HRCIstudy (2024)

FAQs

How hard is the HRCI exam? ›

Based on my experience, I felt the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) test would be the one to take. You do need to have some prequalification (as regard experience, degrees, etc.) and it's one of the hardest ones they offer (53% pass rate, according to their website).

The pass rate for PHR exams was 61%, while 53% passed the SPHR exam, as of December 2022.

What is a passing score for the aPHR exam? The Associate Professional in Human Resources test is graded by the HRCI. The HRCI uses the statistical Angoff method to establish the amount of correct responses required to achieve a passing score. The passing score is set at 500.

With the aPHR, you can first assess your strengths and weaknesses by taking a self-assessment. This will help you understand what areas should be your primary focus. We recommend at least 12 weeks of studying 3-7 hours a week.

Study - A Lot

Despite the college degrees and years of experience that test-takers must possess prior to sitting for the PHR, the pass rate for the exam sits at a mere 55%. It's not an easy exam - the more you study and the more methods you use, the better off you'll fair.

HRCI is moving ahead with plans to further grow the organization and for its part SHRM, which according to Alonso has spent “several millions” to develop its certification program, shows no sign of slowing down.

Level of HR Expertise

More than 500,000 HR professionals in over 100 countries have earned HRCI credentials as a mark of high distinction and honor in human resource management field.

aPHR (Associate Professional in Human Resources) is the best choice for someone who is a new HR professional, or someone who is considering a career in HR but has little-to-no industry experience.

The SHRM-SCP certification, while being equivalent to the HRCI's SPHR certification, covers a broader spectrum of HR issues, indicating a profound understanding and accomplishment in the HR industry. The SHRM-SCP certification is especially beneficial for seasoned HR professionals pursuing leadership roles.

A candidate who is unsuccessful will receive an e-mail notification from HRCI and then may schedule a retake exam appointment beginning 90 calendar days from their previous exam date.

What happens if you fail the aPHR? ›

Retaking the aPHR Exam

If you did not pass the aPHR, you can retake the exam. To do so, you must reapply and pay the registration and application fees.

Retaking a PHR Exam

If the candidate failed the exam but purchased the optional Second Chance Insurance ($250): The candidate can schedule a new exam of the same type for no additional cost. The new exam must be scheduled 90-120 days from the original exam date.

Overall, I thought the aPHR exam was hard. Some questions were very hard. Most of the questions are multiple choice and in some cases it was difficult to choose the best answer when 2 answers among them all seem to be the correct answer.

Certified HR professionals consistently enjoy more robust earning potential than their non-certified counterparts. The aPHR certification can substantially boost your income, as employers recognize the added value and competence that certified individuals bring to their organizations.

Your aPHR certification is valid for three years after testing. To maintain your aPHR credential, you must earn 45 recertification credits over a three-year time span or retake the exam.

Over 95 percent of Fortune 500 companies have HRCI-certified professionals among their leadership ranks. As the only HR certification organization that seeks and maintains third-party accreditation from the NCAA, HRCI certification is the global gold standard in the world of HR.

The score will fall between a range of 100 and 700, and the passing score is set to 500.

HR professionals use our materials to pass their PHR or SPHR certification exams. People often study for several months before a human resources exam, using a bundle of exam-prep products. We also supply study schedules to map out your studying over a 4-12 week period.