Fortunately, there are several options available that can assist you in the preparation of your PHRca exam., Test your PHRca knowledge and exam-taking proficiency with the PHRca Timed Practice Exam, with 50 timed practice questions and an analysis of your scores and performance in each HR content area., Test your PHRca knowledge with the PHRca Untimed Practice Exam, allowing you to put your HR knowledge to the test with 30 untimed exam questions., The PHRca Practice Exam provides detailed rationales of the correct and incorrect answers., Reset and retake the PHRca Practice Exam as many times as you'd like., PHRca Certification Preparation
https://www.hrci.org/certifications/certification-preparation/phrca-certification-preparation PHRca ® 2020 EXAM CHANGES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: What is changing with the PHRca ® exam?, A: Effective January 1, 2021, a new Exam Content Outline (ECO) will go into effect for the PHRca exam., Q: What is the new PHRca Exam Content Outline (ECO) and how does it compare to the old exam?, Q: Is online proctoring available for the PHRca exam?, Q: Is there any change to the price of the PHRca exam?, PHRca ECO FAQs
https://www.hrci.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/phrca-eco-faqs.pdf?sfvrsn=16994461_0Excel in California Employment Law with the PHRca The Benefits of the PHRca How did your pursuit of multiple HRCI certifications, including the PHR, SPHR, and PHRca, shape your HR career, and what drove your strategic decision to focus on mastering California's complex employment laws?, I’ve always believed that staying ahead in this field means constantly sharpening my knowledge, and earning the PHR, the PHRca, and ultimately the SPHR, has helped me do that., Can you share an example involving California employment law where your PHRca certification proved particularly beneficial?, Leveraging my PHRca expertise, I confidently navigated the legal and administrative hurdles., Rose Froling, SPHR, PHRca, PHR, has over 20 years of HR leadership experience and is an advocate for building a strong, mission-driven workplace., HRCI Champion: Rose Froling, PHR, PHRca, SPHR
https://www.hrci.org/community/blogs-and-announcements/hr-leads-business-blog/hr-leads-business/2025/03/11/excel-california-employment-law-phrcaExam Content Breakdown Download Full Exam Content Outline Details View functional area breakdown The PHRca exam covers five functional areas, weighted as follows: 01 Compensation/Wage and Hour 21% 02 Employment Lifecycle and Employee Relations 26% 03 Leaves of Absence and Benefits 14% 04 Health, Safety and Workers' Compensation 10% 05 Compliance and Risk Management 29% Exam Format and Length Exam Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes administration time) Exam Length: 90 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 Exam and Application Costs, Exam Fee*: $395.00 + Application Fee: $100.00 * Once an exam application is approved, no refunds will be made whether a candidate withdraws or no longer wishes to take the exam., Recertification Your PHRca certification is valid for three years., To maintain your PHRca credential, you must earn 45 HR and 15 California recertification credits (60 total) over a three-year time span or retake the exam., The PHRca validates expertise in California-specific HR laws and practices., PHRca Certification - California HR Requirements - HRCI
https://www.hrci.org/certifications/individual-certifications/phrcaEarn your PHRca and showcase your knowledge and expertise in four essential HR functional areas: PHRca ® Register today and start preparing for your PHRca Exam., All rights reserved. 6533/J38385 Eligibility Requirements Frequently Asked Questions When and where can I take the PHRca exam?, The PHRca exam is administered year-round by PearsonVUE., What PHRca exam preparation materials are available and recommended?, You are encouraged to use a variety of study methods and materials when preparing for the PHRca exam., PHRca Product Flyer
https://www.hrci.org/docs/default-source/toolkits/phrca-product-flyer.pdf?sfvrsn=f9e14861_0Ashton Nelson, SPHR, PHR, PHRca, has built a career defined by curiosity, strategy, and an unshakable belief in the power of people., You have your SPHR, PHR, and PHRca certifications from HRCI., I've used several of the exam prep materials, but I also regularly download the book resources and attend webinars., The PHRca exam prep materials, in particular, were a lifesaver for me., Related Learning & Resources HRCI Certifications PHR SPHR PHRca HRCI Certification Prep HRCI Webinars Become a Subject-Matter Expert, HRCI Champion: Ashton Nelson, SPHR, PHR, PHRca
https://www.hrci.org/community/blogs-and-announcements/hr-leads-business-blog/hr-leads-business/2025/10/20/hr-leader-ashton-nelson EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE CERTIFICAT IONS IN HUMAN RESOURCES PHRca® Professional in Human Resources - California® hrci.org HRCI | PHRca® Exam Content Outline | 2 PHRca Exam Weighting by Functional Area: IF LAWS CHANGE We realize that employment laws change constantly., The Professional in Human Resources - California (PHRca®) exam is created using the PHRCA EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE, which details the responsibilities performed by today’s HR professional., The PHRCA EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE is created by HR subject matter experts through a rigorous practice analysis study conducted by HRCI®., The aPHR®, aPHRi®, PHR®, SPHR®, GPHR®, and PHRca® are trademarks of HRCI®, registered in the U.S. and other countries., PHRi® and SPHRi® are trademarks of HRCI. aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, PHRi®, SPHRi®, GPHR®, and PHRca® exam content outlines are copyrighted by HRCI, HRCI_PHRca Exam Content Outline
https://www.hrci.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/hrci_phrca-exam-content-outline.pdf?sfvrsn=6bcac46a_3You hold both the SPHR and PHRca from HRCI and now volunteer as a subject matter expert., I immediately knew I wanted to take the California exam (PHRca) next., How has your experience volunteering with HRCI, writing, reviewing, and shaping exam content, expanded your understanding of the HR profession and strengthened your approach to the work?, Related Learning & Resources SPHR PHRca Volunteer with HRCI, HRCI Champion: Michelle Riella, SPHR, PHRca
https://www.hrci.org/community/blogs-and-announcements/hr-leads-business-blog/hr-leads-business/2025/12/12/hrci-champion-2025-michelle-riellaOnline PHRca Exam Availability Earlier this spring, HRCI expanded our partnership with Pearson VUE, using OnVUE, a state-of-the-art technology, in combination with live monitoring, to ensure that HRCI exams are protected and secure to offer online exam delivery for several certification exams from the comfort of their home or office., Beginning on July 1, 2020, we are excited to add the PHRca exam to the list of eligible certifications are available via online testing., HRCI and the PHRca exam continue to evolve and keep pace with the everchanging HR requirements., By introducing the new PHRca exam content outline and expanding our online testing, HRCI offers an alternative exam option while testing centers are unavailable worldwide,” says Amy Dufrane, Ed.D., SPHR, CAE, HRCI CEO., Learn more about these changes at hrci.org/phrca., Build Your California Knowledge by Earning an HRCI PHRca Certification
https://www.hrci.org/community/blogs-and-announcements/hr-leads-business-blog/hr-leads-business/2022/02/14/build-your-california-knowledge-by-earning-an-hrci-phrca-certification PHRca ® Exam Content Outline CERTIFICAT IONS IN HUMAN RESOURCES PHRca ® Professional in Human Resources - California ® hrci.org HRCI | PHRca ® Exam Content Outline | 2 PHRca ® Exam Content Outline At-a-Glance: PHRca Exam Weighting by Functional Area: Functional Area 01 | Compensation/Wage and Hour (21%) Functional Area 02 | Employment Lifecycle and Employee Relations (26%) Functional Area 03 | Leaves of Absence and Benefts (14%) Functional Area 04 | Health, Safety and Workers’ Compensation (10%) Functional Area 05 | Compliance and Risk Management (29%) The Professional in Human Resources - California (PHRca®) exam is created using the PHRCA EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE, which details the responsibilities performed by today’s HR professional., The PHRCA EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE is created by HR subject matter experts through a rigorous practice analysis study conducted by HRCI®., hrci.org HRCI | PHRca ® Exam Content Outline | 3 Functional Area 01 | Compensation/Wage and Hour (21%) Developing and managing compensation programs for all employee groups through the appropriate regulatory interpretation and application., The aPHR®, aPHRi™, PHR®, SPHR®, GPHR®, and PHRca® are trademarks of HRCI®, registered in the U.S. and other countries., PHRi™ and SPHRi™ are trademarks of HRCI. aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, PHRi™, SPHRi™, GPHR®, and PHRca® exam content outlines are copyrighted by HRCI, HRCI_PHRca Exam Content Outline 2024
https://www.hrci.org/docs/default-source/2024-document-control/hrci_phrca-exam-content-outline-2024.pdf?sfvrsn=72d86001_1Exam Fees You can apply and test for the aPHR®, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, PHRi™ SPHR®, SPHRi™, and GPHR® throughout the year., Exam Application Fee Exam Fee Total aPHR $100 $300 $400 aPHRi $100 $300 $400 PHR $100 $395 $495 PHRca $100 $395 $495 PHRi $100 $395 $495 SPHR $100 $495 $595 SPHRi $100 $495 $595 GPHR $100 $495 $595 Please Note: Once an exam application is approved, refunds will not be provided if a candidate withdraws or no longer wishes to take the exam., For additional information on exam application changes and associated fees, please see our Certification Handbook., Exam Fees
https://www.hrci.org/certifications/apply-for-certification/exam-feesBENEFITS OF INDIVIDUAL CERTIFICATION HRCI Exam Statistics With the exception of the aPHRi, all of the HRCI programs listed below are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)., HRCI is required to report exam statistics annually in accordance with NCCA standards., In order to earn an HRCI certification, all candidates must meet eligibility requirements and pass an exam., Learn More About HRCI Exam Pass Rates From January 1 to December 31, 2025, the following number of HR practitioners tested for one of these HRCI credentials: aPHR - 2145, PHR - 4920, PHRca - 293, SPHR - 2993, and GPHR - 428., *For consistency of reporting, the PHRca figure includes those who earned the PHRca when the PHR/SPHR prerequisite was in place as well as those who earned the standalone credential after the eligibility criteria changed in April 2016., HRCI Exam Statistics
https://www.hrci.org/certifications/hrci-exam-statisticsTaking the Exam Availability and Locations HRCI® exams are offered at test centers around the world and online in select locations using OnVue*., You are more likely to secure your preferred testing date and time if you schedule your exam as soon as your application is approved., We encourage you to avoid waiting until you are nearing the end of your eligibility period to schedule your exam., Contact Us *Online exam delivery is currently available for residents of the United States and Canada for the following certification exams: Associate Professional in Human Resources® (aPHR®), Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®), Professional in Human Resources – California® (PHRca®), Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR®) and Global Professional in Human Resources® (GPHR®)., Exam Availability and Locations
https://www.hrci.org/certifications/exam-preparation-resources/exam-availability-and-locations SPHRi ™ Exam Content Outline CERTIFICAT IONS IN HUMAN RESOURCES SPHRi ™ Senior Professional in Human Resources - International ™ hrci.org HRCI | SPHRi ® Exam Content Outline | 2 SPHRi™ Exam Content Outline At-a-Glance: SPHRi Exam Weighting by Functional Area: Functional Area 01 | Leadership and Strategy (33%) Functional Area 02 | Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition (17%) Functional Area 03 | Talent Management (23%) Functional Area 04 | To tal Rewards (17%) Functional Area 05 | HR Information Management, Safety, and Security (10%) The Senior Professional in Human Resources - International (SPHRi™) exam is created using the SPHRi EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE, which details the responsibilities of and knowledge needed by today’s HR professional., The SPHRi EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE is created by HR Subject-Matter Experts through a rigorous practice analysis study conducted by HRCI., This exam content outline took effect in 2024., The aPHR®, aPHRi™, PHR®, SPHR®, GPHR®, and PHRca® are trademarks of HRCI®, registered in the US and other countries., PHRi™ and SPHRi™ are trademarks of HRCI. aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, aPHRi™, PHRi™, SPHRi™, GPHR®, and PHRca® exam content outlines are copyrighted by HRCI, HRCI_SPHRi Exam Content Outline 2024
https://www.hrci.org/docs/default-source/2024-document-control/hrci_sphri-exam-content-outline-2024.pdf?sfvrsn=cd3313bd_1 EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE CERTIFICAT IONS IN HUMAN RESOURCES PHR® Professional in Human Resources® hrci.org HRCI | PHR® Exam Content Outline | 2 PHR Exam Weighting by Functional Area: IF LAWS CHANGE We realize that employment laws change constantly., Candidates are responsible for knowing the HR laws and regulations that are in effect at the time of their exam., The Professional in Human Resources (PHR®) exam is created using the PHR EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE, which details the responsibilities of and knowledge needed by today’s HR professional., The aPHR®, aPHRi®, PHR®, SPHR®, GPHR®, and PHRca® are trademarks of HRCI®, registered in the U.S. and other countries., PHRi® and SPHRi® are trademarks of HRCI. aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, PHRi®, SPHRi®, GPHR®, and PHRca® exam content outlines are copyrighted by HRCI, HRCI_PHR Exam Content Outline
https://www.hrci.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/hrci_phr-exam-content-outline.pdf?sfvrsn=2f21394f_4Exam Content Outlines For each certification offered by HRCI®, an Exam Content Outline is available as a reference., Exam questions are also peer-reviewed for technical validity and applicability to current HR practice and applied job knowledge., The final exam content (also known as the Exam Content Outline) is used by exam question writers and organizations that develop study/preparation materials for our HRCI certification exams., HRCI periodically updates the exam content outlines for each of our examinations to ensure they remain consistent with current practices in the HR field., aPHR Download Full Exam Content Outline Details aPHRi Download Full Exam Content Outline Details PHR Download Full Exam Content Outline Details PHRca Download Full Exam Content Outline Details PHRi Download Full Exam Content Outline Details SPHR Download Full Exam Content Outline Details SPHRi Download Full Exam Content Outline Details GPHR Download Full Exam Content Outline Details Disclaimer: W e encourage prospective certification holders to use a variety of resources that reflect their learning styles and needs., Exam Content Outlines
https://www.hrci.org/certifications/exam-preparation-resources/exam-content-outlines PHRi ™ Exam Content Outline CERTIFICAT IONS IN HUMAN RESOURCES PHRi™ Professional in Human Resources - International™ hrci.org HRCI | PHRi™ Exam Content Outline | 2 PHRi ™ Exam Content Outline At-a-Glance: PHRi Exam Weighting by Functional Area: Functional Area 01 | Talent Acquisition (19%) Functional Area 02 | HR Administration and Shared Services (19%) Functional Area 03 | Talent Management and Development (19%) Functional Area 04 | Compensation, Benefts, and Work Experience (17%) Functional Area 05 | Employee Relations and Risk Management (16%) Functional Area 06 | HR Information Management (10%) The Professional in Human Resources - International (PHRi™) exam is created using the PHRi EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE, which details the responsibilities of and knowledge needed by today’s HR professional., The PHRi EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE is created by HR subject matter experts through a rigorous practice analysis study conducted by HRCI., This exam content outline took effect in 2018., The aPHR®, aPHRi™, PHR®, SPHR®, GPHR®, and PHRca® are trademarks of HRCI®, registered in the U.S. and other countries., PHRi™ and SPHRi™ are trademarks of HRCI. aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, PHRi™, SPHRi™, GPHR®, and PHRca® exam content outlines are copyrighted by HRCI, HRCI_2023 PHRi Exam Content Outline
https://www.hrci.org/docs/default-source/document-control-2023/hrci_2023-phri-exam-content-outline.pdf?sfvrsn=9a8d00f8_2Earn your PHRca and showcase your knowledge and expertise in four essential HR functional areas: PHRca ® Register today and start preparing for your PHRca Exam., All rights reserved. 6533/J38385 Eligibility Requirements Frequently Asked Questions When and where can I take the PHRca exam?, The PHRca exam is administered year-round by PearsonVUE., What PHRca exam preparation materials are available and recommended?, You are encouraged to use a variety of study methods and materials when preparing for the PHRca exam.
https://www.hrci.org/docs/default-source/pdf-documents/phrca_information.pdf?sfvrsn=a29f755e_1 EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE CERTIFICAT IONS IN HUMAN RESOURCES aPHRi® Associate Professional in Human Resources - International® hrci.org HRCI | aPHRi® Exam Content Outline | 2 aPHRi Exam Weighting by Functional Area: The Associate Professional in Human Resources - International (aPHRi®) exam is created using the aPHRi EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE, which details the responsibilities of and knowledge needed by today’s HR professional., Knowledge of: 01 Organizational strategy and its connection to mission, vision, values, business goals, and objectives 02 Organizational culture (for example: traditions, unwritten procedures) 03 Legal and regulatory environment 04 Confidentiality and privacy rules that apply to employee records, company data, and individual data 05 Business functions (for example: accounting, finance, operations, sales, marketing) 06 HR administration, policies, and procedures (for example: personnel management, progressive discipline) 07 HR Metrics (for example: cost per hire, time to recruit, turnover rate) 08 Tools to compile data (for example: spreadsheets, statistical software) 09 Methods to collect data (for example: surveys, interviews, observation) 10 Reporting and presentation techniques (for example: histogram, bar chart) 11 Impact of technology on HR (for example: social media, monitoring software, biometrics) 12 Employee records management (for example: electronic/paper, retention, Knowledge of: 01 Applicable laws and regulations related to recruitment and selection (for example: work authorization, job requisition, job postings) 02 Applicant databases 03 Recruitment sources (for example: employee referral, social networking/social media, company website) 04 Recruitment methods (for example: advertising, job fairs, university) 05 Alternative staffing practices (for example: recruitment process outsourcing, job sharing, remote workers) 06 Interviewing techniques (for example: structured, non-structured, behavioral, situational, panel) 07 Pre- and post-offer activities (for example: background checks, medical exams) 08 Orientation and onboarding (for example: logistics, introducing culture, facilitating/training) hrci.org HRCI | aPHRi® Exam Content Outline | 5 Functional Area 03 | Compensation and Benefits (15%) Understanding concepts related to total rewards such as pay and benefit programs., The aPHR®, aPHRi®, PHR®, SPHR®, GPHR®, and PHRca® are trademarks of HRCI®, registered in the U.S. and other countries., PHRi® and SPHRi® are trademarks of HRCI. aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, PHRi®, SPHRi®, GPHR®, and PHRca® exam content outlines are copyrighted by HRCI, HRCI_aPHRi Exam Content Outline
https://www.hrci.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/hrci_aphri-exam-content-outline.pdf?sfvrsn=9b58d18a_3On May 1, 2020, HRCI launched live remote proctored exams via OnVUE to bring the convenience of testing to your home or office., As with any new technology, we are learning and adapting to the process and service to ensure you have the best online testing experience when taking your aPHR®, PHR®, SPHR®, GPHR®, or PHRca® exam., Disable pop-ups and close all programs/applications Background apps, programs and pop-up notifications can interfere with exam delivery., Become familiar with Task Manager app and learn how to close all open apps and programs before you begin your OnVUE exam., This can also prevent you from having a live chat with your OnVUE exam proctor., Top Tips for Successful Online Exam Delivery
https://www.hrci.org/community/blogs-and-announcements/hr-leads-business-blog/hr-leads-business/2022/02/14/top-tips-for-successful-online-exam-delivery