aPHR Practice Test 2026 — Free aPHR Exam Prep Questions
The aPHR is HRCI's entry-level, knowledge-based credential for students, career changers and new HR practitioners, and it requires no prior HR experience. Our practice covers the five functional areas of the aPHR outline, with a focus on core US HR laws, terms and everyday HR situations.
In which type of interview is every candidate asked the same job-related questions in the same order, with answers rated on the same scale?
aPHR format, scoring & key facts
Computer-based, at a Pearson VUE test center or online through Pearson VUE OnVUE remote proctoring. A calculator is built into the exam software; personal calculators are not allowed.
| Functional area weights | Compliance and Risk Management 25%, Employee Relations 24%, Talent Acquisition 19%, Compensation and Benefits 17%, Learning and Development 15% |
|---|---|
| Content outline | The current aPHR Exam Content Outline took effect in 2021 |
| Pretest items | 25 of the 90 questions are unscored pretest items, mixed in so you cannot tell them apart |
| Seat time | 1 hour 45 minutes of testing plus 30 minutes for administration |
| Experience needed | None. The aPHR is HRCI's knowledge-based credential for people starting out in HR |
| Law focus | Tests US federal employment law, as in effect on your exam date |
| Calculator | Built into the exam software; personal calculators and outside scratch paper are not allowed online |
| Eligibility window | 180 days from application approval, with one 60-day extension available on request |
| Retake wait | 90 days after an unsuccessful attempt |
Facts last verified Oct 17, 2026. Source: www.hrci.org/certifications/individual-certifications/aphr. Always confirm details with HRCI before your exam.
When can you take the aPHR?
Pearson VUE test-center and OnVUE online appointments are available year-round, within 180 days of application approval. You can request one 60-day extension at least 10 days before the window closes. Reschedule at least 2 business days before a test-center appointment, or 1 hour before an online one, or you forfeit your fees; Pearson VUE charges a rescheduling fee.
Plan backwards from your exam date
What the aPHR covers
Every PrepBanq aPHR test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
Talent Acquisition | 19% | ~12 | 29 questions → |
Learning and Development | 15% | ~10 | 22 questions → |
Compensation and Benefits | 17% | ~11 | 25 questions → |
Employee Relations | 24% | ~16 | 36 questions → |
Compliance and Risk Management | 25% | ~16 | 38 questions → |
How to register for the aPHR
- 1Check you're a fitNo HR experience is required, so the aPHR suits students, HR assistants, managers outside HR and career changers.
- 2Apply and pay onlineCreate an HRCI account, submit the aPHR application, and pay the US$100 application fee and the US$300 exam fee. Second Chance Insurance can only be added at this point.
- 3Wait for approvalHRCI emails your status: approved, more information needed, or selected for random audit.
- 4Schedule with Pearson VUEOnce your status reads 'Eligible-Pending Appointment', book a test-center or OnVUE appointment with your 9-digit HRCI eligibility ID. You must test within 180 days of approval.
- 5Take the examBring a matching government photo ID. You have 1 hour 45 minutes for 90 questions (65 scored, 25 pretest), plus 30 minutes of administration time.
- 6Get results and recertifyA scaled score of 500 passes. Keep the credential by earning 45 recertification credits every 3 years.
Eligibility
No HR experience is required. The aPHR is a knowledge-based credential for people new to HR, managers outside HR and career changers.
What to bring
- One original, valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID showing your full legal name in Latin characters, exactly matching the name on your HRCI application.
Retake policy
Wait 90 days after an unsuccessful attempt before scheduling a retake. Without Second Chance Insurance you must reapply and pay all fees again; with it, HRCI opens a new 180-day eligibility window and no new fees are due.
Testing accommodations
Tick the accommodation box on the application and submit HRCI's Special Testing Accommodation Request Form, with a section completed by a licensed or credentialed professional. HRCI arranges accommodations with Pearson VUE. The online-proctored option offers very limited accommodations, so a test center is recommended.
Score release
At a test center you get a results report on site, and Pearson VUE emails you within 1–2 business days when official results are online. For online-proctored exams the result appears in your HRCI account within about an hour, and the web report arrives within 24–48 hours.
Credential renewal
Valid for 3 years. Recertify by earning 45 recertification credits during the 3-year cycle or by retaking the exam.
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aPHR FAQ
How many questions are on the aPHR?
The aPHR has 90 questions (65 of them scored) and you have 1 hour 45 minutes to finish. Question types: Traditional multiple choice (3 or 4 options, one correct), multiple choice with multiple responses (the item says how many to pick), fill in the blank, drag and drop, and scenario sets where one HR situation is followed by several items. Credit is given only when every part of an item is correct; there is no partial credit..
How long is the aPHR exam?
Testing time for the aPHR is 1 hour 45 minutes.
What is the passing score for the aPHR?
aPHR passing standard: Scaled score of 500. The cut score is set with the modified Angoff method, and forms are equated. Score range: 100–700 (scaled).
How much does the aPHR cost?
The aPHR registration fee is US$100 application fee + US$300 exam fee (US$400 total). The application fee is nonrefundable, and the exam fee is not refunded once an application is approved.. Check the official site for current fees before you register.
What is on the aPHR?
The aPHR covers Talent Acquisition (about 19%), Learning and Development (about 15%), Compensation and Benefits (about 17%), Employee Relations (about 24%), Compliance and Risk Management (about 25%).
Who administers the aPHR?
The Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) Exam is administered by HRCI. Delivery: Computer-based, at a Pearson VUE test center or online through Pearson VUE OnVUE remote proctoring. A calculator is built into the exam software; personal calculators are not allowed.
Can you retake the aPHR?
Wait 90 days after an unsuccessful attempt before scheduling a retake. Without Second Chance Insurance you must reapply and pay all fees again; with it, HRCI opens a new 180-day eligibility window and no new fees are due.
Is there a free aPHR practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 15 free aPHR practice tests with 150 exam-style questions in the real aPHR formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
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