PHR Exam Information and Outline
Professional in Human Resources
PHR Exam Syllabus & Study Guide
Before you start practicing with our exam simulator, it is essential to understand the
official PHR exam objectives. This course outline serves as your roadmap.
The information below reflects the 2026 syllabus defined by
HRCI.
Below are complete topics detail with latest syllabus and course outline, that will help you good knowledge about exam objectives and topics that you have to prepare. These contents are covered in questions and answers pool of exam.
| Functional Area | No. | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Functional Area 01: Business Management (20%) | 01 | Human capital and organizational strategy development. |
| 02 | Interpret and use business metrics and financial data. | |
| 03 | Organizational change management processes. | |
| 04 | Impact of external factors (e.g., economic, social, political) on HR. | |
| 05 | Management of HR information and data privacy. | |
| 06 | HR administrative functions (e.g., policy development, vendor management). | |
| 07 | Ethical standards and professional conduct. | |
| 08 | Communication and stakeholder relationship management. | |
| Functional Area 02: Talent Planning and Acquisition (16%) | 01 | Workforce planning and labor market analysis. |
| 02 | Job analysis and documentation (e.g., job descriptions). | |
| 03 | Recruitment sources and candidate selection tools. | |
| 04 | Employment offers and negotiations. | |
| 05 | Onboarding and orientation programs. | |
| 06 | Employer branding and marketing strategies. | |
| Functional Area 03: Learning and Development (10%) | 01 | Training needs analysis and instructional design models. |
| 02 | Training delivery methods and training coordination. | |
| 03 | Evaluation of training effectiveness and ROI. | |
| 04 | Performance management systems and programs. | |
| 05 | Employee career development and coaching. | |
| 06 | Leadership and management development. | |
| Functional Area 04: Total Rewards (15%) | 01 | Compensation philosophy, strategy, and pay structures. |
| 02 | Job evaluation and market salary surveys. | |
| 03 | Incentive, variable pay, and executive compensation. | |
| 04 | Health and welfare benefits programs. | |
| 05 | Retirement and savings plans. | |
| 06 | Payroll administration and statutory deductions. | |
| Functional Area 05: Employee and Labor Relations (39%) | 01 | Employee engagement and retention strategies. |
| 02 | Employment laws and regulations (e.g., EEO, FLSA, FMLA). | |
| 03 | Workplace behavior issues and conflict resolution. | |
| 04 | Disciplinary procedures and termination processes. | |
| 05 | Labor relations and collective bargaining. | |
| 06 | Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. | |
| 07 | Workplace health, safety, and security. | |
| 08 | Risk management and emergency response plans. |