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.
Kristine: Leeds PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...allow for concentrated time on a topic or subject where you may need some additional support. Our tutoring sessions will be comfortable and collaborative and will build to your success. What are your goals? For any students working with Business Law, Business Ethics, Employment Law and HR principals, I would be a good resource for...
Education & Certification
- Minnesota State University-Mankato - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- Calculus 3 (in French)
- Test Prep
- +17 subjects
Gillian: Leeds PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...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 the value of HR...
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
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- Professional Certifications
Carole: Leeds PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...Beyond my corporate and business experience, I have a deep passion for education and mentorship. I have spent over 20 years coaching adults in their careers and have also worked extensively as a personal tutor for children and young adults at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. While I tutor in a variety of...
Education & Certification
- Hampton University - Bachelor of Science, Finance
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Master of Science, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- SHRM-SCP - Society for Human Resource Management- Senior Certified Professional
- Marketing
- High School Business
- +23 subjects
Jenise: Leeds PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...have 12 years of HR experience. I've also taught Managing Human Capital, Introduction to Compensation and Benefits and Business courses at the university level. I have trained others in time management and developing effective study skills. In my spare time I'm an avid reader and I love true crime shows. I look forward to working...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelor of Science, Community Health Services
- Lewis University - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- Study Skills and Organization
- Financial Accounting
- +17 subjects
Haider: Leeds PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...styles, and learning disabilities, which have always been at the forefront of my educational endeavors. I believe fostering a love for learning and building students' confidence is essential for their academic and personal growth. My role as a tutor in clinical settings has provided me with firsthand knowledge of the challenges and demands faced by...
Education & Certification
- Ayub Medical College - Bachelor of Science, Community Health and Preventive Medicine
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- NPTE - National Physical Therapy Examination
- USMLE Step 3
- ABONCLE - American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiner
- +590 subjects
Moses: Leeds PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...am a certified HR professional with 10 years of experience across a wide range of specializations including employee relations, leaves of absence, multi-state payroll operations, and legal immigration. I am a graduate of Yale University, with a passion for helping students gain admission to their college of choice through admissions essay review and feedback. My...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor in Arts, Art History, Criticism, and Conservation
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- SHRM-SCP - Society for Human Resource Management- Senior Certified Professional
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- High School World History
- +49 subjects
Aaron: Leeds PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...a practical working knowledge of management, human relationships, and leadership principles. This approach is rarely met with resistance, often leading students to appreciate their chosen academic career path and creating a decision to further pursue degrees in business and accounting. However, I find the most success when I find students use the problem-solving skill-sets I...
Education & Certification
- ITT Technical Institute-Indianapolis - Bachelor of Science, Network and System Administration
- University of Phoenix-Online Campus - Doctor of Business Adminstration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- CSCP - Certified Supply Chain Professional
- PMP
- FINRA - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
- +411 subjects
Kelli: Leeds PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...that my Students enjoy themselves in the things they learn organically as they develop their confidence in each subject matter. As a Educational Leader, it is my duty to assess At-Risk and Fail grade situations with care and compassion. My goal with students is to quickly assess, plan, fully commit, and get to the true...
Education & Certification
- Liberty University - Master of Arts, Counselor Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- ANCC - American Nurses Credentialing Center
- Certified Medical Assistant Exam
- ARM - Associate in Risk Management
- +371 subjects
Jamal: Leeds PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...PhD is in Curricular and Instructional Studies. At present, I am teaching at the University of Akron's College of Business (Advance Accreditation Council Business Schools Programs), and School of Communication. These experiences have given me firsthand exposure to the emerging challenges and molded my global approach in working with my students. I have learned that...
Education & Certification
- Florida International University - Master's/Graduate, Hospitality Management
- University of Akron - Doctorate (PhD), Curricular & Instructional Studies
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- SHRM-SCP - Society for Human Resource Management- Senior Certified Professional
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- English
- +18 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Phoenix-Bay Area Campus - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Management
- Globe University-La Crosse - Master of Science, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- SHRM-SCP - Society for Human Resource Management- Senior Certified Professional
- Human Resources
- +3 subjects
Tamica: Leeds 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
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- Professional Certifications
Ahmir: Leeds PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...am Ahmir Kenyatta a Human Resources Executive with ten years of experience and a Professor. I specialize in Business, Human Resources, and similar credentials. I understand civil and employment law exceptionally and can easily teach these areas. As a tenured leader I bring my wealth of knowledge and experience, coupled with my experience in education,...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Master of Arts, Human Resources Development
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- Human Resources
- Law
- +22 subjects
Tammie: Leeds PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...industry, I had the honor of being invited to Sao Paulo, Brazil, as an International Train-the-Trainer at an American-Brazilian cultural Institute. Upon returning home to the US, I expanded my role in Training and Human Resources. To extend my educational goals in Human Resources and Training & Development, I completed an MBA while also studying...
Education & Certification
- University of Arkansas - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Management
- University of Central Arkansas - Masters in Business Administration, International Business
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- SHRM-SCP - Society for Human Resource Management- Senior Certified Professional
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- Human Resources
- +2 subjects
Kevin: Leeds PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...Logistics, Manufacturing, Services and Transportation. This background gives me a unique perspective from which to assist my clients in finding their full potential. I have also designed, developed, deployed and delivered dozens of programs in every area of Human Resources with a special emphasis on Talent Development, Change Management and Employee Engagement. A world traveler...
Education & Certification
- Kenyon College - Bachelor in Arts, International Business
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- SHRM-SCP - Society for Human Resource Management- Senior Certified Professional
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- Professional Certifications
Sarah: Leeds PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...in Transformational Coaching where I have studied neurochemistry, subconscious reprogramming, and coaching methodology. This helps me to deepen my Learner's ability to cognitively integrate new learnings and create successful learning action plans. I infuse fun, humor, and personal stories into my teaching to increase engagement and retention. My style is easy going but deeply impactful.
Education & Certification
- Bentley University - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- PMP
- Six Sigma
- +38 subjects
Joe: Leeds PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...Analytics. With over 9 years of tutoring experience, I am passionate about working with all students, especially those needing assistance in finance, accounting, mathematics, and computer science/programming courses because these subjects present so many opportunities for problem solving and students to obtain that "aha" moment. That said, I am qualified and willing to help you...
Education & Certification
- University of Kansas - Bachelor of Science, Accounting and Finance
- American University - Master of Science, Finance
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- UK A Level Accounting
- Medicine
- Algebra 2
- +222 subjects
Barry: Leeds PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
Forty years of Corporate HR / Labor Relations experience, a J.D. Degree in Employment / Labor Law and a Master of Science Degree in Industrial Relations. I promise I can help you pass the PHR / SPHR exam...
Education & Certification
- West Virginia Wesleyan College - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
- University Of Pittsburgh School Of Law - Professional (JD, MD, DMD, etc), Employment / Labor Law
- Marshall University - Master of Science, Labor and Industrial Relations
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- SHRM-SCP - Society for Human Resource Management- Senior Certified Professional
- Business
- +2 subjects
Summer: Leeds PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...years, I've specialized in tutoring professionals for SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certification exams, combining real-world HR expertise with proven instructional strategies. My approach is student-centered and flexibleI adapt to each learner's style and pace to make complex HR concepts accessible and actionable. Whether I'm guiding early-career professionals or mentoring seasoned practitioners, I focus on building confidence,...
Education & Certification
- Coastal Carolina University - Master's/Graduate, Business Administration
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- Six Sigma
- SHRM-SCP - Society for Human Resource Management- Senior Certified Professional
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- +5 subjects
Iveliz: Leeds PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...in every endeavor. My journey through the realms of business management, training and development, sales, operations, and human resources has allowed me to cultivate a unique skill set that transcends traditional boundaries. I thrive in dynamic environments, consistently delivering results that drive organizational success. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to witness the transformative...
Education & Certification
- Ashford University - Masters in Business Administration, Organizational Leadership
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- Productivity
- Macroeconomics
- +16 subjects
Debra: Leeds PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...with a major in Human Resource Management and MS in Human Resource Management from Keller Graduate School of Management. I've been in your shoes... I earned my Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Also, I'm a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and the Northern Illinois Human Resource...
Education & Certification
- Central Michigan University - Bachelor in Business Administration, Human Resources Management
- DeVry Universitys Keller Graduate School of Management-Illinois - Master in Management, Human Resources Management
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- SHRM-SCP - Society for Human Resource Management- Senior Certified Professional
- Professional Certifications