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.
Yazmin: Durham PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...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 in a way that's practical and gives a real-world understanding of the subject matter. I look for different learning and memorization techniques that work for each individual to help them grasp...
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
- AP Statistics
- Technical Certifications
- +16 subjects
Kelli: Durham PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...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 root and future goal of academics and what academic success can look like. Knowing when to refer is also an act of disciplined and intentional teaching. For...
Education & Certification
- Liberty University - Master of Arts, Counselor Education
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- Bar Exam
- RICA - Reading Instruction Competence Assessment
- Insurance License
- +371 subjects
Tammie: Durham PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...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 towards a Masters in Adult Education. In addition to the full-time positions in HR Management, I also facilitate courses in Human Resources undergraduate and graduate programs at...
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
- Professional Certifications
- +2 subjects
Jody: Durham PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...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 all sports and am an avid...
Education & Certification
- Harris-Stowe State University - Bachelor of Science, Education
- Webster University - Master of Arts, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- Exam FM - Financial Mathematics
- AFSP - Annual Filing Season Program
- MTC - Missouri Teacher Certification
- +167 subjects
Destiny: Durham PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...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 Application Coach 13. Professional Email Composition 14. Poetry 15....
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
- EAS - Educating All Students (NY Teaching exam)
- CIA - Certified Internal Auditor
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- +578 subjects
Kevin: Durham PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...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 since the age of 3 months, I have lived, studied and worked in Europe and Asia and have managed business located in over 30 countries all over the...
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
Robin: Durham PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...decade 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...
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
- Reading
- Middle School English
- +11 subjects
Jamal: Durham PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...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 one of the best methods to assess learning outcome (LO) is to first understand and identify the needs of my students and focus on their strengths to...
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-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- SHRM-SCP - Society for Human Resource Management- Senior Certified Professional
- IB Global Politics
- +18 subjects
Reshma: Durham PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
Education & Certification
- University of Mumbai - Bachelor, Statistics and Operations Research
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- Public Speaking
- English
- Professional Certifications
- +19 subjects
Leressa: Durham PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...individualized approach to instruction by first assessing each students' strengths and determining how I can help them grow and enhance their skills. I am a strong advocate for project-based experiences and challenging students to think through practical applications using case studies and research. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering with non profit organizations to...
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
- NASM - National Academy of Sports Medicine
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- +12 subjects
Carole: Durham PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...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 subjects, I am particularly passionate about Math. Additionally, my experience as a substitute teacher for my childcare business has reinforced my belief in the transformative power 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
- Professional Certifications
- Productivity
- +23 subjects
Heather: Durham PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...Administration, my Bachelor's degree in History, the many professional development courses, and required professional exams taken, to continue in my job as an Educator and/or Administrator while continuing with lifelong learning. While doing so, it is my desire to continue teaching my high schooler, as I have for many years, and completing her extensive portfolio...
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
- EAS - Educating All Students (NY Teaching exam)
- FRT - Foundations of Reading Test
- CBEST - The California Basic Educational Skills Test
- +443 subjects
Moses: Durham PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...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 teaching style involves learning new concepts by way of real life examples and scenarios, good humor, and a no-stupid-questions mindset. I always encourage my students to pursue the...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor in Arts, Art History, Criticism, and Conservation
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
- English
- +49 subjects
Jeffrey: Durham PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
I have been a human resource manager for fifteen years, after serving in other management roles previously. I've passed the HRCI PHR exam both times I've attempted, and passed the SHRM-SCP on the first time taken. I'm looking forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with others!
Education & Certification
- College of the Holy Cross - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics
- University of Rhode Island - Master of Science, 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
Sarah: Durham PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...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
- Six Sigma
- PMP
- +38 subjects
Haider: Durham PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...platforms, I have honed my skills in course development, instructional design, and assessment methodologies. My commitment to creating highly engaging and interactive learning experiences for students of all backgrounds includes a diverse range of ages, learning styles, and learning disabilities, which have always been at the forefront of my educational endeavors. I believe fostering a...
Education & Certification
- Ayub Medical College - Bachelor of Science, Community Health and Preventive Medicine
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- NASM - National Academy of Sports Medicine
- ABCOP - American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics
- AAI - Accredited Adviser in Insurance
- +590 subjects
Dawn: Durham PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...learner who worked full-time while going to school full-time. That has allowed me to bring "real world" examples to help students understand and apply concepts. I worked in restaurant retail, grocery retail, and pharmaceutical retail all in Business Operations and Human Resources and now run my own company. Given my background working with students from...
Education & Certification
- Northern Illinois University - Bachelor of Science, Operations Management
- Gardner-Webb University - Masters in Business Administration, Operations Management
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- SHRM-CP - Society for Human Resource Management- Certified Professional
- Other
- Business
- +8 subjects
Jenise: Durham PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...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 with...
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
- Managerial Accounting
- Intermediate Accounting
- +17 subjects
Debra: Durham PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...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 Council. Looking...
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
Joe: Durham PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...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 reach success in all the subjects in which I am approved to tutor. I started tutoring classmates informally while in college and accepted several teaching assistant positions...
Education & Certification
- University of Kansas - Bachelor of Science, Accounting and Finance
- American University - Master of Science, Finance
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- SAT Reading
- ISEE- Lower Level
- AP Calculus AB
- +222 subjects