Exam Content Outlines

Below are the sections of the exam content outlines for this functional area. These specifications detail the responsibilities and knowledge covered on the certification exams. The item numbering is not sequential here because it reflects the numbering system employed in the exam content outline.

PHR Functional Area 4: Total Rewards (15%)

Responsibilities:

01    Manage compensation-related information and support payroll issue resolution.

02    Implement and promote awareness of non-cash rewards (e.g., paid volunteer time, tuition assistance, workplace amenities, and employee recognition programs).

03    Implement benefit programs (e.g., health plan, 401K, EAP, pension, insurance).

04    Administer federally compliant compensation and benefit programs.

Knowledge of:

36    Applicable federal laws and regulations related to total rewards

37    Compensation policies, processes, and analysis

38    Budgeting, payroll and accounting practices related to compensation and benefits

39    Job analysis and evaluation concepts and methods

40    Job pricing and pay structures

41    Non-cash compensation

42    Methods to align and benchmark compensation and benefits

43    Benefits programs policies, processes, and analysis

SPHR Functional Area 4: Total Rewards (12%)

Responsibilities

01    Analyze and evaluate compensation strategies (e.g., philosophy, classification, direct, indirect, incentives, bonuses, equity, executive compensation) that attract, reward, and retain talent.

02    Analyze and evaluate benefit strategies (e.g., health, welfare, retirement, recognition programs, work-life balance, wellness) that attract, reward, and retain talent.

Knowledge of

41    Compensation strategies and philosophy

42    Job analysis and evaluation methods

43    Job pricing and pay structures

44    External labor markets and/or economic factors

45    Executive compensation methods

46    Non-cash compensation methods

47    Benefits program strategies

48    Fiduciary responsibilities

49    Motivation concepts and applications

50    Benchmarking techniques