HRCI Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) Exam Exam Guide
At a glance
- Questions
- 65
- Time limit
- 1h 45m
- Exam fee
- $300
- Governing body
- HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
The Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) exam is an entry-level HR certification administered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI). It's designed for people who are new to human resources or transitioning into the field, verifying foundational knowledge of HR principles and practices without requiring prior HR work experience.
Overview
The aPHR exam covers HR fundamentals across five functional areas, each weighted differently in the exam content outline:
- Compliance & Risk Management — 25% of the exam
- Employee Relations — 24% of the exam
- Talent Acquisition — 19% of the exam
- Compensation & Benefits — 17% of the exam
- Learning & Development — 15% of the exam
Rather than being split into separate scored sections, all five areas are blended together across the exam, so candidates should study each functional area in proportion to its weight, with the heaviest emphasis on compliance and employee relations topics.
Cost and registration
Taking the aPHR exam requires two separate payments: a $300 exam fee and a non-refundable $100 application fee paid before scheduling. If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, HRCI charges an additional $150 rescheduling/cancellation fee. For the current full fee schedule, refer to the official HRCI aPHR certification page.
Exam format
The exam consists of 65 scored questions plus 25 unscored pretest questions, for 90 total items, and candidates are given 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete it. HRCI does not publish a fixed passing score for the aPHR, so candidates should check the official HRCI aPHR page for the current passing standard. Eligibility requires only a high school diploma or global equivalent, and the resulting certification is valid for 3 years, renewable with 45 recertification credit hours.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the real aPHR exam?
The aPHR exam has 65 scored questions plus 25 additional pretest questions that don't count toward your score, for 90 total questions.
What does the aPHR exam cost?
The aPHR exam fee is $300, and HRCI also requires a separate, non-refundable $100 application fee before you can schedule the exam.
How much time do I get to complete the aPHR exam?
You have 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the aPHR exam.
Who is eligible to sit for the aPHR exam?
The aPHR is designed for HR professionals early in their careers, and HRCI requires a high school diploma or global equivalent to qualify, with no prior HR experience required.
What if I need to reschedule or cancel my aPHR exam appointment?
HRCI charges a $150 cancellation or rescheduling fee, and for online-proctored exams you must check in within a precise window: 30 minutes before your scheduled time and up to 15 minutes after.
How long does the aPHR certification last and what's required to keep it?
An aPHR certification is valid for 3 years, and HRCI requires 45 recertification credit hours earned during that three-year cycle to renew it.
Sources
- 1.aPHR - Associate Professional in Human Resources | HRCI — HR Certification Institute (HRCI) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 2.OnVUE Online Proctored Testing FAQ (HRCI, official PDF) — HR Certification Institute (HRCI) (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
Official sources
Every exam fact on this page traces to a primary document published by the body that administers the exam.
- aPHR - Associate Professional in Human Resources | HRCIHR Certification Institute (HRCI)hrci.org
- aPHR Exam Content Outline (HRCI, official PDF)HR Certification Institute (HRCI)hrci.org
- OnVUE Online Proctored Testing FAQ (HRCI, official PDF)HR Certification Institute (HRCI)hrci.org
Last verified against the official exam content outline: