PHR (Professional in Human Resources) Cost
At a glance
- Exam fee
- $495
- Issuing body
- HRCI
- Domain
- Project, quality & HR
- Validity
- 3 years (recert)
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 PHR (Professional in Human Resources) certification is administered by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI). The base examination fee is $495 as of June 2026, comprised of a $395 exam fee and a $100 application fee for a single attempt. This fee covers the official exam administration only and does not include third-party training courses, study materials, practice exams, or retake fees. Candidates should verify the current fee directly with HRCI before budgeting or registering, as certification fees are subject to periodic change.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Human Resources Specialists—the primary occupation the PHR credential targets—is $72,910. This figure represents the median wage across the occupation and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed salary, salary increase, or direct financial benefit of obtaining the certification. Candidates seeking eligibility requirements, official fee confirmation, renewal policies, or detailed program information should consult HRCI's official website.
Related pay (occupation median). The U.S. BLS reports a median annual wage of $72,910 (typically $45,440–$126,540 from the 10th to the 90th percentile) for Human Resources Specialists, the occupation this certification most often targets. That is the occupation’s pay, not a guaranteed lift from the certificate — actual pay depends on role, employer, location and experience. Source: BLS OEWS national file.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Certification | PHR (Professional in Human Resources) |
| Issuing body | HRCI |
| Base exam fee | $495 |
| Fee notes | $395 exam + $100 application (flat) |
| Prerequisites | 1-4 yrs HR experience by degree level |
| Validity / renewal | 3 years (recert) |
What this fee does and doesn’t include
The figure here is the official-body exam fee for a single attempt. It does not include third-party training, prep courses, study materials, or retake fees — those are separate and vary by provider. Membership-tiered bodies may offer a lower member rate (noted above). Confirm the live fee on the issuer’s registration page before budgeting.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the PHR (Professional in Human Resources) exam?
Does this include a prep course?
Exam fee compiled from issuer’s registration page →, verified June 2026. How we compile this. Confirm the current fee before you pay — bodies re-price periodically.
Prerequisites & how to register → · Prep guide → · Compare Project, quality & HR certs →