge needed to succeed in HR roles.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting PHR certified. With over 10 years of experience in HR, I‘ll provide my insider perspective on the value of certification, eligibility requirements, exam breakdown, study resources, and more.

Let‘s get started!

Why Get PHR Certified?

The PHR credential carries a lot of weight in the HR field. According to the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), 96% of credential holders reported that certification gave them a competitive advantage in job search and promotion.

Here are some of the key benefits of becoming PHR certified:

Increased job opportunities: Many employers specifically seek out PHR certified candidates. The credential shows you have a solid HR knowledge base.
Higher earning potential: On average, PHR certified pros earn a salary that‘s 9% higher than their non-certified peers. The boost can be as high as 11% for senior level positions.
Career advancement: Because PHRs demonstrate dedication through certification, they are often given preference for promotions and leadership roles.
Enhanced skills and knowledge: The preparation and exam provide extensive training across all functional HR areas from compensation to labor relations.
Greater credibility: The PHR credential is globally recognized and valued. It enhances your reputation as an expert in the HR field.

Clearly, the PHR opens a lot of doors for HR pros. Even for those already established in their careers, it can take you to the next level.

PHR vs SPHR vs aPHR Certifications

Before we dive further into the PHR, it‘s important to understand how it compares to HRCI‘s other offerings:

PHR: This is considered the foundation level HR certification. It‘s best suited for early to mid-career professionals with at least 2 years of experience.
SPHR: The Senior Professional in Human Resources credential is meant for senior-level practitioners with at least 6 years of experience focused on strategy.
aPHR: The Associate Professional in Human Resources is for entry-level HR pros with under 2 years of experience.

For anyone firmly established in their HR career, the PHR is typically the most fitting choice and has the widest applicability across different industries and organization sizes.

Now, let‘s explore the eligibility requirements.

PHR Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the PHR exam, you must meet certain educational and work experience requirements:

Educational Background

High school diploma or GED: Need at least 4 years of professional HR experience
Associate‘s degree: Need at least 3 years of professional HR experience
Bachelor‘s degree: Need at least 2 years of professional HR experience
Master‘s degree or higher: Need at least 1 year of professional HR experience

Professional HR Experience

This refers to exempt-level tasks across HR disciplines like:

Employee relations
Recruiting
Compensation
Benefits administration
Training
Safety compliance

General office or admin duties do not qualify. You‘ll need to document your eligible experience when applying for the exam.

What‘s on the PHR Exam?

Now that your HR experience makes you eligible, what content will you need to prepare for?

The computer-based test contains 125 multiple choice questions, of which 100 are scored. Questions cover HR principles across these areas:

Business Management (21%)
Talent Planning and Acquisition (19%)
Learning and Development (19%)
Compensation and Benefits (18%)
Employee and Labor Relations (15%)
Occupational Health, Safety, and Security (8%)

You‘ll have 2 hours and 15 minutes total to complete the exam.

As you study, focus on brushing up on HR fundamentals as well as staying updated on the latest processes, laws, and best practices.

Let‘s look at some prep tips and resources to help master the material.

How to Prepare for the PHR Exam

The PHR exam covers a lot of ground across the HR discipline. Thorough preparation is key–you need to both refresh fundamentals as well as fill in any knowledge gaps.

Here are my top tips for effective PHR prep:

Review the Content Outline Thoroughly

Get very familiar with the exam content outline and use it to steer your study plan. Review the key tasks associated with each HR function and domain. Gauge the percentage of questions allocated to help focus your time accordingly.

Study with a Variety of Prep Materials

I suggest using a combination of techniques like self-study books, video courses, flashcards, practice tests, and study groups. This helps concepts sink in through repetition across formats.

Prioritize Understanding Concepts

Don‘t simply memorize definitions or test answers. Truly grasp how foundational HR principles apply on the job. Master the intentions behind practices like compensation design rather than just formulas.

Take Many Practice Tests

Taking practice exams helps reinforce what you‘ve learned and identify weak spots. Time yourself and get used to doing questions in an exam-like environment. Review answers carefully.

Form or Join a Study Group

Collaborating introduces you to different perspectives. Teaching concepts to others also cements comprehension. Discussing tricky topics can uncover nuances.

With smart prep, the PHR exam doesn‘t have to be intimidating. Now let‘s explore some specific resources to get you ready.

Top PHR Exam Prep Resources

Here are some of my favorite PHR study materials that I recommend to HR pros seeking certification:

PHR Exam Prep Courses on Udemy

For an immersive study experience, online video courses are extremely helpful. Udemy has a wealth of PHR prep programs to choose from. I suggest:

PHR/SPHR Certification Exam Prep by Catherine Mattice for its alignment to HRCI content requirements.
PHR Exam Prep and Review Course by Andrew Ramdayal which includes an eyecatching visual presentation style.

These courses walk through materials systematically and use relatable real-world examples.

SPHR/PHR Professional in Human Resources Certification All-in-One Exam Guide by Dory Willer

This is one of the most comprehensive and engaging self-study books available. It covers every exam topic thoroughly. I appreciate the "Note" and "Tip" callouts that provide exam-oriented guidance. The end-of-chapter practice questions are invaluable.

PHRi/SPHRi Certification Practice Tests by Chad Mansfield

Don‘t underestimate the value of test banks when prepping for exams. This 150+ question resource tests PHR knowledge across all domains. Taking these practice tests reinforces where to focus additional study time.

HRCP Certification Exam Preparation System

For a premium experience combining self-paced lessons, flashcards, practice exams, and more, HRCP is a go-to for many exam-takers. Their systems are designed around the HRCI‘s HRBoK and constantly updated for the latest information.

With the right combination of these resources, passing the PHR exam is very doable. Consistent preparation and truly understanding the material will get you to that certification goal.

How to Apply for PHR Certification

Once you‘re ready to go for the gold, here is the process to get certified:

Review exam requirements and schedule your test date at an authorized Pearson VUE center.
Complete the PHR application through HRCI‘s online system to establish your eligibility.
Pay the exam fees. This includes a $100 application fee and a $395 exam fee. Discounts are available for SHRM and HRCI members.
Take the exam! Bring valid ID. Immediately find out if you passed or need to retake.
Begin leveraging your new PHR credential! Add it to your resume, profiles, and business materials. Recertify every 3 years.

Earning the accredited PHR letters after your name takes diligence, but pays dividends throughout your HR career. The knowledge boost also makes you better at your job.

Let me know if you have any other questions as you work towards getting PHR certified! I‘m always happy to offer advice from an insider perspective. Wishing you success.