The PHR (Professional in Human Resources) certification from HRCI validates your mastery of HR operational and technical knowledge. Our free printable PHR practice test PDF covers all six exam functional areas so you can study anywhere — commuting, at lunch, or away from a screen.
Download the PDF below, print it, and work through questions written to match the difficulty and style of the real PHR certification exam.
The PHR exam tests six functional areas of HR practice. Knowing the weight and scope of each helps you prioritize your study plan.
This functional area covers organizational structures, change management models, HR metrics and analytics, and business acumen. You'll be tested on how HR supports strategic objectives, manages risk, and measures workforce effectiveness through KPIs and dashboards.
Questions here cover job analysis methods, workforce planning, diverse recruitment sourcing strategies, structured selection processes, and employment law. Key statutes include Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).
This area tests needs assessment techniques, training design models (especially ADDIE), adult learning theory (andragogy), and ROI evaluation using Kirkpatrick's four levels. You should be able to recommend appropriate development interventions for different learner populations.
Compensation philosophy, pay structure design, and FLSA exempt/non-exempt classification are core topics. Benefits administration knowledge includes ERISA fiduciary responsibilities, COBRA continuation coverage requirements, and ACA employer mandate provisions.
The PHR tests NLRA employee rights, the union organizing process (authorization cards through certification elections), grievance and arbitration procedures, progressive discipline frameworks, and WARN Act obligations for mass layoffs and plant closings.
Beyond the individual employment statutes covered elsewhere, this area focuses on I-9 employment eligibility verification, EEO-1 reporting obligations, OSHA recordkeeping requirements (Form 300, 300A, 301), and FMLA administration including eligibility, qualifying reasons, and intermittent leave management.
Print the PDF and work through it without any reference materials. Time yourself — the real PHR gives you roughly 90 seconds per question on average. After finishing, score each section separately so you can see which of the six functional areas needs the most attention.
Employment law questions are frequently the most challenging for candidates. If you score below 60% in any law-focused area, create a dedicated review session using the official HRCI Body of Knowledge and a current HR certification study guide.
For unlimited online practice with instant scoring, visit our PHR practice test hub where you can take full-length exams and review detailed answer explanations.