HRCI Certifications
Informational only — not financial or career advice. Exam fees and certification requirements change, and the figures here are accurate only as of the listed verification date. Confirm the current fee and rules directly with the certifying body before you register or budget. We report the official-body exam fee for a single attempt; it excludes prep courses, materials and retakes, and is not the total cost of certifying.
The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) issues the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification, one of the most widely recognized credentials in the HR field. The PHR is designed for HR professionals with significant experience and expertise in human resource management and strategy. This overview covers one certification issued by HRCI.
The PHR certification carries an official examination fee established by HRCI, along with published prerequisites that candidates must meet before registering. The credential is valid for a defined renewal cycle, requiring recertification or maintenance activities to remain current. The exam fee stated here represents the base single-attempt charge by the official issuing body as of June 2026 and is subject to change. This cost excludes third-party training materials, study resources, and any exam retake fees. Candidates should verify the current official exam fee, all prerequisite requirements, and the active renewal policy directly on HRCI's website before registering, as these details may be updated by the issuing organization.
| Certification | Exam fee | Domain | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHR (Professional in Human Resources) | $495 | Project, quality & HR | 3 years (recert) |