How many credits do you need to keep PHR?
Michael Gray
Updated on April 02, 2026
Your PHR certification is valid for three years after testing. To maintain your PHR credential, you must earn 60 recertification credits over a three-year time span or retake the exam.
What is the pass rate for PHR?
71%
HRCI Exam Pass Rates as of December 31, 2020
| Credential | PASS Rate |
|---|---|
| aPHR | 86% |
| PHR | 71% |
| SPHR | 60% |
| GPHR | 77% |
How do you earn PHR credits?
Most of the HRCI certifications require 60 recertification credits. (Excluding aPHR and aPHRi which require 45.) You can earn recertification credits by attending conferences, watching webinars, participating in online courses, and volunteering.
Is PHR or SHRM CP better?
PHR certifications are better than SHRM certifications in two ways. They cover more in the way of legality, compliance, and technical details. SHRM tends to test more soft skills and the application of management techniques, where PHR are generally more concerned with specific knowledge and compliance.
Is the PHR exam difficult?
Yes, the PHR is difficult, but it’s not unbeatable. You can help your learners overcome the PHR’s famous rigor with personalized learning pathways that emphasize strengths and eliminate weaknesses. Provide your employees with a path to success, and they’ll be able to show you—and the HRCI—what they can do.
Is a PHR worth it?
Studies have estimated that pay levels could be up to 3% higher for HR employees with the PHR certification. Based on the above, the PHR certification is likely worth the investment in time and money for those professionals that are seeking a long-term career in HR management.
Is a PHR certification worth it?
How long should you study for PHR?
According to the HRCI, most test takers spend more than 60 hours studying for the exam. Your personal schedule will have the most bearing on your timeline.
How do I maintain my HRCI certification?
To recertify and actively maintain your HRCI® certification(s), you must complete and submit the standard three-year recertification requirements of 45/60 HR-related activities or continuing education programs (to include at least one ethics-themed activity).
Are SHRM Webcasts free?
SHRM offers free webcasts on a regular basis. These webcasts count for recertification credit whether they are live or archived. SHRM Webcasts are also approved by the HR Certification Institute for general recertification credit hours towards PHR, SPHR, GPHR and PHR-CA/SPHR-CA certifications.
How much does a PHR prep course cost?
Online PHR exam prep courses can run between $120 and $800, while live, instructor-led courses start at $800 and can cost as much as $1,600. In addition to the $100 application and $395 PHR exam fee, HR professionals are required to earn 60 recertification credits over a three-year period or retake the exam to maintain certification.
How many recertification credit hours are there for PHR?
There are currently 48 recertification credit hours available, but that number is increasing over time as new classes are added. Want something more interactive than a video? There are additional resources and discussion forums available to take it further.
What kind of experience do you need for the PHR exam?
Before taking the exam, an individual must have at least one year of experience in a professional-level HR position plus a Master’s degree or higher, two years in a professional-level HR position plus a Bachelor’s degree, or at least four years in a professional-level HR position plus a high school diploma.
Which is the best online PHR certification course?
Mometrix’s Online PHR Certification Course is available for a subscription price of $99.99 per month and comes with a seven-day money-back guarantee. Pearson Education is one of the world’s largest learning companies and operates in 70 countries around the world with more than 35,000 employees.
