Individuals in human resources positions can highlight their knowledge and experience by earning a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification through the Human Resource Certification Institute. If you're already planning that move and you're looking for a PHR class to help you prepare for the certification exam, Varsity Tutors can help! We can match you with a tutor who knows what you can expect to see as part of your certification process and what is typically included in PHR courses.
According to HRCI, the exam demonstrates your understanding of human resources management when it comes to program implementation as well as the technical and operational aspects of the job. In order to qualify for the PHR certification, you must meet one of these combinations of education and experience: a master's degree and one year of experience; a bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience; or a high school diploma and four years of experience in a professional human resources position.
PHR certification lasts for three years, and over that time frame, you must earn 60 continuing education credits or you'll have to take the exam again at the end of three years.
The table below explains the number of questions on the exam, the length of time to take the exam, and how you can take it.
Exam Details
Exam Time | # of Questions | Location |
3 Hours | 150 scored questions + 25 pretest questions | Computer-based exam at a Pearson VUE testing center |
A PHR class with a private tutor allows you to personalize the content and your study strategies. As a tutor gets to know you better, they can assess your strengths and weaknesses and design a PHR prep course that highlights the areas you'd like more support in and review the content you're comfortable with.
You may find that practice tests, flashcards, and other study techniques are useful, and your tutor can incorporate those in your plan. Your tutor can create a personalized review and study schedule for your PHR classes. These are different from exam prep programs because tutoring provides you with a one-on-one PHR course. You can take your time because there's no limit on PHR prep classes with a tutor. You'll find that this offers a low-stress opportunity to prepare for your certification exam. The PHR certification test includes topics like employee and labor relations, business management, talent planning and acquisition, total rewards, and learning and development. The table below explains the breakdown of content areas on the exam.
PHR Exam Breakdown
Subject | Percentage of Exam |
Business Management | 20% |
Talent Planning and Acquisition | 16% |
Learning and Development | 10% |
Total Rewards | 15% |
Employee and Labor Relations | 39% |
Varsity Tutors works hard to match students who seek a PHR prep class with tutors who can deal with flexible schedules, and this is possible because we use a Live Learning Platform that can connect you with a tutor anytime, anywhere. Location isn't a factor that can stop your test prep. The tutors we match you with specialize in PHR prep courses.
If you're serious about preparing for your PHR exam and need one-on-one support, a PHR prep course with a tutor is a great option. Reach out today to find out how we can connect you with a tutor who can work with your situation and design a program of study that is unique to you.

Tamica: PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
I am an HR leader with a proactive approach to Human Resources. With 20+ years of experience, I am a total HR nerd that loves helping other people learn how to be value-added business partners.
Education & Certification
- American InterContinental University-Online - Bachelor in Arts, Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Northern Arizona University - Master in Management, Organizational Leadership
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- Professional Certifications
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional

Heather: PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...teacher, many that were developed through my own personal, as well as, various work and volunteer experiences. While teaching at Universities, public, private formative, and secondary schools all over the continental U.S., and homeschooling my own daughter opened many doors and provided opportunities that allowed for my experience in leadership, finances, and collaboration as well for many organizations. Being able to visit landmarks and monuments that I had read about and learned during my years...
Education & Certification
- Armstrong Atlantic State University - Bachelor in Arts, History
- Murray State University - Current Grad Student, Public Administration
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- AP Environmental Science
- GRE Verbal
- LSAT Analytical Reasoning
- +441 subjects

Leressa: PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...and Bachelor's in Business Education from NC A&T State University. I have worked extensively with training business professionals as well as high school and college students. I provide career coaching and mentoring to emerging HR leaders and job applicants in career transition. To prepare for HR certification tests, I provide an individualized approach to instruction by first assessing each students' strengths and determining how I can help them grow and enhance their skills. I am...
Education & Certification
- North Carolina A T State University - Bachelor of Science, Business Teacher Education
- Old Dominion University - Master of Science, Adult and Continuing Education
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- Human Resources
- Essay Editing
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- +12 subjects

Destiny: PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...author 3. A personal fitness and nutrition trainer 4. A seasoned tutor since 2007 5. An entrepreneur and business woman since age 9 6. Music teacher (Piano & Guitar) 7. Product Manager, Product Owner, & Scrum Certified Additional Subjects I teach: 1. Personal Budgeting 2. Women's Studies 3. Life Coaching 4. Weight Training 5. Amazon Self-Publishing 6. Minimalism/Decluttering 7. Goal Setting 8. Mock Interviews 9. Healthy Eating 10. Time Management 11. Career Sales Advice 12. College...
Education & Certification
- University of Georgia - Bachelors, 1. Public Administration, Policy, & Management 2. Psychology 3. Gender & Women's Studies
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- IB Design Technology
- CLEP History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present
- A Level Politics
- +578 subjects

Yazmin: PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...Human Resources Certification (PHR). Currently, I am pursuing my Masters's degree in Human Resources Management at Florida International University (FIU). I have a passion for teaching and have been a volunteer teacher for many years. I also have many years of experience training and teaching HR topics. I take pride in preparing for my classes and personalizing them for each individual's learning style. My goal is to bring the lesson to life for my students...
Education & Certification
- Florida International University - Bachelor of Science, Human Resources Management
- Capella University - Master of Science, Human Resources Management
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- Economics
- Business
- Alibaba Cloud Professional
- +16 subjects

Sandra: PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
I enjoy mentoring and working with those people who are interested in growing their careers. Over the last 20 + years, I have gained a wealth of hands on Human Resources experience. Looking forward to working with you!
Education & Certification
- University of Central Florida - Bachelor in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
- Webster University - Master of Arts, Human Resources Development
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- Academic Coaching
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- Study Skills
- +5 subjects

Gillian: PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...Pacific Lutheran University and a Master's in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga. I have held the HRCI SPHR certification since 2000 and the SHRM-SCP certification since it's inception in 2015. I have chosen to test for recertification voluntarily over the years to test my knowledge and maintain confidence in my skills and abilities. More recently I have chosen to track my 60 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) to maintain both certifications. I am a strong believer in...
Education & Certification
- Pacific Lutheran University - Bachelor in Arts, Human Resources Management
- Gonzaga University - Master of Arts, Organizational Leadership
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- SHRM-SCP - Society for Human Resource Management- Senior Certified Professional
- Professional Certifications
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional

Katey: PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...be it obvious or not, furthers my ability to lead them to success by fostering them as a unique individual. I feel it is incredibly important to establish a base with the student to ensure that they see and understand they, are recognized as a person, not just someone to tutor - another essential aspect in catering the differentiated ways to work together. I have a passion for playing soccer, ice skating, scuba diving, listening...
Education & Certification
- George Mason University - Bachelor in Arts, Business Communications
- George Mason University - Masters in Education, Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- GED
- ACCUPLACER ESL - Sentence Meaning
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- +398 subjects

Jody: PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...minor in Mathematics from Harris-Stowe State College. I came to St. Louis from New Jersey on a full 4 year basketball scholarship to Saint Louis University. I have been a college Mathematics Instructor for 20+ years. I have taught Mathematics online for 4+ years and I have tutored students in all levels of Mathematics for 20+ years. I am quite passionate about math and basketball. My 2 favorite topics to talk about. Although I like...
Education & Certification
- Harris-Stowe State University - Bachelor of Science, Education
- Webster University - Master of Arts, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- Probability
- High School Writing
- ACCUPLACER Language Use
- +165 subjects

Sheri Elizabeth: PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
I have a PhD in Human Resources as well as I am a graduate of The College of William and Mary with my MBA. I have been involved in Human Resources for over 30 years and have been an item writer for the test as well...
Education & Certification
- Saint Leo University - Bachelor in Arts, Human Resources Management
- Fielding Graduate University - Doctor of Philosophy, Human Resources Management
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- SHRM-SCP - Society for Human Resource Management- Senior Certified Professional
- Professional Certifications