SPHR Practice Test

SPHR Exam at a Glance

What changed for SPHR in 2026

• Oct 25, 2026: Delivery changed to Pearson VUE test center or OnVUE online proctoring (previously Computer-based: Pearson VUE test center or OnVUE online proctoring).^[3]
• Oct 25, 2026: Eligibility changed to 7 yrs professional-level HR experience, or fewer years with a degree (previously 4 yrs HR + master's, 5 yrs + bachelor's, or 7 yrs professional HR experience).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Number of questions changed to 115 scored + 25 pretest questions (previously 115 scored questions + 25 pretest questions).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Registration opens changed to Apply and test year-round (previously Applications accepted year-round).^[4]
• Oct 25, 2026: Score release changed to Test center: report on site, official results in 1-2 business days; online: email in 24-48 hours (previously Test center: results report on site, official results in 1-2 business days; online: email in 24-48 hours).^[2]

What the SPHR is and how it works

According to HR Certification Institute, “115 scored questions (mostly multiple-choice) + 25 pretest questions.”^[1]

The SPHR certification exam is owned by the HR Certification Institute and tests senior-level strategic human resources knowledge. Candidates must have at least seven years of experience in a professional-level HR role to be eligible. The exam fee is $495 plus a $100 application fee. Exams are delivered either in person at a Pearson VUE test center or through OnVUE online proctoring, with testing available year-round. Candidates must test within 180 calendar days of their application approval date. The exam consists of 115 scored questions and 25 pretest questions. A scaled score of at least 500 is needed to pass. Test center examinees receive a report on site, with official results available in 1 to 2 business days, while online examinees receive an email in 24 to 48 hours. If unsuccessful, candidates have a 90-day cooling off period before scheduling a retake and must re-apply, qualify, and pay all related exam fees unless Second Insurance was purchased. Certification is valid for three years, and holders must earn 45 HR and 15 Business recertification credits for a total of 60 credits every three years or retake the exam.

Worked examples: how to reason through SPHR questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: Which strategy best describes an organization that fills most senior roles through internal promotions and development rather than external hiring?

1. Differentiation staffing strategy
2. Build strategy
3. Buy strategy
4. Lag staffing strategy

Answer: B. Build strategy

Explanation:

Example 2

Question: An organization is planning a major restructuring that will involve consolidating two departments and introducing new technologies. To manage the human side of this transition effectively, the HR director should recommend a structured approach. Which of the following provides a framework for managing the stages of organizational change?

1. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
2. Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory
3. Kotter's 8-Step Change Model
4. Belbin's Team Roles

Answer: C. Kotter's 8-Step Change Model

Explanation:

Example 3

Question: A manufacturing company's succession plan has been in place for three years. The HR Director needs to evaluate its effectiveness. Which of the following metrics would provide the most valuable insight into the success of the program?

1. The number of employees who have completed the annual compliance training.
2. The percentage of critical positions filled by internal candidates versus external hires.
3. The company's quarterly stock performance.
4. The number of requisitions filled by the recruiting team each month.

Answer: B. The percentage of critical positions filled by internal candidates versus external hires.

Explanation:

How to use these practice tests

To prepare effectively for your certification exam, begin by reviewing the official HR Certification Institute handbook to verify your eligibility path and testing timeline requirements. Utilize our targeted practice sets to test your knowledge across specific leadership, strategy, and workforce planning subjects. Work through sample questions carefully, reading the explanations for both correct and incorrect answers to reinforce core concepts. Schedule regular study sessions focusing on weaker areas such as risk management or total rewards. Because exams are administered via Pearson VUE test centers or online proctoring, familiarize yourself with question formats and time management. Finally, track your recertification credit requirements or plan your renewal timeline well before your validity period ends.

Sources & last verified

1. HR Certification Institute — number of questions, exam fee, validity, renewal (official source). “115 scored questions (mostly multiple-choice) + 25 pretest questions.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 24, 2026.
2. HR Certification Institute — passing score, retake fee, retake policy, score release (official source). “A scaled score of at least 500 is needed to pass.” Verified Oct 25, 2026.
3. pearsonvue.com — delivery (official source). “If you plan to test at a testing center, please schedule early for your preferred date and location.” Verified Oct 26, 2026 · source checked Oct 26, 2026.
4. HR Certification Institute — registration opens (official source). “You can apply and test for the aPHR®, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, PHRi™ SPHR®, SPHRi™, and GPHR® throughout the year.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 19, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.