Is this Certification Right for Me?

Add to your HR career portfolio with the Professional in Human Resources – California^® (PHRca^®) from HRCI^®. The PHRca demonstrates your mastery of the laws, regulations and HR management practices unique to the state of California. The PHRca is for professionals who either practice in California or are responsible for human resource management in California. You do not have to be located in California to earn a PHRca. Many certification holders add the PHRca to their other HRCI credentials.

Am I Eligible?

To be eligible for the PHRca you must meet one of the following conditions for education and/or experience:

• Have at least one year of experience in a professional-level HR position + a Master’s degree or higher,
• Have at least two years of experience in a professional-level HR position + a Bachelor’s degree, OR
• Have at least four years of experience in a professional-level HR position.

What Is the Exam Format & Length?

• Exam time: 2 hours and 15 minutes.
• Exam length: 100 scored questions (mostly multiple-choice) + 25 pretest questions
• Computer-based exam at a Pearson VUE testing center or at your home or office using onVUE. Learn more about online proctoring.

ATTENTION: Exam length and test duration changes- Effective 1 May 2021, the exam length, number of questions and test duration for the PHRca exam will be reduced. Details to follow.

What Is Covered?

Review the PHRca Exam Content Outline for details.

Please note: Effective January 1, 2021, the PHRca Exam Content Outline will be updated. Learn more about the recent changes.

How Much Does It Cost?

Exam Fee*: $395 + Application Fee: $100

^*Once an exam application is approved, no refunds will be made whether a candidate withdraws or no longer wishes to take the exam.

When Can I Take the Exam?

Testing appointments for the PHRca exam are available year-round and are subject to test center or online appointment availability.

How Do I Remain Certified?

Your PHRca certification is valid for three years after testing. To maintain your PHRca credential, you must earn 60 recertification credits over a three-year time span or retake the exam. Of the 60 recertification credits required, 15 must be California credits. Learn more about HRCI recertification requirements.