By Terri Varnell, SPHR, Chief Operating Officer, HRCP · Updated October 2026
Short answer: PHR stands for Professional in Human Resources. The PHR® is a professional-level HR certification for people who implement HR programs and handle day-to-day HR operations, grounded in U.S. employment laws and regulations. To earn it, you need one to four years of professional-level HR experience, depending on your education, and a passing score on the PHR exam. The certification is valid for three years.
At HRCP, we've helped more than 100,000 HR professionals prepare for their certification exams since 1995, and “What is the PHR?” is one of the first questions we hear. When you're ready to start studying, our PHR Exam Prep guide takes you through the exam step by step.
PHR stands for Professional in Human Resources. It's awarded by HRCI, the HR Certification Institute. Once you pass, you can use the PHR designation after your name and on your resume.
The PHR is not the same as the SHRM-CP®, a separate certification from SHRM.
The PHR is for HR professionals who keep day-to-day HR running. It's a good fit if you:
If you're new to HR or work in an HR support role, the aPHR® may be a better first step. If you lead HR strategy and policy, look at the SPHR®.
The PHR verifies what you know against a recognized industry standard. It tells employers you:
That adds up to more credibility and career mobility. We look at the payoff in Is HR Certification Worth It?
The main differences are career level, required experience, and who awards the credential:
| Certification | Level | Experience required |
|---|---|---|
| aPHR | Entry level | None |
| PHR | Professional (day-to-day HR operations) | 1–4 years, depending on education |
| SPHR | Senior (HR strategy and policy) | 4–7 years, depending on education |
| SHRM-CP | Professional (awarded by SHRM) | Set by SHRM |
In our opinion, the HRCI and SHRM certifications are comparable. Our advice: search HR job postings in your region to see which credentials employers ask for.
Not sure which exam fits you? Take our free HR Certification Fit Assessment for a recommendation in minutes.
As of October 2026, you're eligible for the PHR if you have one of the following:
Your degree doesn't need to be in HR. The exam has 115 questions (90 scored plus 25 unscored pretest questions), and you get 2 hours to answer them, plus 30 minutes of administration time. It costs $495 (a $395 exam fee plus a $100 application fee). These details can change, so confirm them before you apply.
Earning the PHR takes five steps:
Our PHR Exam Prep guide goes deeper on each step, from exam content to study schedules.
Want to see where you stand today? Take our free practice test and join our free Test-taking Tips webinar.
Your PHR is valid for three years. To keep it, you earn 60 recertification credits over those three years, including one ethics credit, or you retake the exam. Credits come from HR-related learning like conferences, courses, and webinars.
Our main author served eight years on HRCI's Board of Directors, our team takes the exams ourselves on a regular basis, and our materials are updated every year, with each new edition released in January. The HRCP Program for the PHR includes:
We back our PHR program with our You Pass or Your Money Back money-back guarantee when you purchase directly from HRCP. Now, you have to do your part. If you meet all of the guarantee requirements and don't pass, you may be eligible for a refund of the purchase price of the HRCP Program. Terms and conditions apply.
Don't just take our word for it. Read our testimonials, like Blake T.: “I used the HRCP program for about 90% of my studying. I passed my PHR on my first try and would highly recommend this product as your main study resource.”
Ready to get started? Shop HRCP PHR exam prep or browse all HRCP study materials. You can do this, and we'll help you get there.
PHR stands for Professional in Human Resources. It's a professional-level HR certification for people who handle day-to-day HR operations.
Yes. You need at least one year of professional-level HR experience with a master's degree, two years with a bachelor's degree, or four years without a degree. If you're new to HR, the aPHR requires no HR experience.
No. The PHR is awarded by HRCI and the SHRM-CP by SHRM, each with its own exam. In our opinion, they're comparable. HRCP's free HR Certification Fit Assessment can help you choose.
Three years. To keep it, you earn 60 recertification credits, including one ethics credit, over the three-year period, or you retake the exam.
It's a money-back guarantee, not a pass guarantee. HRCP offers a You Pass or Your Money Back money-back guarantee for the PHR program purchased directly from HRCP. If you meet all of the guarantee requirements and don't pass, you may be eligible for a refund of the purchase price of the HRCP Program. Terms and conditions apply.
PHR, SPHR, and aPHR are registered trademarks of HRCI. SHRM-CP is a registered trademark of SHRM. HRCP is an independent exam prep provider and is not affiliated with HRCI or SHRM.