PHRi study guide
PHRi · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Professional in Human Resources – International (PHRi) is an HRCI certification designed for HR practitioners working outside the United States. It validates professional-level competency, knowledge, and skills grounded in globally recognized HR principles and applied within the local context where you work. The exam is also offered in Spanish (Castilian), which matters if you are choosing your delivery language. The exam covers seven functional areas with fixed weights: Business Management (14%), Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition (14%), Learning and Development (10%), Total Rewards (15%), Employee Engagement (17%), Employee and Labor Relations (20%), and HR Information Management (10%). The PHRi study guide has 7 sections and about 1,833 words.
01Business Management
PHRi Business Management tests whether HR can connect people decisions to strategy, structure, finance, risk, and change. Expect scenario questions, not definitions alone.
266 words, about 1 min02Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition
Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition covers how HR forecasts needs, defines jobs, attracts candidates, selects validly, and onboards. PHRi favors practical scenarios with international labor markets and local hiring constraints.
282 words, about 1 min03Learning and Development
Learning and Development tests how HR identifies skill gaps, designs cost-effective learning, and proves transfer and impact. PHRi scenarios often involve limited budgets and multicultural learners.
268 words, about 1 min04Total Rewards
Total Rewards tests pay strategy, internal equity, external competitiveness, benefits, incentives, and international pay administration. PHRi expects you to apply reward concepts within local law and market practice.
276 words, about 1 min05Employee Engagement
Employee Engagement tests how HR measures and improves discretionary effort, retention, well-being, and culture. PHRi scenarios emphasize evidence-based action and manager accountability.
256 words, about 1 min06Employee and Labor Relations
Employee and Labor Relations tests discipline, grievances, investigations, union and works council relations, and constructive employee voice. PHRi expects consistent process and local legal awareness.
244 words, about 1 min07HR Information Management
HR Information Management tests HRIS selection, data quality, reporting, analytics, privacy, and security. PHRi scenarios ask how HR governs employee data across borders.
241 words, about 1 min