Looking to advance your HR career? PHR certification classes can help you stand out in the competitive job market. Whether searching for PHR certification classes near me or online, becoming a Professional in Human Resources opens doors to better opportunities and higher pay.
Today’s employers value HR professionals with proven expertise, and PHR certification delivers just that. With options ranging from classroom settings to online courses, you can prepare in a way that fits your schedule and learning style.
Ready to get started? Prepsaret offers excellent online PHR certification exam prep courses with practice tests to help you succeed!
What is PHR Certification?
The Professional in Human Resources certification (PHR) is a respected credential awarded by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). Think of it as a stamp of approval that shows employers you’ve mastered core HR knowledge and skills needed in today’s workplace.
HRCI has been the gold standard for HR certification since 1976, making the PHR one of the most recognized HR credentials in the industry. When you earn your PHR, you demonstrate your commitment to the profession and your expertise in operational and technical aspects of HR management.
The actual testing process is handled through Pearson VUE testing centers, which offer secure and standardized testing environments across the country. You can easily schedule your exam at a convenient location through their online system once you’re ready to take the test.
Benefits of PHR Certification
Getting PHR certified offers many advantages for your career:
- Higher Earning Potential: PHR-certified professionals often earn 5-15% more than their non-certified peers
- Increased Job Opportunities: Many employers prefer or require certification for HR positions
- Enhanced Credibility: Greater credibility with colleagues and leadership
- Validated Expertise: Validated HR knowledge that demonstrates your expertise
- Commitment to Ethical Standards: Commitment to ethical standards in the profession
- Professional Growth & Networking: Professional growth and networking opportunities with other certified professionals
By achieving PHR certification, you invest in both your professional growth and the recognition of your HR expertise.
PHR Exam Structure and Content
Before enrolling in PHR certification classes, it helps to understand the topics covered in the PHR exam. The PHR exam consists of 115 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 2 hours plus 30 minutes administration time.
Of these questions, 90 are scored, and 25 are pretest questions that don’t count toward your score but are being evaluated for future exams. The PHR certification exam content outline covers seven functional areas of HR, each weighted differently:
- Business Management (14%) – HR’s role in organization strategy and metrics
- Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition (14%) – Recruiting, selecting, and onboarding employees
- Learning and Development (10%) – Employee training, development, and performance management
- Total Rewards (15%) – Compensation, benefits, and rewards systems
- Employee Engagement (17%) – Developing positive workplace culture and employee relations
- Employee and Labor Relations (20%) – Managing employee relations, compliance, and risk management
- HR Information Management (10%) – HR technology, data management, and privacy
The PHR exam doesn’t just test your memory—it evaluates how well you can apply HR knowledge to real workplace situations. Questions often present scenarios that require critical thinking and judgment, much like what you’d face in an actual HR role.
PHR Certification Requirements and Eligibility
Not everyone can sign up for the PHR exam right away. HRCI has specific eligibility requirements based on your education and work experience. To qualify, you must meet one of the following eligibility for PHR certification for education and experience:
- Option 1: With a Master’s degree or higher in HR, you need at least one year of professional HR experience
- Option 2: With a Bachelor’s degree, you need at least two years of HR experience
- Option 3: With less than a Bachelor’s degree, you need at least four years of HR experience
The experience must be in a professional-level HR position, not in an administrative support role. Your work must involve HR policy-making and the direct support of an organization’s HR department.
These requirements ensure that PHR-certified professionals have both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, making the certification meaningful to employers.
For comprehensive information on eligibility, application, and exam structure, be sure to check the HRCI PHR certification details on the official HRCI website.
PHR Certification Cost and Financial Considerations
The PHR certification process involves several costs that you should budget for:
- Application fee: $100
- Exam fee: $395 for HRCI members, $495 for non-members
- PHR Study materials: $50-$1,000 depending on what you choose
- Preparation courses: $50-$1,500 for comprehensive programs
While these PHR certification costs might seem steep, consider them an investment in your career. Many organizations offer tuition reimbursement for professional certifications, so check with your employer about financial support options.
For more affordable PHR certification options, look for early registration discounts, bundle packages that include:
- study materials and practice tests
- group discounts if multiple people from your organization are getting certified
- discounted PHR training courses during promotional periods
- payment plans that let you spread the cost over time.
PHR Exam Preparation Methods
With so much material to cover, having a solid preparation strategy is essential. Let’s explore the most effective methods:
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PHR Practice Tests
Taking PHR practice tests is one of the most effective ways on how to prepare for the PHR exam. These tests help you:
- get comfortable with the question format and timing
- identify knowledge gaps that need more study
- build confidence by simulating the real testing experience
- reduce test anxiety through familiarity with the process.
Prepsaret offers some of the best quality PHR practice exams available, with questions that closely mirror the style and difficulty of the actual exam. Regular practice testing is strongly correlated with higher pass rates on the PHR exam.
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Study Guides and Books
Good old-fashioned reading remains a powerful way to master PHR content. Top PHR study guides provide comprehensive coverage of all exam topics, practice questions with detailed explanations, study tips and test-taking strategies, and real-world examples that illustrate key concepts.
Look for recently updated guides that reflect the current exam content outline. Many successful candidates combine study guides with other preparation methods for the best results. You can buy PHR study guides from reputable online retailers or course providers to ensure you have access to the latest materials and practice questions for exam preparation.
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Online PHR Certification Classes
For structured learning with expert guidance, online PHR certification classes are hard to beat. PHR certification classes online offer the flexibility to study at your own pace, making it easier for busy professionals to prepare for the exam without disrupting their daily routines
HRCI-approved training providers offer courses that are specifically aligned with current exam content. Online classes give you the flexibility to study when and where it’s convenient, making them ideal for busy professionals.
The cost-effectiveness of online learning is another major advantage. Online PHR certification classes typically cost less than in-person options while providing the same quality of instruction. Plus, you save money on travel and accommodation expenses that might come with attending classes in person.
Prepsaret’s PHR Exam Preparation Resources
When it comes to comprehensive PHR exam preparation, Prepsaret stands out as a top choice. Their program is designed by HR professionals who understand exactly what it takes to pass the exam.
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Comprehensive Study Materials
Prepsaret’s study materials cover all seven functional areas of the PHR exam in detail. Each section includes:
- clear, concise explanations of key concepts
- real-world examples that make abstract ideas concrete
- detailed study notes that highlight the most important points
- quizzes at the end of each lesson to test your understanding.
The material is regularly updated to reflect changes in HR practice and exam content, ensuring you’re studying what’s actually on the test.
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Over 300 PHR Practice Questions
Nothing builds confidence like practice, and Prepsaret delivers with more than 300 practice test questions. Each question comes with:
- detailed explanations for both correct and incorrect answers
- reasoning behind each possible choice
- references to other PHR certification study materials for further review
- performance tracking to monitor your progress.
This approach helps you understand not just what the right answer is, but why it’s right—critical for mastering the application-based questions on the PHR exam.
How to Enroll in PHR Certification Classes
The best PHR certification courses for beginners provide a solid foundation in HR principles, ensuring new professionals can grasp the core concepts and pass the exam with confidence. Ready to get started? Follow these steps to enroll in PHR certification classes:
- Assess your needs – Consider your learning style, schedule, and budget
- Research providers – Look for reputable programs with good reviews and pass rates
- Compare offerings – Check course content, support features, and pricing
- Choose your format – Decide between online, in-person, or hybrid classes
- Register and pay – Complete the enrollment process and payment
- Schedule your study time – Block out regular study sessions in your calendar
- Register for the exam – Once you’re ready, sign up for the PHR exam through the HRCI website
When choosing the best PHR certification class for you, consider instructor qualifications and experience, pass rates of previous students, study materials included in the price, support options like tutoring or study groups, and guarantees or free retakes if offered.
To register for the PHR exam online itself, visit the HRCI website, create an account, and follow the application process. Once approved, you can schedule your test date at a Pearson VUE PHR testing centers near you. Most centers offer flexible scheduling options, including evenings and weekends.
PHR vs SHRM Certification
Many HR professionals wonder whether to pursue PHR certification or one of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) credentials. Here’s how they compare:
- PHR Certification focuses more on technical and operational HR knowledge, and emphasizes compliance and U.S. laws and regulations. PHR certification is ideal for early to mid-career HR professionals, and provides more detailed coverage of functional HR areas.
- SHRM Certification places greater emphasis on behavioral competencies and leadership, and takes a more global approach to HR practices. SHRM certification offers SHRM-CP for early to mid-career professionals, and SHRM-SCP for senior-level practitioners.
Your choice might depend on your career goals. If you’re focused on HR operations and compliance, PHR might be better. If you’re aiming for HR leadership roles, SHRM certification could be advantageous. Some professionals eventually earn both to demonstrate comprehensive expertise.
Many employers value both certifications, but some industries or companies may prefer one over the other. Research job postings in your target companies to see which certification appears more frequently.
Related post: PHR vs. SHRM
Free and Affordable PHR Training Programs
Not everyone has a big budget for certification preparation. Fortunately, there are free and low-cost options available
Free resources include:
- HRCI exam content outline (download from their website)
- HR blogs and websites with practice questions
- Study groups on LinkedIn and other social platforms
- YouTube videos covering PHR topics
- Free webinars offered by training providers
Affordable options include:
- Community college continuing education courses
- Second-hand study materials from recently certified professionals
- Group discounts when studying with colleagues
- Early-bird registration discounts on training programs
- Employer-sponsored training programs that cover part or all of the cost
While free PHR certification classes and resources can help, they typically don’t provide the structure and comprehensive coverage of paid programs. Consider using free materials to supplement a more structured preparation approach rather than relying on them entirely.
FAQs About PHR Certification Classes
What Is the Best PHR Prep Course?
Prepsaret consistently ranks among the top PHR prep courses due to its comprehensive materials, practice tests, and flexible learning options designed for various learning styles.
How Do I Start Studying for PHR?
Begin by reviewing the HRCI exam content outline, creating a study schedule, and gathering resources like study guides and practice tests. Consider enrolling in a structured prep course for guidance.
How Much Does PHR Certification Cost?
The total PHR certification cost ranges from $800 to $2,000, including the $495 exam fee, application fee, and study materials. Recertification is required every three years.
Can You Get a PHR Without Experience?
No, HRCI requires at least one year of professional HR experience even with a Master's degree in HR. Those with less education need more experience to qualify for the PHR exam.
Can You Take the PHR Online?
Yes, the PHR exam can be taken online through Pearson VUE's remote proctoring option, allowing you to test from home if you meet the technical requirements.
Start Your PHR Certification Journey Today!
PHR certification validates your HR expertise and advances your career. With quality PHR certification classes, you can join distinguished HR professionals who demonstrate excellence.
Prepsaret’s comprehensive study resources and flexible training programs provide everything needed on how to pass the PHR exam on the first try. Don’t wait—invest in your professional future by starting your PHR certification journey today!