Is the SPHR exam difficult
William Taylor
Published Mar 12, 2026
Is the SPHR exam hard? According to the most recent HRCI study, released in January 2019, the pass rate for the SPHR is 57%. That is the lowest of all of its exams. The SPHR exam is tough, but doable if you prepare for it the right way.
What is a passing score for Sphr?
To pass the SPHR/PHR exam, the candidate will have to score 500 marks out of 700 (i.e. Pass percentage is 71.4).
How long does it take to get your Sphr?
DegreeYears of Work ExperienceHS Diploma4
How many questions is the SPHR exam?
How many questions are on the exam? There are 150, of which 125 are scored and the other 25 are unscored, pre-test questions. The questions are mostly multiple choice.How many people have Sphr?
CredentialNumber of CREDENTIAL HOLDERsaPHR7,692PHR71,130SPHR47,903GPHR2,805
What is SPHR certification?
The Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) is the senior-most human resources certification for those who have also demonstrated a strategic mastery of the HR body of knowledge. …
How long did you study for Sphr?
According to the HRCI, most test-takers spend more than 60 hours studying for the exam.
How do I prepare for the SPHR exam?
Study hard for the SPHR certification with the SPHR practice test in the days before the exam but take it easy the night before and do something resting rather than studying and cramming. This will help decrease anxiety and enable you to get a better night’s sleep and be more mentally fresh during the big exam.Is the SPHR exam multiple choice?
All 175 questions on the PHR and SPHR exams are multiple choice. Each exam item consists of a stem and four alternatives. Three of the alternatives are called distractors, because they are plausible, although incorrect, alternatives that may distract you from the correct response.
Do you have to take the PHR before the Sphr?Between the PHR and the SPHR, the latter is the highest designation, but the PHR isn’t a prerequisite for the SPHR. The eligibility criteria for the two designations differ, based on expertise, experience, HR knowledge and job title or position.
Article first time published onWhich is better SHRM SCP or SPHR?
The SHRM exam has no compliance-oriented content and does not adequately prepare you for that type of leadership role. While the SPHR doesn’t only focus on compliance, it helps you have that foundation so you can perform at your best without worrying if you are going to trip up over some sort of labor violation.
How much does a SHRM CP make?
In 2018, the median pay for SHRM-CP was $70,000. With the SHRM-SCP credential, the median salary reported was $107,800.
What is the difference between the PHR and SPHR?
The PHR is focused on operational aspects of human resources. You’re more engaged in the day-to-day aspects of HR. PHR typically embodies roles that involve management and HR specializations. The SPHR, on the other hand, is more strategic and organization-focused.
What is the highest HR certification?
- Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)
- Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
- Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
- United International Business Schools (UIBS)
- Senior SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
- Conclusion:
How many questions is the PHR 2021?
The PHR certification exam is a computer-based test. It currently has 175 questions. There is a 3-hour time limit.
Which test is harder SHRM or PHR?
PHR certifications are better than SHRM certifications in two ways. They cover more in the way of legality, compliance, and technical details. SHRM tends to test more soft skills and the application of management techniques, where PHR are generally more concerned with specific knowledge and compliance.
How long does it take to get SHRM?
CredentialLess than a Bachelor’s Degree*Graduate DegreeHR-Related ProgramNon-HR DegreeSHRM-CP**3 years in HR role1 year in HR roleSHRM-SCP6 years in HR role4 years in HR role
How many SHRM-SCP are there?
There are more than 100,000+ current SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP credential-holders across the globe.
Which HR certification is easiest?
The aPHR is also the easiest credential to obtain, with a pass rate of 84% on the certification exam.
Is getting an aPHR worth it?
The aPHR is a great first step for transitioning into HR and should be enough to open the door to some entry-level jobs in the field. Also, your Office Manager experience has quite a bit of transferrable skills and experience.
Can you take the PHR exam without experience?
To be eligible for the PHR you must meet one of the following conditions for education and/or experience: Have at least one year of experience in a professional-level HR position + a Master’s degree or higher, Have at least two years of experience in a professional-level HR position + a Bachelor’s degree, OR.
How much does SHRM membership cost?
SHRM Professional Membership Membership costs $219 a year and applicants can pay in their local currency.
How long should you study for the SHRM CP exam?
While your study efforts will be dependent on your knowledge of the content, we generally recommend that you study a minimum of 60 hours to adequately prepare for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam.
Does SPHR certification expire?
Your SPHR certification is valid for three years after testing. To maintain your SPHR credential, you must earn 60 recertification credits over a three-year time span or retake the exam.
What is the pass rate for the SHRM CP exam?
Exam PeriodSHRM-CP Pass RateSHRM-SCP Pass RateDec. 2017- Feb. 201870%53%
How hard is the SHRM?
The exam was difficult (no walk in the park at all), but with solid preparation, you improve your chances of passing. Keep your eye on that ticking clock. It was recommended that 1 minute be used for knowledge questions and 2 minutes for situational judgment questions.
What is the SHRM BoCK?
The SHRM Body of Competency and Knowledge (SHRM BoCK™) is the basis for the SHRM credentials. The SHRM BoCK describes the behavioral competencies and HR knowledge which HR professionals need for effective job performance.
Is SHRM reliable?
“SHRM is a great resource for keeping up with HR issues, laws, and trends. The website and magazine alone are a huge help, but SHRM also offers a phone line, templates, and sample HR policies. There are also webinars to help you keep up with things.
What's the difference between SHRM and Hrci?
If you earn an HR certification through HRCI, you are required to recertify every three years by demonstrating professional development and achievement. If you earn an HR certification through SHRM, you are required to recertify every three years by earning 50 professional development credits or retaking the exam.
What certifications should an HR professional have?
- HRCI Certification. …
- SHRM Certification. …
- George Brown College. …
- Certificate in Human Resources Management. …
- Human Resources Certificate Program. …
- Human Resource Management. …
- Human Capital Institute. …
- Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
How much does someone with a PHR make?
While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $151,500 and as low as $25,000, the majority of salaries within the PHR jobs category currently range between $51,500 (25th percentile) to $89,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $139,000 annually across the United States.