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.

Joe: PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...reach success in all the subjects in which I am approved to tutor. Often times, students get bogged down in the numbers of heavily quantitative subjects without seeing the bigger picture, which is a key point of emphasis I like to provide while tutoring. I have also tutored high school algebra, calculus, science, English, and test preparation for a wide array of standardized exams. I started tutoring classmates informally while in college and accepted several...
Education & Certification
- University of Kansas - Bachelor of Science, Accounting and Finance
- American University - Master of Science, Finance
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- COMPASS Mathematics
- ISEE- Lower Level
- MATLAB
- +219 subjects

Katey: PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...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 to music the kind that fits exactly when you need it to, adopting animals, and I am a huge college football...
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
- GRE Quantitative
- OAT
- MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
- +398 subjects
Education & Certification
- SUNY College at Old Westbury - Bachelor of Science, Human Resources Management
- New York Institute of Technology - Master of Science, Human Resources Management
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- Management
- Professional Certifications
- Business
- +6 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
- Other
- Business
- Professional Certifications
- +5 subjects

Sheri Elizabeth: PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...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 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...
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

Leressa: PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...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 a strong advocate for project-based experiences and challenging students to think through practical applications using case studies and research. In my...
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
- NASM - National Academy of Sports Medicine
- Professional Certifications
- +12 subjects

Kevin: PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...IT, Life Sciences, 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 since the age of 3 months, I have lived, studied and worked in Europe and Asia and...
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

Jody: PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
I received my Master of Arts degree in Mathematics from Webster University. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a Certificate in Business Administration from Saint Louis University. I also have a Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in Mathematics from Harris-Stowe State College. I came...
Education & Certification
- Harris-Stowe State University - Bachelor of Science, Education
- Webster University - Master of Arts, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- PHR - Professional in Human Resources
- A Level Economics
- CLEP Calculus
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- +165 subjects

Destiny: PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...(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 Application Coach 13. Professional Email Composition 14. Poetry 15. Financial/Retirement Planning 16. Organization Skills 17. Salary Proposals 18. Blogging 19. Product Management 20. Positive Psychology...
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
- Middle School
- Elementary School Writing
- Business Ethics
- +573 subjects

Debra: PHR - Professional in Human Resources course instructor
...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 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...
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