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.

Jenise: Palmdale PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...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 with you!
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
- Finite Mathematics
- +17 subjects

Debra: Palmdale PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...services, non - profit sector, transportation, and education. Prior to joining Varsity Tutors, I worked in HR management positions with Detroit News (Gannett), DHL and DeVry Education Group. I earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Central Michigan University with a major in Human Resource Management and MS in Human Resource Management from Keller Graduate School...
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-SCP - Society for Human Resource Management- Senior Certified Professional
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- Professional Certifications

Kelli: Palmdale PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...preparations. Strategies are the keys to higher grades. Former Standardization test designer and scorer for Measurement Inc., and Leader in the development of Standardized and Test Prep development. As a Licensed Educator M.Ed MHS-MFT, Ed.S, it is important that my Students enjoy themselves in the things they learn organically as they develop their confidence in...
Education & Certification
- Liberty University - Master of Arts, Counselor Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- CPE - Certificate of Proficiency in English
- CSET - California Subject Examinations for Teachers
- MSS - NBME Subject Examination Program
- +371 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Mumbai - Bachelor, Statistics and Operations Research
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- Reading
- Substitute
- High School English
- +19 subjects

Kevin: Palmdale PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...succeed. I have over 25 years of experience in Training and Human Resources Management and a broad business experience ranging from small start-ups to multi-national Fortune 500 organizations spanning a wide variety of industries, including IT, Life Sciences, Logistics, Manufacturing, Services and Transportation. This background gives me a unique perspective from which to assist my...
Education & Certification
- Kenyon College - Bachelor in Arts, International Business
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

Heather: Palmdale PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...so, it is my desire to continue teaching my high schooler, as I have for many years, and completing her extensive portfolio for her college admission into the field of electrical engineering. Found to be rewarding and fun, I love volunteering and working where I can best utilize my skills and knowledge within a professional...
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
- International Sports Sciences Association
- CSET - California Subject Examinations for Teachers
- CPE - Certificate of Proficiency in English
- +443 subjects

Joanne: Palmdale PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...LinkedIn Learning. As the Founder & Chief Strategist of JSW Consulting, I partner with executives, HR leaders, and organizations to reimagine leadership, align people strategies with business goals, and create inclusive, high-performing cultures. With over 20 years of cross-sector leadership experience as COO and Chief HR Officer, I bring a unique blend of strategic vision,...
Education & Certification
- University of Houston - Bachelor in Business Administration, Finance
- University of the Virgin Islands - Doctor of Philosophy, Organizational Leadership
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

Barry: Palmdale 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-SCP - Society for Human Resource Management- Senior Certified Professional
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- Human Resources
- +2 subjects

Katey: Palmdale PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...Communication, a Minor in Psychology and Minor in Sociology. All of which I earned from George Mason University. In my 15 years as an educator I have taught and tutored over 399 subject areas, online as well as in-person with pupils of all ages. I have piloted programs implementing technology, and those designed to apply...
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
- Exam FM - Financial Mathematics
- FTCE - Florida Teacher Certification Examinations
- CBEST - The California Basic Educational Skills Test
- +398 subjects

Jody: Palmdale PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...Saint Louis University. I also have a Bachelor of Science in Education with a 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...
Education & Certification
- Harris-Stowe State University - Bachelor of Science, Education
- Webster University - Master of Arts, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- MTC - Missouri Teacher Certification
- Exam P - Probability
- AFSP - Annual Filing Season Program
- +167 subjects

Iveliz: Palmdale PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...With a Master's degree in Organizational Management, specializing in Human Resource Management from Ashford University, a robust 18 years of diverse professional experience and a PHR certification, I have consistently demonstrated my commitment to fostering growth, development, and excellence in every endeavor. My journey through the realms of business management, training and development, sales, operations,...
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
- Management
- Microsoft Excel
- +16 subjects

Yazmin: Palmdale PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...Human Resources, I have gained knowledge in every area of the Human Resources field and have become a subject expert. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management as well as a Professional Human Resources Certification (PHR). Currently, I am pursuing my Masters's degree in Human Resources Management at Florida International University (FIU). I...
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
- AAOMS - American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- College Economics
- Alibaba Cloud Professional
- +16 subjects

Gillian: Palmdale PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...for me along the way. I received my Bachelor's degree in Human Resources from 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...
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-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- SHRM-SCP - Society for Human Resource Management- Senior Certified Professional
- Professional Certifications

Elizabeth: Palmdale PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...over 5 years of teaching and consulting experience, I specialize in employment law, including, but not limited to discrimination, wage and hour, protected leaves, etc., I have an active certification through the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) as a Senior Professional of Human Resources (SPHR). My background as an employment law attorney, coupled with my...
Education & Certification
- Wofford College - Bachelor's, Economics
- Wake Forest University - Doctorate (e.g., PhD, MD, JD, etc.), Law
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- Professional Certifications

Aaron: Palmdale PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...of our students, this has often posed an andragogical challenge. In our typical management scenario, I regularly have students with no training in interpersonal relations or management. The goal of those initial lectures will then acquaint students with a practical working knowledge of management, human relationships, and leadership principles. This approach is rarely met with...
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
- PRAXIS
- SHRM-SCP - Society for Human Resource Management- Senior Certified Professional
- PTCE - Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam
- +411 subjects

Haider: Palmdale PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...a lecturer at Ayub Teaching Hospital, I spearheaded curriculum development and instructional design initiatives for surgical education programs, integrating cutting-edge medical advancements to enhance the learning experience of medical students and surgical residents. These experiences have fueled my passion for education and desire to make a meaningful impact on students' lives. With over 5 years...
Education & Certification
- Ayub Medical College - Bachelor of Science, Community Health and Preventive Medicine
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- ARRT
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- ABCGN - American Board of Certified Gastroenterology Nurses
- +590 subjects
Robin: Palmdale PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...of professional HR experience, I bring a strong foundation in communication, writing, and critical thinking. I also hold a Bachelor's in English and Allied Language Arts and have classroom and one-on-one tutoring experience. I specialize in creating engaging, personalized lessons that meet each student where they are and help them grow with confidence and creativity.
Education & Certification
- Western Kentucky University - Bachelor's, English and Allied Language Arts
- Sullivan University - Master's/Graduate, Human Resource Leadership
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- Creative Writing
- Reading
- +11 subjects

Sheri Elizabeth: Palmdale PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...been involved in Human Resources for over 30 years and have been an item writer for the test as well as taught certification prep courses to assist HR professionals in passing the exams. I have my SPHR and SHRM-SCP credentials and have published books and articles on human resources. In my spare, I enjoy reading,...
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

Summer: Palmdale PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...session. I hold a Master of Business Administration from Coastal Carolina University (Magna Cum Laude) and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Summa Cum Laude) from the New England College of Business & Finance. For the past four years, I've specialized in tutoring professionals for SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certification exams, combining real-world HR expertise...
Education & Certification
- Coastal Carolina University - Master's/Graduate, Business Administration
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- Six Sigma
- SHRM-SCP - Society for Human Resource Management- Senior Certified Professional
- +5 subjects

Kristine: Palmdale PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...how I think and work. I bring that hunger for knowledge to your tutoring sessions. Together we will build your personal learning plan that will help us stay on track to meet your goal. Your plan will also allow for concentrated time on a topic or subject where you may need some additional support. Our...
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
- ACT Reading
- ACT
- +17 subjects