How the plan sets your priorities
Your Exam results report shows how you did in each functional area. Use it to rate each one below; the planner doesn't need exact scores. So the planner asks you instead: the functional areas you mark as hard start your plan, mixed ones are strengthened, and confident ones get lighter review. Your answers are a self-assessment, not an official result.
Each functional area starts from its share of the exam in the official outline, multiplied by its priority: 3× to start, 2× to strengthen, 1.5× if you leave it blank, and 1× to maintain. A quarter of your time is mixed practice across all functional areas. This is Passy’s planning method; it doesn’t estimate a score or a chance of passing.
Retake rules for the PHR
Wait 90 days after an unsuccessful attempt before scheduling a retake; without Second Chance Insurance you reapply, requalify, and pay all exam fees, then test within the 180-day eligibility period.
- Handbook: 'Candidates have a 90-days cool off period from the unsuccessful exam date before they may schedule their retake exam appointment.'
- Second Chance Insurance (optional, bought with the application) covers one retake of a different version of the same exam type, same 90-day cooling-off period.
- No annual attempt limit is stated in the handbook.
- Eligibility period is 180 calendar days from application approval.
Checked against official sources on October 24, 2026.
Next steps
Check your weakest functional area with the free PHR practice set, or use the PHR study planner for a first attempt.
Passy is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by HR Certification Institute (HRCI). PHR® and PHRca® are trademarks of HRCI, registered in the U.S. and other countries, and the PHR exam content outline is copyrighted by HRCI; the names are used here only to identify the exam. Passy practice questions are original study material and contain no HRCI exam items or practice-exam questions.