This post will discuss everything you need to know about Professional Human Resources (PHR) Certifications and whether they’re worth pursuing. It lists down PHR certification costs, job opportunities, and a quick comparison with other common HR certifications.
“Success in HR isn’t just about managing people. It’s about unlocking their full potential.” That powerful reminder from Dr. Dieter Veldsman, Chief HR Scientist at AIHR, captures what modern HR is really about: being a driving force behind both individual and organizational growth.
The human resources field is thriving, with every industry needing to hire the right people for their business/organization to succeed. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for Human Resource Managers is expected to grow 6% by 2033, with over 17,000 job openings annually.
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Companies will not just hire random candidates for available HR positions. Understand that the job market is highly competitive, as businesses and organizations will heavily rely on your expertise to find the perfect people for specific roles. To prove your skills, you need to earn certifications, but not just any certification.
One of the top HR credentials is the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification. However, while it is a top certification, it may not be suitable for everyone.
So, is PHR certification worth it for you? Will it help you achieve professional success? Let’s find out.
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What Is a PHR Certification?
The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification has been a trusted credential in the HR world for nearly 50 years. It was first introduced in 1976 by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) to recognize professionals who really know their stuff when it comes to HR. Since then, it’s become one of the most respected certifications in the industry, with over 68,000 people holding the credential as of early 2022.
The PHR certification is mainly for people and professionals who
- Focus on the tactical and operational side of HR.
- Handle responsibilities like recruiting, employee relations, compensation, and benefits.
- Work to implement HR policies rather than set strategic direction.
- Work in the early to mid-career stages in HR.
- Want to build credibility and stand out in a competitive job market.
- Are looking to advance into leadership roles or more senior HR positions.
The PHR certification exam is a computer-based test administered through HRCI and Pearson VUE testing centers. The exam takes about three hours to complete and includes:
- 90 scored multiple-choice questions
- 25 pretest questions (these don’t count toward your score)
The exam focuses on the technical and operational side of HR, with a strong emphasis on U.S. employment laws and regulations.
Here’s a quick overview of the PHR exam content:
- 20% – Employee and Labor Relations
- 17% – Employee Engagement
- 15% – Total Rewards
- 14% – Business Management
- 14% – Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition
- 10% – Learning and Development
- 10% – HR Information Management
HRCI also offers several other certifications, such as:
- aPHR (Associate Professional in Human Resources) – for those just starting in HR
- SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) – for experienced HR leaders
- GPHR (Global Professional in Human Resources) – for professionals managing HR across borders
- PHRca (PHR for California) – focused on California-specific HR laws and practices
Yet, the PHR remains one of the most popular, especially for those in the early to mid-stages of their HR careers.
If you’re wondering, “Is a PHR certification worth it?” our answer is yes. It comes with plenty of benefits, like better job opportunities and potential salary increases.
That said, it’s important to understand the costs and commitments involved before deciding to pursue it.
How Much Does It Cost?
There’s no fixed cost for completing the entire Professional in Human Resources certification because the total expense depends on several factors. These include the cost of study materials, exam fees, application fees, and even retake fees if you need to take the exam more than once. Among these, the choice of prep materials often has the biggest impact on the overall cost.
Exam Registration:
The registration cost, called the application fee, is $100. Once you pay this, you’ll receive instructions on how to complete your registration, including selecting your exam date, time, and location.
Exam Administration:
The exam fee itself is $395, which covers the costs of administering the PHR exam at the testing center.
| Fee Type | Amount |
| Exam Fee | $395 |
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Total | $495 |
| Retake Fee (if needed) | $250 |
Another part of the PHR certification cost is buying exam prep materials. Buying exam prep materials bundled with the exam fee can save you money. Here are some popular prep courses and materials you can consider, along with their prices:
- HRCI PHR® Cert Prep (Online)
- Price: $449
- Bundled Price: $399
- HRCI PHR® Cert Prep + Companion Textbook (Book + Online)
- Price: $498
- Bundled Price: $448
- PHR® Timed Practice Exam (Online)
- Price: $85
- Bundled Price: $75
- PHR® Untimed Practice Exam (Online)
- Price: $85
- Bundled Price: $75
- PHR® Timed + Untimed Practice Exam Bundle (Online)
- Price: $150 (no bundled discount)
- PHR® Certification Prep Class by HR.com – LIVE (for HR.com Prime Members)
- Price: $1,090
- PHR® Certification Prep Class by HR.com – LIVE (for Non-Prime Members)
- Price: $1,180
So, what do you think? Is the PHR certification worth it? For many, it pays off through better job opportunities, higher pay, and stronger professional credibility.
Do You Need a Degree to Get Certified?
Before you can sit for the PHR certification exam, there are a few qualifications you need to meet.
Job Experience
You need to be working in a professional-level HR role. This isn’t for entry-level or assistant positions. A professional-level role means you’re making decisions, using your judgment, and handling responsibilities with some independence. For official details, the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) provides a comprehensive definition of what constitutes “professional-level experience.”
Education + Work Experience
To qualify, you must have a combination of education and relevant work experience in HR. Here’s the breakdown:
- Master’s degree (or higher) + 1 year of professional HR experience
- Bachelor’s degree + 2 years of professional HR experience
- Or 4 years of professional HR experience without a degree
Other Important Points
You must currently be working in a real HR role, not just aspiring to work in HR or doing a job outside the HR field.
Keeping Your Certification Active (Recertification)
Once you pass the PHR exam, you’ll need to keep your certification current. This means earning 60 professional development credits every three years through activities such as training, workshops, or HR-related initiatives.
If you don’t keep up with these credits, you’ll have to retake the exam. Some people actually prefer to retest instead of tracking their professional development hours, and that’s totally fine, as long as you stay within the deadlines.
Is a PHR Certification Worth It for Your Career?
Many HR pros underestimate the PHR certification benefits. Is it worth it? Absolutely. It proves your HR expertise and boosts your career, opening doors to new opportunities in this fast-changing field.
Here’s why it’s a smart investment:
- Career Growth: The PHR certification can help you stand out and move up in your career. It shows employers that you truly understand HR, which can lead to promotions, bigger roles, or even new job opportunities.
- Stronger Skills and Knowledge: Studying for the PHR exam means diving deep into a wide range of HR topics. This preparation sharpens your skills and boosts your confidence, making you more effective in your current role and better equipped to contribute to your organization’s HR goals.
- Better Earning Potential: While it’s hard to say exactly how much more you’ll earn right away, many companies value certified HR pros and are willing to offer higher salaries or better benefits to those who hold the PHR.
- More Marketable & Secure: In a competitive job market, the PHR gives you a clear edge. It shows you’re committed and knowledgeable, which makes you more attractive to employers and helps protect your job security.
| Job Title | Average Salary (USD) |
| HR Manager | $86,139 |
| Employee Relations Manager | $97,534 |
| Compensation Analyst | $81,051 |
| Talent Acquisition Specialist | $62,876 |
| HR Generalist | $65,839 |
| Training Coordinator | $58,562 |
Source: ZipRecruiter
But before you jump in, it’s important to know that career advancement with PHR certification takes time and effort. Consider a few potential downsides:
- Cost and Time Commitment: Preparing for the PHR exam requires an investment, not just money for fees and study materials, but also significant time for studying and prep. Balancing this with work and life can be challenging.
- Experience Requirements: The PHR isn’t designed for beginners. You need a certain level of professional HR experience to qualify, so if you’re new to the field, you might want to gain more hands-on experience first.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Once you earn your certification, you’ll need to maintain it by earning continuing education credits or retaking the exam every three years. This means committing to ongoing learning and possibly additional costs.
- Not Always Mandatory: Depending on your career goals or the industry you’re in, the PHR certification may not be required or highly valued. Sometimes, experience and on-the-job skills can matter more.
Can You Get Financial Help for the PHR Exam?
One of the top ways to increase HR certification return on investment is to seek financial aid. Here are a few effective ways to save:
1. Employer Reimbursement
Many employers will pay part or all of your certification fees, especially if you’re already working in HR. It never hurts to ask your manager or HR director.
2. Scholarships
The HRCI offers financial aid for HR certification, and other HR groups sometimes do too. Check out:
- HRCI Foundation (https://www.hrci.org/hrcif)
- Local SHRM chapters
- HR organizations in your state or city
3. Education Tax Credits
If you take prep courses through a school or accredited provider, you might qualify for the Lifetime Learning Credit on your taxes. This can cover 20% of eligible education expenses (up to $2,000 back).
PHR vs Other HR Certifications: What’s the Difference?
PHR isn’t the only HR certification out there. Another big one is the SHRM-CP from the Society for Human Resource Management.
Let’s compare PHR vs SHRM:
| Feature | PHR (HRCI) | SHRM-CP (SHRM) |
| Focus | HR operations, laws, and admin | People strategy, leadership |
| Style | More traditional | More modern, people-focused |
| Exam Type | Multiple choice | Situational judgment questions |
| Who Offers It | HRCI | SHRM |
| Recognition | Widely known | Widely known |
| Cost | $495 total | $475–$500 total |
Alternatives to Consider if You’re on a Tight Budget
What if you’re just starting or don’t have the money for PHR right now? No problem—there are other options.
1. Free or Low-Cost HR Courses
Sites like:
- Coursera
- edX
- LinkedIn Learning
- Alison
- FutureLearn
- Udemy
These offer affordable HR certifications and learning courses for little to no cost. Some even come with certificates of completion.
2. Google’s Project Management or PeopleOps Certificates
These are cheaper (around $49/month) and offer solid skills training, even if they’re not official HR certifications. They’re great for resumes.
3. Stackable Credentials
Start with a short online course. Then build more advanced ones over time. This is a smart way to build your resume without spending a lot at once.
Final Verdict: Is the PHR a Smart Investment?
So, is the PHR certification worth it?
Yes, if:
- You’ve been working in HR and want to prove your skills
- You’re aiming for a raise, promotion, or better job
- You can get help with the cost through your job or a scholarship
Maybe not right now, if:
- You’re brand new to HR
- You can’t afford the cost, and no help is available
- You’re more interested in leadership and strategy (try SHRM-CP instead)
But overall, the PHR is a solid, well-respected certification that can help boost your career if you’re ready for it. Just make sure it fits your goals, budget, and timeline.