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PHR Study Notes

Exam-focused study notes for the PHR certification, aligned to the HRCI 2024 Exam Content Outline (in force for 2026) with full coverage of US federal employment law and HR operations. Select a domain below to browse topics.

PHRHRCI50 Topics

Preview — 4 free topics

Vision, Mission, Values and Strategic PlanningBusiness Management

HR Metrics That Drive DecisionsBusiness Management

Change Management Models (Lewin, Kotter, ADKAR)Business Management

Risk Management FrameworkBusiness Management

Vision, Mission, Values and Strategic Planning

HR Metrics That Drive Decisions

Change Management Models (Lewin, Kotter, ADKAR)

Risk Management Framework

Organizational Structures

Frequently Tested

Ethics and Code of Conduct

Frequently Tested

Stakeholder Mapping and Cross-Functional Influence

Frequently Tested

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act

Adverse Impact and the Four-Fifths Rule

Independent Contractor vs Employee Classification

BFOQ — The Only Legal Way to Discriminate

Interview Methods and Selection

Sourcing Channels and the Recruitment Funnel

Frequently Tested

Background Checks and FCRA Compliance

ADDIE Instructional Design Model

Kirkpatrick Four Levels of Training Evaluation

Adult Learning Theory (Andragogy)

Frequently Tested

Career Development and Succession Planning

Blooms Taxonomy

Frequently Tested

FLSA Exempt vs Non-Exempt Classification

Equal Pay Act and Lilly Ledbetter

COBRA Continuation Coverage

HIPAA Privacy and Security

ACA Employer Mandate

Job Evaluation Methods

Frequently Tested

Pay Structures and Compa-Ratio

Performance Management Cycle

Performance Appraisal Methods

Performance Improvement Plans and Just Cause

Engagement Surveys and Action Planning

Motivation Theories (Maslow, Herzberg, McGregor, Vroom, Adams)

Recognition Programs and Total Rewards Integration

Frequently Tested

Involuntary Separations, RIFs, and the WARN Act

Exit Interviews and Alumni Programs

Frequently Tested

NLRA Section 7 and Concerted Activity

Union Organizing and the Election Process

Collective Bargaining (Mandatory, Permissive, Illegal)

Unfair Labor Practices and TIPS

Strikes and Lockouts

Sexual Harassment (Quid Pro Quo and Hostile Environment)

Workplace Investigations

OSHA and Workplace Safety

Workers Compensation

Progressive Discipline

Frequently Tested

Affirmative Action and OFCCP

Frequently Tested

HRIS Selection and Implementation

Frequently Tested

HR Reporting and Analytics

Frequently Tested

Data Security and Privacy in HR Systems

Records Management and Retention

Frequently Tested

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