PHR Practice Test 2026 — Free PHR Exam Prep Questions
The PHR is HRCI's credential for HR professionals who handle the operational and technical side of HR under US federal law. Our scenario-based practice follows HRCI's 2024 PHR outline, from business management and talent acquisition through total rewards, employee relations and HR information management.
An HR manager's applicant-flow analysis shows that a written mechanical-aptitude test used to hire maintenance technicians produces adverse impact against women under the four-fifths rule. The test is given in exactly the same way to every applicant. What should the HR manager do first?
PHR format, scoring & key facts
Computer-based, at a Pearson VUE test center or online through Pearson VUE OnVUE remote proctoring.
| Functional area weights | Employee and Labor Relations 20%, Employee Engagement 17%, Total Rewards 15%, Business Management 14%, Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition 14%, Learning and Development 10%, HR Information Management 10% |
|---|---|
| Content outline | The current PHR Exam Content Outline took effect in 2024 |
| Pretest items | 25 of the 115 questions are unscored pretest items, mixed in so you cannot tell them apart |
| Seat time | 2 hours of testing plus 30 minutes for administration |
| Law focus | Tests US federal employment law, as in effect on your exam date |
| Cognitive levels | Covers knowledge/comprehension, application/problem-solving and synthesis/evaluation; as a practice-based exam, the PHR includes application- and synthesis-level items |
| 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/phr. Always confirm details with HRCI before your exam.
When can you take the PHR?
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 PHR covers
Every PrepBanq PHR test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
Business ManagementBusiness environment, cross-functional relationships, risk identification, HR metrics, and organizational culture and ethics. | 14% | ~13 | 21 questions → |
Workforce Planning and Talent AcquisitionFederal hiring laws, sourcing methods, and managing the talent acquisition lifecycle. | 14% | ~13 | 21 questions → |
Learning and DevelopmentCareer development and training programs, succession planning data, and administering L&D programs. | 10% | ~9 | 15 questions → |
Total RewardsCompensation, payroll, non-monetary rewards, benefits, and federally compliant pay and benefit programs. | 15% | ~14 | 22 questions → |
Employee EngagementEmployee lifecycle effectiveness, engagement programs, performance management, and separation activities. | 17% | ~15 | 26 questions → |
Employee and Labor RelationsOutreach and inclusion programs, health and safety laws, policy compliance, complaint resolution, and union/nonunion labor relations. | 20% | ~18 | 30 questions → |
HR Information ManagementHRIS data and technology, HR reporting and analytics, and data security practices. | 10% | ~9 | 15 questions → |
How to register for the PHR
- 1Confirm eligibilityCheck that you meet one of the professional-level HR experience and education combinations (1 year with a master's, 2 with a bachelor's, or 4 years).
- 2Apply and pay onlineCreate an HRCI account, submit the PHR application, and pay the US$100 application fee and the US$395 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). Audited applicants must send supporting documents, and accommodation or audit reviews take about 10 business days.
- 4Schedule with Pearson VUEOnce your status reads 'Eligible-Pending Appointment', book a test-center or OnVUE appointment using your 9-digit HRCI eligibility ID. You must test within 180 days of approval.
- 5Take the examBring a matching government photo ID. You have 2 hours for 115 questions (90 scored, 25 pretest), plus 30 minutes of administration time.
- 6Get results and recertifyA scaled score of 500 passes, and you then claim the PHR digital badge. Keep the credential by earning 60 recertification credits every 3 years.
Eligibility
One of the following: 1 year of professional-level HR experience plus a master's degree or higher; 2 years plus a bachelor's degree; or 4 years of professional-level HR experience
What to bring
- One original, valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID with a signature, showing your full legal name in Latin characters. The first and last name must exactly match your HRCI application. If the ID has no visible signature, bring a second ID with a matching name and either a photo or a signature.
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 reopens a 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, completed in part by a licensed or credentialed professional who documents the disability and the accommodations needed. HRCI arranges them 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 60 HR recertification credits during the 3-year cycle or by retaking the exam.
Your path to passing the PHR
Diagnostic
Free test across every content areaTargeted practice
Drill your weakest areas firstReview
Every option explainedFull simulation
Real format and timingReady
Book your exam with confidencePHR practice tests
All PHR tests →The full PHR question bank is on its way
All PHR practice tests here are free right now. Leave your email and we'll tell you when the complete question bank, full-length simulations and readiness tracking launch.
PHR FAQ
How many questions are on the PHR?
The PHR has 115 questions (90 of them scored) and you have 2 hours 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 PHR exam?
Testing time for the PHR is 2 hours.
What is the passing score for the PHR?
PHR 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 PHR cost?
The PHR registration fee is US$100 application fee + US$395 exam fee (US$495 total). The application fee is nonrefundable, and no refunds are given once an application is approved.. Check the official site for current fees before you register.
What is on the PHR?
The PHR covers Business Management (about 14%), Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition (about 14%), Learning and Development (about 10%), Total Rewards (about 15%), Employee Engagement (about 17%), Employee and Labor Relations (about 20%), HR Information Management (about 10%).
Who administers the PHR?
The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Exam is administered by HRCI. Delivery: Computer-based, at a Pearson VUE test center or online through Pearson VUE OnVUE remote proctoring.
Can you retake the PHR?
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 reopens a 180-day eligibility window and no new fees are due.
Is there a free PHR practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 15 free PHR practice tests with 150 exam-style questions in the real PHR formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
PHR practice test reviews
No reviews yet. Took a free PHR practice test? Tell other test-takers how it went.
Related business & hr exams
Your PHR prep starts with one free test.
Instant score report · no credit card.