SPHR Practice Test 2026 — Free SPHR Exam Prep Questions
The SPHR is HRCI's senior credential for HR leaders who set strategy, shape policy and answer for people outcomes across the organization. Our practice follows the 2024 SPHR outline and stresses strategic judgment in leadership, workforce planning, talent management, total rewards and HR technology and safety.
The 401(k) investment committee at Oakhurst Financial Services has not reviewed its fund lineup in six years, and several funds charge fees well above comparable options. One committee member argues that no change is needed because participants choose their own investments. What should the CHRO, who chairs the committee, recommend?
SPHR 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 test software; outside calculators are not allowed.
| Functional area weights | Leadership and Strategy 33%, Talent Management 23%, Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition 17%, Total Rewards 17%, HR Information Management, Safety, and Security 10% |
|---|---|
| Content outline | The current SPHR Exam Content Outline took effect in 2024 and replaced the 2018 outline |
| Pretest items | 25 of the 140 questions are unscored pretest items, mixed in so you cannot tell them apart |
| Seat time | 2 hours 30 minutes of testing plus 30 minutes for administration |
| Law focus | US federal employment law in effect on your exam date |
| Cognitive levels | Knowledge/comprehension, application/problem-solving and synthesis/evaluation; the SPHR is a practice-based exam that includes application- and synthesis-level items |
| Calculator | Built into the test software; personal calculators are not allowed |
| Retake wait | 90 days after an unsuccessful attempt |
Facts last verified Oct 17, 2026. Source: www.hrci.org/certifications/individual-certifications/sphr. Always confirm details with HRCI before your exam.
When can you take the SPHR?
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 SPHR covers
Every PrepBanq SPHR test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
Leadership and StrategyLeading the HR function by developing HR strategy, contributing to organizational strategy, influencing people management practices, and monitoring risk. | 33% | ~38 | 50 questions → |
Workforce Planning and Talent AcquisitionForecasting organizational talent needs and developing strategies to attract and engage new talent. | 17% | ~20 | 25 questions → |
Talent ManagementDeveloping and designing talent management programs and initiatives that foster an engaging and high-performing workforce. | 23% | ~26 | 35 questions → |
Total RewardsCreating compensation and benefit strategies to attract, reward, and retain talent, aligned to organizational strategy and culture. | 17% | ~20 | 25 questions → |
HR Information Management, Safety, and SecurityIdentifying the tools, technology, and systems needed to report on organizational strategy while monitoring employee safety and security. | 10% | ~12 | 15 questions → |
How to register for the SPHR
- 1Confirm eligibilityCheck that you meet one of the professional-level HR experience and education combinations (4 years with a master's, 5 with a bachelor's, or 7 years).
- 2Apply and pay onlineCreate an HRCI account, submit the SPHR application, and pay the US$100 application fee and the US$495 exam fee. Second Chance Insurance can only be added at this point.
- 3Wait for approvalHRCI emails your status. Audited applicants must send supporting documents; audit and accommodation reviews take about 10 business days.
- 4Schedule with Pearson VUEBook 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 30 minutes for 140 questions (115 scored, 25 pretest), plus 30 minutes of administration time. There are no scheduled breaks.
- 6Get results and recertifyA scaled score of 500 passes. You then keep the SPHR by earning 60 recertification credits, 15 of them Business credits, every 3 years.
Eligibility
Professional-level HR experience, with one of the following: 4 years plus a master's degree or higher; 5 years plus a bachelor's degree; or 7 years of experience
What to bring
- One valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID with your full legal name in Latin characters. The name must exactly match 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.
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 recertification credits (45 HR + 15 Business) during the 3-year cycle or by retaking the exam.
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SPHR FAQ
How many questions are on the SPHR?
The SPHR has 140 questions (115 of them scored) and you have 2 hours 30 minutes to finish. Question types: Mostly traditional multiple choice (3 or 4 options, one correct), plus 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 that integrate different subject areas. An item earns credit only when every part is correct; there is no partial credit..
How long is the SPHR exam?
Testing time for the SPHR is 2 hours 30 minutes.
What is the passing score for the SPHR?
SPHR 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 SPHR cost?
The SPHR registration fee is US$100 application fee + US$495 exam fee (US$595 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 SPHR?
The SPHR covers Leadership and Strategy (about 33%), Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition (about 17%), Talent Management (about 23%), Total Rewards (about 17%), HR Information Management, Safety, and Security (about 10%).
Who administers the SPHR?
The Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) 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 test software; outside calculators are not allowed.
Can you retake the SPHR?
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 SPHR practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 15 free SPHR practice tests with 150 exam-style questions in the real SPHR formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
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