Professional in Human Resources – California (PHRca) Practice Test

100 questions available

Build your confidence for Professional in Human Resources – California (PHRca). Practice the concepts, understand the answers, and strengthen your knowledge one question at a time.

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Certification exam
100 Exam questions
2 hours Time Limit
Professional Level
Your practice
100 Practice questions
1 hour 40 minutes Practice Time
Try 5 free questions
No account needed. A free account includes 20 questions for this exam.
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Exam overview and details

The Professional in Human Resources - California PHRca Practice Test is a comprehensive assessment designed for HR professionals who need to demonstrate mastery of California-specific employment laws and HR practices. Unlike national HR certifications, this exam focuses exclusively on the unique and often more stringent regulations that govern California workplaces, including wage and hour laws, leave requirements, privacy protections, and anti-discrimination statutes. The test covers six core domains: California Employment Laws, Employee Development, Employee and Labor Relations, Health, Safety, and Security, Talent Acquisition, and Total Rewards. It is ideal for HR practitioners, managers, consultants, and legal compliance officers who work in California or advise California-based organizations. By taking this practice test, candidates will gain a clear understanding of their readiness for the official PHRca exam, identify knowledge gaps, and build confidence in applying California-specific rules to real-world scenarios. The test emphasizes practical application over rote memorization, requiring test-takers to interpret laws, analyze workplace situations, and select compliant solutions. Successful completion signals to employers that the individual possesses the specialized expertise needed to navigate California's complex regulatory environment, reduce litigation risk, and support strategic HR initiatives.

Sample Questions

Choose an answer and explore the explanation to see how practice works.

California Employment Laws

Which purpose best describes the FLSA child labor provisions?

California Employment Laws

Which person is included within the CFRA source’s definition of parent?

California Employment Laws

An employee needs job-protected leave for the employee’s own serious health condition. Which law in the source addresses that requirement?

Employee and Labor Relations

What minimum supervisory training duration is stated for California sexual harassment training?

Total Rewards

A benefits team asks whether CRD handles paid family leave claims. Which routing is supported?

Career Opportunities & Salary

Median salary: $75,940– Human Resources Specialists

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 -- Human Resources Specialists (SOC 13-1071), US national. Occupation median, not a certification salary. (2025)

Human Resources Specialists

Exam insights and study advice

California has some of the most employee-protective laws in the United States, and noncompliance can result in costly penalties, class-action lawsuits, and reputational damage. This practice test matters because it directly prepares HR professionals to handle the nuances of California's wage orders, meal and rest break rules, paid sick leave, family leave expansions, and workplace safety requirements. In a real-world context, knowing the difference between federal and California law can mean the difference between a compliant payroll process and a wage-and-hour claim. For example, understanding that California requires a separate, uninterrupted 30-minute meal break for employees working over five hours-and that waiving it is only permissible under narrow conditions-prevents common errors that lead to premium pay obligations. The practical value is immediate: HR professionals who master this content can audit policies, train managers, respond to employee complaints, and advise leadership with authority. This test is not just about passing an exam; it is about building the competence to protect employees and the organization simultaneously.

These are the backgrounds the certifying body suggests. Check the vendor's own page for anything it formally requires.

What this exam covers

01California Employment Laws

02Employee and Labor Relations

03Employee Development

04Health, Safety, and Security

05Talent Acquisition

06Total Rewards

Exam Details PHRca | $495 USD | 2 hours

Exam Code PHRca
Vendor HRCI
Exam Cost $495 USD
Time Limit 2 hours
Exam questions 100
Question TypesMultiple Choice
Retake Policy 90-day waiting period after first failed attempt. 180-day waiting period after second failed attempt. Maximum 3 attempts per exam cycle. Full fee required for each retake.
Exam Format Linear
Online Proctoring Available
Available In
English

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this practice test different from the national PHR exam?

Do I need to memorize specific California Labor Code sections?

How many questions are on the actual PHRca exam, and how does this practice test compare?

What is the passing score for the PHRca exam?

Can I use this practice test to fulfill continuing education credits?