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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: PSHRA-CP Exam

85

Multiple-Choice Questions

PSHRA exam specifications

3 hrs

Time Limit

PSHRA exam specifications

~20M

US Public Sector Employees

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Online

Exam Format

PSHRA exam delivery

$750–$1,500

Certification Package Cost

PSHRA pricing page

PSHRA reports the PSHRA-CP exam as 85 multiple-choice questions in a 3-hour online format. The exam covers five major domains: civil service and merit systems, public sector employment law, labor relations and collective bargaining, compensation and benefits, and workforce planning. The certification package typically ranges from $750 to $1,500 including required preparatory coursework.

About the PSHRA-CP Exam

The PSHRA-CP certification is the entry to mid-level credential for public sector (government) human resources professionals. Formerly administered by IPMA-HR, the PSHRA-CP exam tests knowledge of civil service and merit systems, public sector employment law, labor relations and collective bargaining, government compensation and benefits, and workforce planning. The certification is designed for HR practitioners working in federal, state, and local government agencies who need to demonstrate competency in the unique regulatory and operational environment of public sector employment.

Questions

85 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

Pass/Fail (scaled score)

Exam Fee

$750–$1,500 (includes course materials) (PSHRA (Public Sector HR Association))

PSHRA-CP Exam Content Outline

20%

Civil Service and Merit Systems

Merit principles, competitive and excepted service, classification systems, Hatch Act restrictions, and prohibited personnel practices

25%

Public Sector Employment Law

Constitutional rights in government employment, due process, First Amendment speech protections, ADA/Title VII in government context, and workplace searches

20%

Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining

Public sector unions, collective bargaining scope, grievance procedures, impasse resolution methods, Janus v. AFSCME, and right-to-work

15%

Compensation and Benefits

GS pay schedule, locality pay, FERS/CSRS retirement systems, OPEB obligations, and 457 deferred compensation plans

20%

Workforce Planning

Succession planning, government recruitment, veterans preference, telework/remote work, diversity initiatives, and performance management

How to Pass the PSHRA-CP Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Pass/Fail (scaled score)
  • Exam length: 85 questions
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam fee: $750–$1,500 (includes course materials)

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

PSHRA-CP Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus heavily on public sector employment law and constitutional rights — this is the largest weighted domain and covers complex case law
2Learn the key Supreme Court cases: Loudermill (due process), Garcetti (employee speech), Pickering (balancing test), and Janus (union fees)
3Understand the differences between competitive service, excepted service, and the various Schedule authorities (A, B, C, D)
4Master the GS pay system mechanics including grades, steps, within-grade increases, locality pay, and special rates
5Study collective bargaining concepts specific to government: scope of bargaining, management rights, impact bargaining, and impasse resolution
6Practice scenario-based questions that require applying multiple legal concepts to realistic government HR situations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the PSHRA-CP exam?

The PSHRA-CP exam consists of 85 multiple-choice questions to be completed in a 3-hour online testing session.

What is the difference between PSHRA-CP and PHR?

PSHRA-CP is specifically designed for public sector (government) HR professionals and covers civil service, merit systems, and government labor relations. The PHR from HRCI is designed for private sector HR professionals and focuses on general HR management practices.

Do I need government HR experience for the PSHRA-CP?

PSHRA recommends HR experience in the public sector but does not have strict eligibility requirements like some certifications. The certification package includes preparatory coursework to build foundational knowledge.

How much does the PSHRA-CP cost?

The PSHRA-CP certification package typically ranges from $750 to $1,500, which includes the required preparatory course materials and the exam fee. Group and government agency discounts may be available.

Is the PSHRA-CP exam online or in-person?

The PSHRA-CP exam is administered online, allowing candidates to take it from any location with a reliable internet connection and a quiet, private testing environment.