1.2 About the Exam
The HRCI certification exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions drawn from six functional areas. The number of questions from each area is determined by the percentage weight assigned to it. The functional areas have the following weights:
| PHR | SPHR | |
| Business Management and Strategy | 11% | 30% |
| Workforce Planning and Employment | 24% | 17% |
| Human Resource Development | 18% | 19% |
| Compensation and Benefits | 19% | 13% |
| Employee and Labor Relations | 20% | 14% |
| Risk Management | 8% | 7% |