The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification is taken by a great number of human resources management experts. The credential is offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). In this PrepAway guide, we will tell you all the details you need to know about the HRCI PHR exam.
The test focuses mainly on the operational and technical aspects of human resource practices. The certification is available to all professionals who hold positions in the sphere of human resources. The exam is offered to qualified people who have experience with the HR organizational structure, implementation, and other similar practices.
The PHR test covers a wide range of human resources topics such as compensation and its benefits. The exam also assesses the applicant’s foundational knowledge and mastery of concepts. The test is computer-based and mostly made up of multiple-choice questions. You will have 3 hours to answer all the questions.
PHR Test Eligibility
There are both educational and experience requirements for the PHR exam takers. For you to apply for and sit the test, you have to meet any of the following listed requirements:
- Have a diploma from high school and at least four years of experience working in any professional HR position.
- Have a Bachelor’s degree, as well as a minimum of 2 years of experience working as a professional human resources manager.
- Have at a Master’s degree and a minimum of one year of experience in the sphere of HR.
Application for PHR Exam
To take the Professional Human Resource test, you need to apply for the certification exam and pay for it. It’s important to note that you can only apply and take the PHR test if you meet the minimum qualifications. Follow the following procedure to apply for the certification:
First, you need to have an account, which you will create on the official website of the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). After doing this, fill your application, pay the required fee, submit the application and wait for the approval.
Upon receiving approval, identify the nearest testing center and schedule your exam. Usually, this test can be attempted at any time of the year. Don’t forget that you are required to pay a fee for the exam, which is currently $395 and also need to cover your application, which currently costs $100. It’s worth noting that there are usually no refunds once the application has been approved.
Get more details about the PHR exam at https://www.hrci.org/how-to-get-certified/apply-for-certification/application-process
PHR Test Topics
Human resource experts design the PHR certification exam. It covers a range of topics that encompass human resource foundational knowledge and practices, as well as the laws and regulations connected to this sphere. Precisely, the following are the areas the PHR test includes:
- Business Management & Strategy
It tests your ability to develop, support and ensure the achievements of the vision and objectives of an organization. The applicants have to demonstrate the ability not only to interpret but also apply the information from the internal and external sources and evaluate the business metrics. They must also demonstrate the ability to create strategic and helpful relationships, both within and outside the organization. This area covers 11% of the exam.
- Workforce Planning & Employment
This part of the exam tests the ability of a candidate to understand and execute recruitment, orientation, and retention, as well as exit programs. You are required to demonstrate that you can assess and update job descriptions, conduct negotiations properly and review on-boarding processes. This area covers 24%.
- Compensation & Benefits
This area usually tests the ability of an applicant to develop, support, implement and assess the benefits program of the company. You need to demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of the job pricing, as well as pay structures. Applicants must also prove the knowledge of compensation, benefit strategies, and applicable laws. 37% of the entire exam is included in this section Website here.
- Employee & Labor Relations
This area covers 20%. It tests your ability to come up with and implement great strategies to maintain employee relationships, as well as the working conditions. You have to demonstrate the ability to assess the overall organizational climate, administer termination processes and resolve any employee complaints. You also need to have a full understanding of the existing labor laws.
- Risk Management
The final section covers 8% of the entire PHR exam. It tests whether an applicant can come up with, put into practice and evaluate great organizational programs, which support and encourage a favorable working environment. You must demonstrate knowledge of risk management applications, disaster recovery programs, employee drug, and substance abuse, investigation policies and safety risks at the workplace.
How to Prepare for the PHR Test? Tips from PrepAway
Just like many other exams, the PHR test includes two main components: the format and the topics. To ace this test, you must clearly understand these two components. First, you have to study and understand all the topics covered in the exam. Secondly, you need to know and understand its format.
One of the strategies you should apply in this situation is the use of a comprehensive study guide. HR experts develop a useful study guide, and it includes all the areas and topics covered in the test. It also offers test-taking strategies and tricks that can help an applicant take the exam more effectively. A comprehensive study tutorial also includes easy-to-read, but detailed explanations of the essential concepts, such as mission statements, business metrics, and strategies, like benchmarking and elimination.
Testing yourself repeatedly is another effective way of preparing for the certification exam. After studying all the topic areas and mastering main concepts, you can assess yourself to see how good you are. Take a full practice exam within the exact test-time. The result will show you the areas you need to adjust or focus on. You can take the tests as many times as you can until you are sure that you can pass the actual PHR exam. Dependable practice tests can be found on PrepAway website. Also, PrepAway offers a set of more than 50 lectures for your PHR exam.
In Conclusion
PrepAway strongly recommends you to arrive early at the test center. It’s advisable that you arrive at least 20 minutes before the exam starts. There is no need to bring your calculator because you will be provided with it. You are also required to bring any form of an ID that is issued by the government. It can be a passport, a driving license, or a national identity card. We hope that this guide was useful to you. Good luck!