Free PHR Exam Flashcards
Memorize 50 essential terms and definitions for the Professional in Human Resources. See the term, recall the definition, then flip to check yourself.
FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act)
Federal law establishing minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards. Requires overtime pay at 1.5x regular rate for non-exempt employees working over 40 hours per week. Critical for classifying employees as exempt or non-exempt.
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About These PHR Flashcards
These 50 flashcards are designed to help you memorize key terms and definitions for the Professional in Human Resources. Each card shows a term on the front and its definition on the back—the classic flashcard format for vocabulary memorization. Use these alongside our practice questions to build both recall and comprehension.
Topics Covered
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PHR exam pass rate?
The PHR exam pass rate is approximately 65%, according to HRCI's 2021 data (down from 69% in 2019). This makes it one of the more challenging HR certifications. The exam has 90 scored questions (plus 25 pretest questions) to complete in 2 hours. You need a scaled score of 500 out of 700 to pass. As of 2022, over 68,000 professionals hold the PHR certification. The relatively low pass rate reflects the exam's breadth covering the entire Human Resource Body of Knowledge (HRBoK).
How long should I study for the PHR exam?
Most successful candidates study for 3-4 months, dedicating 60-120 total hours. Research by SHRM's Mark Smith found that candidates who studied 41-120 hours had the highest pass rates, while studying over 200 hours actually correlated with lower pass rates (likely due to burnout or inefficient study methods). The ideal approach is 60-100 hours over 3-6 months, focusing on practice questions and understanding concepts rather than memorization. HRCI offers official preparation resources.
What are the PHR eligibility requirements?
PHR eligibility depends on your education level: 1) Master's degree or higher + 1 year of HR experience; 2) Bachelor's degree + 2 years of HR experience; 3) High school diploma/GED + 4 years of HR experience. HR experience must be at the professional level (not administrative or clerical). The application fee is $100 (non-refundable) plus $395 exam fee. HRCI members receive discounted rates. Your exam window is 120 days from application approval.
What topics are covered on the PHR exam?
The PHR covers five functional areas: Business Management (20%), Talent Planning & Acquisition (16%), Learning & Development (10%), Total Rewards (15%), and Employee & Labor Relations (39%). Note that Employee & Labor Relations is the largest section at 39%. Topics include employment law (FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Title VII), compensation and benefits, performance management, recruiting, training, and union relations. The exam tests both knowledge and application to real-world scenarios.
What is the difference between PHR and SHRM-CP?
PHR (HRCI) and SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management) are both respected HR certifications with different focuses. PHR emphasizes technical and operational HR knowledge - 'the what.' SHRM-CP emphasizes behavioral competencies and applying HR concepts strategically - 'the how.' PHR has strict education/experience requirements; SHRM-CP requirements are more flexible. Both require recertification every 3 years. Many HR professionals hold both. PHR is slightly older and may be more recognized in some industries.
What happens if I fail the PHR exam?
If you fail the PHR, you can retake it after 90 days. You must submit a new application and pay the full exam fee ($395) for each retake. HRCI offers 'Second Chance Test Insurance' for $250 that covers one retake fee if purchased before your first attempt. There's no limit on total attempts. You'll receive a diagnostic report showing your performance by functional area to guide additional study. Many candidates pass on their second attempt after focused review of weak areas.