Exam Content Outlines
Below are the sections of the exam content outlines for this functional area. These specifications detail the responsibilities and knowledge covered on the certification exams. The item numbering is not sequential here because it reflects the numbering system employed in the exam content outline.
PHR Functional Area 4: Total Rewards (15%)
Responsibilities:
01 Manage compensation-related information and support payroll issue resolution.
02 Implement and promote awareness of non-cash rewards (for example: paid volunteer time, tuition assistance, workplace amenities, and employee recognition programs).
03 Implement benefit programs (for example: health plan, 401K, EAP, pension, insurance).
04 Administer federally compliant compensation and benefit programs.
Knowledge of:
36 Applicable federal laws and regulations related to total rewards
37 Compensation policies, processes, and analysis
38 Budgeting, payroll and accounting practices related to compensation and benefits
39 Job analysis and evaluation concepts and methods
40 Job pricing and pay structures
41 Non-cash compensation
42 Methods to align and benchmark compensation and benefits
43 Benefits programs policies, processes, and analysis
SPHR Functional Area 4: Total Rewards (12%)
Responsibilities
01 Analyze and evaluate compensation strategies (e.g., philosophy, classification, direct, indirect, incentives, bonuses, equity, executive compensation) that attract, reward, and retain talent.
02 Analyze and evaluate benefit strategies (e.g., health, welfare, retirement, recognition programs, work-life balance, wellness) that attract, reward, and retain talent.
Knowledge of
41 Compensation strategies and philosophy
42 Job analysis and evaluation methods
43 Job pricing and pay structures
44 External labor markets and/or economic factors
45 Executive compensation methods
46 Non-cash compensation methods
47 Benefits program strategies
48 Fiduciary responsibilities
49 Motivation concepts and applications
50 Benchmarking techniques