200+ Free SPHR Practice Questions
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Key Facts: SPHR Exam
~56%
First-Time Pass Rate
HRCI
500/700
Passing Score
HRCI
2.5 hours
Exam Duration
HRCI
110
Scored Questions
HRCI
$595
Exam Fee
HRCI
$105,000
Median Salary
HRCI 2024
The SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) certification has a ~56% first-time pass rate and requires a scaled score of 500/700 to pass. The exam covers 6 functional areas: Strategic Management (~20%), Workforce Planning & Employment (~16%), HR Development (~19%), Total Rewards (~12%), Employee & Labor Relations (~26%), and Risk Management (~7%). HRCI reports SPHR holders earn a median salary of $95,000-$115,000 according to HRCI salary data.
About the SPHR Exam
The SPHR certification validates expertise in strategic HR management, workforce planning, HR development, total rewards strategy, employee and labor relations, and risk management. It is designed for senior HR professionals who design and plan HR programs rather than implement them.
Questions
140 scored questions
Time Limit
2.5 hours
Passing Score
500/700 (scaled)
Exam Fee
$595 (HRCI / Pearson VUE)
SPHR Exam Content Outline
Strategic Management
HR as strategic partner, business intelligence, organizational effectiveness
Workforce Planning & Employment
Workforce strategy, talent acquisition, succession planning, diversity strategy
HR Development
Learning strategy, leadership development, performance management systems
Total Rewards
Compensation strategy, benefits strategy, executive compensation
Employee & Labor Relations
Employee relations strategy, labor relations strategy, dispute resolution
Risk Management
Compliance management, workplace safety strategy, data privacy, crisis management
How to Pass the SPHR Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 500/700 (scaled)
- Exam length: 140 questions
- Time limit: 2.5 hours
- Exam fee: $595
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
SPHR Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SPHR exam pass rate?
The SPHR exam has approximately a 56% first-time pass rate according to HRCI data. To pass, you need a scaled score of 500 out of 700. The exam consists of 140 questions (110 scored + 30 pretest) with a 2.5-hour time limit.
How hard is the SPHR exam?
The SPHR exam is considered challenging, focusing on strategic HR decision-making rather than tactical implementation. Most candidates study for 10-16 weeks, dedicating 60-80 hours of preparation. Questions emphasize strategic thinking and organizational-level HR planning.
What are the eligibility requirements for SPHR?
To take the SPHR exam, you need: (1) A high school diploma plus 7 years of HR experience, OR (2) A bachelor's degree plus 5 years of HR experience, OR (3) A master's degree plus 4 years of HR experience. Experience must be in professional-level HR with strategic responsibilities.
How many questions are on the SPHR exam?
The SPHR exam contains 140 multiple-choice questions: 110 scored questions and 30 unscored pretest questions. You have 2.5 hours to complete the exam. Questions are computer-based and delivered at Pearson VUE testing centers.
What is the difference between SPHR and PHR?
SPHR focuses on strategic HR leadership, organizational design, and policy development, while PHR emphasizes tactical HR operations and implementation. SPHR candidates typically have more experience (5-7 years vs 2-4 years) and hold senior HR roles. SPHR covers strategic management and risk management which are not on PHR.
How should I prepare for the SPHR exam?
Effective SPHR preparation includes: (1) Study for 10-16 weeks using HRCI-approved materials, (2) Complete at least 300 practice questions focusing on strategic scenarios, (3) Understand strategic planning frameworks and change management, (4) Review employment laws with focus on organizational-level compliance, (5) Take full-length timed practice exams.