Passing score for the PHR exam?

Question

I am preparing for the PHR exam with the SHRM learning system and am trying to interpret the cryptic weighted scoring... Any ideas on what the average passing raw score is? When you were studying and taking practice exams, how well were you scoring and did you pass?

Answer 1

I just took it this morning and I am so relieved that I passed.  I am not sure what the exact score is to pass.  I know the passing rate of people taking the exam is in the 60th percentile.  I used the 2007 SHRM Learning System.  I was scoring anywhere from 60-70% on the quizzes and tests on the SHRM CD which pretty much made me feel that I was destined for failure because I'd study what I missed on the quizzes, re-do them and ace them... but then I'd start a new quiz and score 60-70% again.  In fact I posted a question yesterday about this dilemma - I wanted to know if the scores on the practice CD were a pretty good indicator of what my actual score would be. I went in not feeling confident and was totally shocked to see that I had passed.  If I had more time to study (I crammed all of mine in a week prior to test day) I would have read through the modules again that were weighted the heaviest on the exam.  The test felt like a mix of memory, application and using your best judgment.  I hope this helps and good luck on the exam later this year!

Answer 2

Hello,

I am actually scheduled to take the PHR exam tomorrow morning (yikes!). A passing score is 67% once all the categories are combined. I initially took the practice test offered by HRCI and received a 70%. After studying I retook the practice exam and scored an 87%. Based upon that I'm feeling pretty confident about the exam tomorrow.

I didn't use the SHRM system. I studied entirely from a book called 'PHR SPHR Professional in Human Resources Certification Study Guide' by Anne M. Bogardus.

The exam is weighted as follows - workforce planning 26%, strategic management 12%, human resources development 17%, comp and benefits 16%, employee and labor relations 22%, occupational health, safety and security 7%.

I would recommend you take the practice exam offered by HRCI to see how strongly you score in each category and then you can determine your study plan from there.

Be sure to learn all the union labor relations study material as this is part of the employee labor relations section that makes up over 25% of the test.

Good luck!