What is the PHR Exam Retake Policy?

Are you considering taking the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) exam to level up your HR career, but worried about what happens if you don’t pass on your first attempt? Don’t fret, you’re not alone, and understanding the PHR Exam retake policy is key to staying on track.

The PHR certification is an essential milestone for HR professionals looking to showcase their expertise and increase their career prospects. 

However, it’s totally normal to feel anxious about your first try. Knowing how the PHR Exam retake policy HRCI works will give you the confidence to try again if needed and help you plan your path to success. Let’s break it down, so you can take that exam with peace of mind.

Continue reading: PHR Certification Recertification

Understanding the PHR Exam Retake Policy

The PHR exam retake policy dictates that you may retake the exam, but you’ll have to wait through a specific waiting period before doing so. The number of attempts allowed is not unlimited, so it’s important to plan accordingly. 

For example, after failing the first attempt, you might need to wait 30 days before retaking the exam. Be sure to check the latest HRCI exam policies and fees so you can stay informed and properly prepare.

The PHR Exam retake policy exists to ensure that candidates are well-prepared and have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the HR field. 

The HRCI test questions are designed to challenge your proficiency, and the retake policy helps ensure that candidates are thoroughly ready for those challenges.

The HR Certification Institute (HRCI) created these guidelines to standardize the process and provide candidates with clear procedures for retaking the PHR exam. 

The retake policy offers some flexibility for those who don’t pass the exam on their first try but encourages candidates to seriously reflect and study before attempting again. This helps ensure that those who achieve the PHR certification are truly ready for the challenges of HR roles.

How Many Times Can You Retake the PHR Exam?

So, how many times can you take the PHR exam if you don’t pass the first time? Don’t worry, there is a set number of retake attempts you can make after an initial failure. 

Candidates are allowed to retake the PHR exam up to three times within a one-year period from the date of your original exam application.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that each attempt must be spaced out, and you can’t just go in for a retake whenever you feel like it. 

There are specific HRCI retake guidelines to ensure you’re taking the time to properly prepare for your next try and achieve the passing score for PHR certification. 

Related post: How Do I Schedule My PHR Exam?

Waiting Periods Between PHR Exam Attempts

After you’ve failed the PHR exam, there’s a waiting period before you can retake it. This waiting period is an important part of the process, giving you time to reflect on your previous attempt, study more, and ensure that you’re ready for your next go.

How Long You Must Wait Before Reapplying

The official waiting period is 30 days from your last attempt. This means that after you’ve taken the exam and didn’t pass, you’ll need to wait at least 30 days before reapplying and scheduling your next exam.

The waiting period is crucial because it gives you time to review your areas of weakness and take advantage of additional resources to improve your chances of success on the next attempt. It’s all about ensuring you’re truly prepared and confident when you sit for the exam again.

Find out: How Long Does It Take to Get PHR Certified?

Fees for Retaking the PHR Exam

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: fees. Yes, there are fees associated with retaking the PHR exam. But don’t worry, these fees are clear and easy to understand. 

The cost to retake the PHR exam is typically the same as the initial exam fee. So, plan for a similar amount when budgeting for your retake.

Cost Breakdown for Each Retake Attempt

Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved:

• Standard Exam Fee: The retake fee is usually the same as the original exam fee, which varies depending on whether you’re a member of the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) or not.
• Additional Fees: If you’re late in submitting your application or need to reschedule, you might incur late fees or reapplication fees.
• Discounts or Fee Waivers: Unfortunately, there aren’t typically discounts or fee waivers for retakes. However, some organizations offer financial assistance or study materials that might help reduce costs.

While these fees can be an investment, they’re a small price to pay for advancing your career with the PHR certification.

Related: PHR Certification Requirements

Eligibility Requirements After a Failed PHR Attempt

So, you didn’t pass the PHR exam on your first try. It happens to the best of us, and you’re not alone. But before you sign up for a retake, let’s go over the eligibility requirements.

If you didn’t pass, you’ll need to wait a bit before you can try again. The PHR exam retake policy states that you can retake the exam within a year of your first attempt, but you’ll need to follow these guidelines:

• You must wait at least 45 days before retaking the exam. That means you have time to regroup, study, and reprepare.
• The three-attempt rule comes into play after you fail three times. If you don’t pass the PHR after three attempts, you will need to wait a full year before you can reapply.
• After three failed attempts, candidates may also need to reapply for the exam. This means submitting a new application and ensuring your eligibility is still up-to-date.

So, while it might take some time to get back in the game after a few failed attempts, remember: persistence pays off.

How to Reapply for the PHR Exam After Failing

Ready for round two (or three)? Here’s how you can reapply for the PHR exam after a failed attempt. Don’t worry—we’ve got the steps laid out clearly for you so there’s no guesswork involved.

Steps to Complete a New Application

• Review the Requirements: Before reapplying, double-check the eligibility requirements to ensure you still meet them.
• Submit a New Application: You’ll need to fill out a new application form. It’s just like applying for the exam the first time—make sure all your information is accurate.
• Pay the Fees: Yes, the PHR exam does have a fee. Be prepared to pay it again when you reapply.
• Submit Updated Documentation (if necessary): If there were any changes in your qualifications since your last application, be sure to submit updated documentation. This could include new education credentials or HR experience.

Tips for a Smooth Reapplication Process

• Review the Exam Content Outline: The PHR exam content can evolve, so take some time to review the updated exam outline before reapplying. Knowing what’s covered will help you focus your study efforts.
• Pick the Right Testing Date: Choose a testing date that gives you enough time to prepare. Don’t rush your reapplication; instead, select a date when you’ll be confident in your preparation.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your reapplication goes smoothly, and you’re ready to take on the exam with renewed energy.

Strategies to Improve Your Chances on a PHR Retake

Now that you’ve re-applied, it’s time to focus on how to pass the PHR exam on your next attempt. If you didn’t pass the first time, it’s all about improving your study habits and strengthening areas of weakness. Let’s explore some proven strategies to boost your chances!

Review Your Mistakes

Start by reviewing your previous exam results. Look at the areas where you struggled, and spend more time studying those topics. Understanding where you went wrong can provide valuable insights into how to approach the exam differently. 

Additionally, familiarize yourself with the PHR exam retake policy to understand the specific guidelines for reapplying.

Create a Study Schedule

Set aside dedicated time each day or week to study. Having a schedule helps ensure you’re consistently making progress. 

A structured study plan will also help you balance work, personal life, and exam preparation effectively, especially since the PHR exam waiting period requires careful planning. This way, when the time comes to retake the exam, you’ll be ready.

Practice with Mock Exams

Taking practice exams will help you get familiar with the test format and timing. It’s also a great way to gauge your progress as you study. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll be when the actual test day arrives. 

Plus, you’ll know what to expect regarding question types and difficulty. Keep in mind that if you are retaking the PHR certification exam, you can use these practice exams as a way to monitor your improvements between attempts.

Focus on Weak Areas

If there were topics you found especially tricky during your first exam, prioritize those areas in your study routine. Consider breaking them down into smaller chunks for easier understanding. By focusing on areas where you struggled, you’ll increase your chances of scoring better on the retake. 

Remember, if you don’t pass the exam on your first attempt, it’s important to follow the PHR exam retake policy HR to ensure you meet all requirements for reapplication.

Check this out: HOW I PASSED PHR EXAM!

Resources and Study Tools to Support a Successful Retake

Don’t go it alone—there are plenty of study resources that can help you ace the PHR exam!

• PHR Study Guides: These guides are specifically designed to help you prepare for the exam, providing essential information and practice questions. The guides will help you better understand the structure and content of the exam for when you retake it.
• Online Review Courses: Consider enrolling in an online course such as Prepsaret to reinforce your knowledge. These courses often come with interactive elements that make studying more engaging and can be particularly helpful if you need to revisit areas where you struggled.
• Study Groups: Join a study group with other candidates who are also retaking the PHR exam. Sharing tips, strategies, and resources can help boost your understanding and retention, especially when it comes to areas you previously found difficult.
• Practice Exams: Online practice exams such as the ones offered by the Prepsaret PHR Prep Course are great for getting a feel for the questions you’ll encounter on the real exam. They are also useful tools to help you gauge where you stand before you retake the test.

These resources can provide the support you need to improve knowledge retention and set you up for exam success.

Check this out: Free PHR Practice Test

Impact of PHR Exam Retakes on Your HR Career Path

It’s understandable to worry about how a failed PHR exam attempt might impact your career. Will employers judge you for retaking the exam? 

The short answer is no—in fact, showing perseverance can actually work in your favor! Passing the PHR exam is important, but the willingness to persist through challenges speaks volumes about your dedication.

The Long-Term Value of Passing the PHR Exam

HR professionals who hold the PHR certification are often seen as highly qualified and committed to their career growth. Failing the exam doesn’t diminish that—it shows that you’re willing to put in the effort and keep improving. 

Employers recognize that determination, and it can be a sign of your commitment to growth in the HR field. 

Even if you’re unsure about how many times you can retake the PHR exam, remember that showing your commitment is often more important than getting it perfect on the first attempt.

How to Stay Motivated After a Failed Attempt

Here are some tips to keep your spirits high while preparing for your retake:

• Remember Your Goal: Keep the bigger picture in mind. Passing the PHR will open up new doors in your HR career. Even if you are concerned about the waiting period for retaking the PHR exam, you can still use this time wisely for preparation.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Even if you don’t pass on the first try, acknowledge the progress you’re making each time you study. Achieving smaller goals—like mastering a difficult topic—can keep you motivated.
• Stay Positive: Failure isn’t the end—it’s simply part of the process. Embrace the challenge, and let it drive you to improve. The HR certification exams retake policy encourages persistence, so don’t be discouraged.

How to Reapply for the PHR Certification Test

After your first attempt, if you need to reapply for the PHR certification test, follow these steps carefully. Be sure to check the PHR exam retake policy HR for details on fees, waiting periods, and reapplication instructions. 

Once the waiting period is over, you can submit your new application. Remember to pay the PHR test application fees as part of the process.

Can You Retake the Same PHR Certification Exam?

Yes, you can retake the same PHR certification exam. The exam content doesn’t change between attempts, so reviewing your previous exam performance will be crucial. 

If you don’t pass, simply follow the steps outlined in the HRCI exam policies and fees to ensure you’re ready to reapply and retake the test.

Steps to Retake the Professional in Human Resources Exam

If you’re ready to retake the exam, follow these steps to retake the Professional in Human Resources exam:

• Wait for the required PHR exam waiting period to pass.
• Review your previous exam results and identify areas for improvement.
• Submit a new application and pay the necessary PHR test application fees.
• Schedule your next exam date through Pearson VUE. Make sure to review the Pearson VUE testing center policies for PHR exam to avoid any surprises.

How Long Does It Take to Get PHR Exam Results?

After completing the exam, you might be wondering, how long does it take to get PHR exam results? Typically, it takes a few weeks, but you should check with HRCI for specific timelines. In the meantime, stay focused on your next attempt, knowing that every effort counts.

By following these tips and staying focused, you can improve your chances of passing the PHR exam on your next attempt. 

Don’t forget to review the PHR exam retake policy HR and ensure you understand the HRCI exam policies and fees before moving forward. Success is within reach, and with the right preparation, you’ll pass the PHR exam and take your HR career to the next level!

Learn more: How to Get PHR Certification

Additional Considerations

If you’re considering HRCI Second Chance Insurance, this can be a helpful backup option, providing peace of mind in case you don’t pass on your first try. This is a good way to ensure you don’t have to go through the entire process again if something unexpected occurs during the exam.

HRCI test questions can be tricky, but with diligent preparation, you can rise to the challenge. Remember, the PHR passing score is crucial, and the more you familiarize yourself with the format, the better your chances.

Also, don’t forget to check out online resources like What is the PHR Exam retake policy PDF or What is the PHR Exam retake policy Reddit discussions for more insights and experiences from others who have gone through the same process.

The PHR certification retake rules are clear, but staying informed through platforms like What is the PHR Exam retake policy HR certification on social media can provide added value to your preparation journey.

Finally, be sure to check for any updates related to PHR exam eligibility, as this can affect your ability to reapply. Knowing the HR certification retake policy thoroughly will help you stay confident in the process, ensuring your best chance for success.

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