100+ Free PHRca Practice Questions
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Key Facts: PHRca Exam
115
Total Questions
HRCI PHRca exam details
90
Scored Questions
HRCI PHRca exam details
2h
Time Limit
HRCI PHRca exam details
$495
Total Cost (App + Exam)
HRCI exam fees page
50+
CA-Specific Employment Laws
HRCI PHRca content outline
HRCI lists the PHRca exam as 115 total questions (90 scored + 25 pretest) in 2 hours at Pearson VUE centers. The $495 total cost ($100 application + $395 exam) covers California-specific employment law domains including wage/hour, leaves, FEHA, and Cal/OSHA.
About the PHRca Exam
The PHRca from HRCI is a California-specific HR certification that validates mastery of California employment law, wage and hour regulations, leave entitlements, anti-discrimination protections, and workplace safety requirements. It complements the national PHR credential and is designed for HR professionals who manage California workforces and must navigate the state's uniquely complex regulatory environment.
Questions
115 scored questions
Time Limit
2 hours
Passing Score
500/700 (scaled)
Exam Fee
$100 application + $395 exam (HRCI / Pearson VUE)
PHRca Exam Content Outline
California Employment Law
At-will exceptions, wrongful termination, employment contracts, CA WARN Act, and worker classification
California Wage and Hour
CA minimum wage, overtime rules, meal/rest breaks, exempt vs non-exempt classification, and final pay requirements
California Leaves and Benefits
CFRA, PDL, Paid Family Leave, SDI, workers compensation, Cal-COBRA, and Kin Care
California Discrimination and Harassment
FEHA protections, sexual harassment prevention (SB 1343), protected classes, and reasonable accommodation
California Workplace Safety
Cal/OSHA regulations, IIPP requirements, workplace violence prevention (SB 553), and heat illness prevention
How to Pass the PHRca Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 500/700 (scaled)
- Exam length: 115 questions
- Time limit: 2 hours
- Exam fee: $100 application + $395 exam
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
PHRca Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the PHRca exam?
HRCI lists the PHRca exam as 115 total questions: 90 scored items and 25 unscored pretest items, all multiple-choice, delivered in a 2-hour testing window.
What is the difference between PHR and PHRca?
The PHR tests national HR knowledge (federal employment law, HR strategy), while the PHRca focuses exclusively on California-specific employment regulations, including CA wage/hour law, FEHA, CFRA, Cal/OSHA, and other state-specific statutes.
How much does the PHRca cost?
HRCI charges a $100 application fee plus a $395 exam fee, totaling $495. Retakes require a new exam fee and a waiting period.
Do I need to hold the PHR to take the PHRca?
No, the PHRca is a standalone credential. HRCI does not require candidates to hold PHR first, though many professionals pursue both to demonstrate national and California-specific HR expertise.
What California laws should I study most for the PHRca?
Prioritize FEHA (discrimination/harassment), California wage and hour law (meal/rest breaks, overtime, minimum wage), CFRA/PDL leave entitlements, Cal/OSHA workplace safety, and recent legislation like SB 553 (workplace violence prevention) and pay transparency requirements.