• Exam Breakdown
  • Domain Breakdown
  • Access Breakdown

Exam Format

  • Exam Code: PHRca®
  • Certification Level: Professional (State-Specific – California)
  • Exam Duration: 90 minutes
  • Passing Score: Not publicly disclosed by HRCI
  • Unscored Content: The exam may include unscored questions for research purposes. These do not affect your final score and are not identified.

Exam Details

  • Question Types: Multiple choice questions
  • Number of Questions: 90 total questions
  1. 65 scored questions
  2. 25 pretest (unscored) questions
  • Hands-On Questions: No practical lab questions (theory-based exam)

Exam Policies

  • Offline Proctoring: Available at authorized Pearson VUE test centers
  • Online Proctoring: Available via remote proctoring
  • Waiting Period: Candidates must wait 30 days before retaking the exam
  • Retake Fee: Full exam fee must be paid for each retake

Certification Validity and Renewal

  • Validity: 3 years
  • Renewal Options:
  1. Earn 60 recertification credits, or
  2. Retake the PHRca® exam before expiration

Exam Fee

  • Base Fee: $395 USD
  • Application Fee: $100 USD (non-refundable)
  • Taxes: Country-specific VAT/GST may apply

Prerequisites

There are no mandatory prerequisites, but HRCI recommends:

  • Experience working in HR roles within California
  • Strong understanding of U.S. federal HR practices
  • Familiarity with California labor and employment laws

Exam Topics

The exam focuses exclusively on California employment law, including:

  • Employee & Labor Relations (CA-specific)
  • Compensation & Benefits under CA law
  • Leaves of Absence (FMLA, CFRA, PDL, Paid Sick Leave)
  • Wage & Hour regulations
  • Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation laws
  • Workplace safety (Cal/OSHA)
  • Termination & discipline
  • Risk management & compliance
  • HR administration & recordkeeping

Intended Audience

This certification is ideal for:

  • HR Managers working in California
  • HR Business Partners
  • Compliance & Employee Relations Managers
  • HR Consultants handling California clients
  • Senior HR professionals in U.S. organizations

Career Impact

Jobs You Can Get:
  • HR Manager, Employee Relations Manager, HR Compliance Manager, HR Business Partner

Average Salary:

  • California / U.S.: $85,000 – $140,000 annually
  • India (CA-focused global roles): ₹10,00,000 – ₹25,00,000 per year
Why It’s Valuable:
  • California has the most complex employment laws in the U.S. This certification proves your ability to reduce legal risk and ensure compliance, making you highly valuable to organizations operating in California.

Exam Mode

The exam can be taken:

  • In-person at authorized Pearson VUE test centers
  • Online via remote proctoring

Exam Booking Link

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    Top Reasons to Choose
    Professional in Human Resources – California®

    Specialized California HR Law Expertise

    The PHRca certification validates expertise in California’s complex employment laws, compliance standards, wage regulations, and workplace policies, enabling HR professionals to manage risk effectively and ensure organizational compliance within California’s strict regulatory environment.

    Career Advancement in Regulated HR Environments

    This certification prepares HR professionals for advanced roles requiring California labor law knowledge, strengthening decision-making skills and improving professional credibility in organizations operating within highly regulated employment environments.

    High Demand for State-Specific Compliance Skills

    Organizations operating in California require HR professionals skilled in state employment regulations, compliance management, and workforce policies, making the PHRca credential valuable for career growth in specialized HR and compliance roles.

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    FAQ

    • Who should take the Professional in Human Resources – California® (PHRca®) exam?

      The PHRca exam is designed for HR professionals working with or overseeing HR functions within California’s legal environment. It benefits those responsible for compliance with California employment statutes, wage and hour laws, benefits, safety and employee relations, and enhances credibility in state-specific HR roles. (50 words)

    • How difficult is the PHRca® exam?
    • Why does HRCI offer the PHRca® certification?
    • What tools and resources can be used to prepare for the PHRca® exam?

      Candidates should use the official HRCI PHRca Exam Content Outline, California HR study tools, practice exams, HR legal guides, and state-specific practice questions. Digital resources such as HRCalifornia’s library and structured prep courses improve understanding of wage laws, compliance, leaves, safety, and benefits to build exam readiness. (50 words)

    • Is the Professional in Human Resources – California® certification still valuable in 2026?