Are You Ready To Discover Your College Program
An online human resources certificate offers condensed and targeted training that can lead to desirable careers.
Professionals with HR training can find employment in most industries and organizations. They can navigate the complexities of labor laws, enhance organizational culture, and develop programs to improve employee satisfaction and performance. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% employment growth rate for these specialists from 2019-2029 nearly twice as fast as the average rate for all occupations.
Though the field felt the negative impacts of COVID-19, HR professionals were integral to the organizational response during the pandemic. When the world recovers, HR specialists will help drive re-staffing, growth, and policymaking efforts.
While many HR professionals pursue higher degrees in the field, an online human resources certificate can equip graduates with the basic skills and credentials needed to enter the field at entry level. This page explores HR certificates in depth, highlighting available career pathways and ranking the best online human resources certificate programs.
How Do I Know If Learning Hr Is Right For Me
If you like to help people and make a difference in an organization, then learning about HR may provide solid benefits for you. When you learn HR, you may find that you possess soft people skills that may translate well to HR. These soft skills may include being a good listener, with good communication skills, solid time management focus, and fundamental computer aptitude. Having these qualities may help you to find work in HR. Eventually, you may use your HR learning and background experience to help companies hire new employees, plan employee activities, and even work on employees’ company benefits plans. Human resources professionals are often integral to a large companyâs operations, as the corporate need is often strong to keep employment levels at peak efficiency.â
How Long Does It Take To Get A Graduate Certificate For Human Resources
Human resources graduate certificate programs typically take 6 months to 1 year to complete when attending full-time. Online graduate certificate programs offer the flexibility to complete your coursework around your life commitments.
The length of time it takes to complete online graduate certificates in human resources can vary depending on the number of courses you complete each term. It can also vary depending on the number of credit hours required by the program.
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Get An Hr Certification To Further Your Career
HR certifications are one of the best ways to learn new human resources methodologies and diversify your work experience.
Furthermore, because they are independent qualifications, you can always apply for recertification if the program evolves or the global HR landscape goes through a shift.
No matter how many years of experience you have in HR, chances are, there’s always something new you can learn.
While all the courses on this list will have some unique insight or knowledge to deliver, we recommend the HR Manager certification course by HR University The course structure and resource diversity makes it ideal for fresh HR graduates and seasoned veterans alike.
Doctorate In Human Resources

- Length: Three to five years
- Cost: $40,000-$150,000
- Post-grad careers: University professor, human resources executive, employee education consultant
A human resources doctorate best fits learners aspiring to work in education, research, or an executive human resources role. This terminal degree combines research, advocacy, and leadership.
The program generally expects learners to develop a dissertation that contributes to human resources and organizational behavior-related knowledge. As such, you can expect to take coursework in leadership theory and quantitative research. By the end of the program, you will know how to train executive-level leaders and conduct large-format organizational research studies.
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How Do You Become A Certified Hr Professional
To become a certified HR professional, you must pass a Society of Human Resource Management or HR Certification Institute exam. Each organization offers different credentials and has its own eligibility requirements. Eligibility requirements vary based on the specific certification you pursue and include years of experience and level of college degree earned. Participating in an online human resources certificate program can help you prepare for the SHRM and HRCI exams. Some certificate programs are designed specifically for that purpose.
Hr Graduate Certificate Curriculum & Courses
Human resources is a vast field. Just as with an online MBA in Human Resources, online graduate certificates can cover a wide range of topics, helping you gain a solid foundation in HR. Depending on the focus of your certificate program, you may complete courses similar to the ones below:
Even though the roles for each human resources position can differ, the topics covered in a human resources graduate certificate program can help prepare you for a variety of HR positions.
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Human Resources Certificate Programs Accreditation
In an effort to ensure that an educational program is on par with national and industry standards, colleges and universities can elect to partake in an accreditation review process. Members from an accrediting agency will review a schools educational materials as well as its facilities, staff, and funding.
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Holding a certificate from a regionally accredited university can demonstrate to future employers that you received a high-quality education thats up to industry standards. Attending an accredited school can also be an eligibility factor for some forms of financial aid.
Earn A Human Resources Management Diploma Or Certificate Online
Employers are seeking highly-skilled HR professionals. Gain the knowledge and expertise to get ahead in this exciting field.
- Work towards your CHRP and CHRL designations
- Many courses approved by the Human Resources Professional Association
- Earn a diploma when you successfully complete as few as nine HR courses online
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Society For Human Resource Management
As the most recognized organization in the industry, the certification has rigorous criteria. If you have a master’s degree in HR, you need at least three years of work experience in the industry. But if you have only a Bachelor’s degree, you need four or more years of industry experience.
The SHRM-SCP consists of a four-hour exam with two types of multiple-choice questions: knowledge-based and scenario-based. Remember that it’s not a course, but an exam. The pass rate for the SHRM-SCP exam is around 50%.
If you decide to go for this certification, be ready to dedicate at least a few hours per week to prepare for the exam.
How Much Does the SHRM-SCP Cost?
The senior SHRM certification costs $475 if you are not a member of the Society of Human Resources Management. There is also a $50 application fee, which makes the total price $525 for non-members. SHRM members get a $100 discount.
Who Should Take the SHRM-SCP?
The SHRM-SCP is for senior human resources professionals who focus on strategic decision-making. You should get this certification if your responsibilities include aligning HR strategies with organizational goals, people management, and developing HR policies.
SHRM – SCP is best for individuals who already have a few other credentials. Suppose you are already a member of the Society for Human Resources Management. In that case, that’s also an excellent option for you since the organization provides helpful resources during the preparation.
Whats The Difference Between A Human Resource Certificate Vs Degree
A human resources certificate requires much less of a time commitment than a human resources degree, although both can prove valuable.
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If you have prior experience in HR, a certificate can help you demonstrate your passion for your work and your desire to improve your skills.
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Human Resources Management Program Features:
- Convenient and flexible. Our online courses suit you and your busy life
- Learn from industry experts and network with other professionals
- Collaborate with peers on HR projects and exercises
- Organizational Behaviour and Labour Relations
- Talent Acquisition and Compensation
- Training, Development and Effective Communications
Bonus: Diversity And Inclusion In The Workplace

Offered by ESSEC Business School via Coursera
If you only choose one class from this list of free online human resources courses, choose this diversity and inclusion offering on the Coursera platform. The lessons provided have never been more timely, and this nine-hour course will help you understand more than just the paradox of diversity. You will walk away with practical and useful skills about how to channel the diversity potential of those in your workplace to create better innovation and performance.
It is taught by professor Junko Takagi and is free to take on the Coursera platform in audit mode. Certification can also be had for a fee.
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Best Online Human Resources Graduate Certificates 202: Top Picks
Are you a seasoned business professional looking to transition to a human resources role? An MBA is not your only option. For an inexpensive and short time investment, consider pursuing a human resources graduate certificate.
Businesses need human resources specialists who can lead people from all cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds. The human resources field continually grows as companies strategize how to effectively recruit, hire, and train a diverse workforce. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that from 2020 to 2030, human resources manager employment will grow by 9%. A certificate can kick-start a job in this field.
Read on for our rankings of the top-rated online human resources graduate certificate programs, along with our primer on what to expect from this credential.
How Much Do Hr Certifications Cost
Suppose you’re looking to get an HR certification from any HR certification programs on this blog post. In that case, there is no set price because each program has different pricing depending on your level . However, if we look into individual fees, they range from $199-$5,400 per course.
Josh Fechter is a business strategy consultant and founder. Hes written several world-recognized books on software configuration, speaks Spanish, ballroom dances, and owns The Product Company and Squibler.
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Which Is The Best Certification For Hr
As you begin your search for human resources certifications, you will find many different options. Each option is best suited to different types of professionals, but generally, a PHR or SPHR certification is the best type to go for.
If you dont know which of these two options will work best for you, its typically advised that you start by looking at practice questions for each. There are many differences between the PHR and SPHR exams, as well as different prerequisites you must meet. See what each exam entails, then choose the one youre most comfortable with.
Graduate Certificates In Hr Admissions Requirements
Admission requirements for online graduate certificate programs in human resources can vary by program, but here are some common criteria across programs:
- Bachelors degree. Holding a bachelors degree is often a requirement for admission.
- GRE or GMAT scores, if needed. A growing number of schools no longer request graduate school entrance exams, but they can still be required.
- Statement of purpose. Schools may request a statement that explains your interest in their program.
- Letters of recommendation. A letter of recommendation from a previous professor or employer may be required for admission.
In addition to the above criteria, some schools will request to see your professional experience, and they may invite you to an admissions interview.
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Human Resource Management Extension Certificate
Human resource management is the management of people within a company or organization. It includes the hiring, development and training of employees and aims to maximize performance to meet strategic objectives.
Develop the knowledge and skills to become an HR professional with the Human Resource Management Extension Certificate. Focus on key areas of human resource management including effective techniques for recruitment, selection and employee retention. Learn how to prepare quality training programs and support the career development of employees. Help motivate and maximize employee performance by creating performance management programs.
Throughout the HR management program, youll benefit from the real-world experience of veteran instructors. These leading HR professionals share their industry know-how with you as they teach practical skills you can use right away.
The certificate is also eligible towards Blue Seal Certification.
CPHR is the only human resources designation recognized across nine professional human resources associations in Canada. The CPHR represents 27,000 human resources professionals practicing human resources in Canada. |
Best For Short Time Commitments: American Management Association Fundamentals Of Human Resources Management Certificate
American Management Association
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Only takes 2 in person classroom days or 4 online sessions to complete
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Program delivers the essentials for early-career human resources professionals
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Program is somewhat pricey, and non-members pay more.
We like the American Management Associations Fundamentals of Human Resources Management Certificate program since it delivers what you need to learn in a short time frame.
The program could be a good fit for you if youre relatively new to the human resources profession or duties and want a crash course on the essentials. Accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training , the program includes four instructor-led lessons.
The topics of the curriculum are as follows:
- Lesson 1: The ever-changing role HR and the function of human resources
- Lesson 2: The legal components of HR and the employment process
- Lesson 3: Benefits administration and HR-related data processing
- Lesson 4: Compensation, performance management, and employee development
When you complete the program, youll receive 1.2 CEUs.
If youre not a member of the American Management Association, the program costs $2,345. The member price is $2,095.
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Getting An Hr Certificate Whether Online Or In
With todays job market being more competitive than ever, you often need that slight edge over the competition to establish yourself as a big player in any industry. This is just as true for the human resources field as it is for any other field. One of the most popular ways to take your HR game to the next level is through a certification course.
While some people still choose to take in-person courses to further their careers, there are now a plethora of online resources that can help you take your career further than ever. Online HR certification courses are widely available, and often a better choice for busy professionals.
It can be taxing to finish a long day at the office, then drive down to your local college or learning center to sit through an hour or two of in-person instruction. Online courses, on the other hand, only require you to log in with your computer a couple of days each week. You can even complete your courses while you watch TV with your family before bed.
Is An Hr Certificate Worth It

Nowadays, many human resources professionals choose to undergo some kind of certification course. If youre considering taking this big step in your career, you may be wondering if itll be worth it in the end.
Generally, professionals find that obtaining some kind of human resources certification is worth it. Although these certifications are rarely required by employers, they typically come with a plethora of career-related benefits.
The biggest benefit of getting a human resources certification is the potential to earn more money. Research shows that, even with the same job title, HR professionals who hold some kind of certificate tend to earn more on average than those who do not. In addition to this, HR certificate holders are more likely to be promoted and often hold positions of higher power within their companies.
If youre in the market for a new job in the human resources industry, having one of these certifications under your belt can also give you an edge when it comes time for interviews.
Although most employers do not require applicants to have them, they do generally prefer to hire those most equipped for the job. A certification can set you apart from other applicants and distinguish you as an expert in the human resources field.
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Universities Offering Online Certificate In Human Resources Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Cornell Universitys Human Resources Certificate program gives students the opportunity to choose a focus in one of several specialties to cater their education toward specific career goals. Options include Leadership, Management, Diversity and Inclusion, Employment Law, and Talent Acquisition.
The length of the certificate depends on the specialty, though most consist of four to nine 2 week courses that are taken online.
Cornell University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The Human Resource Certificate program at Florida Atlantic University consists of 14 in-person or online sessions, for a total of 42 hours. It is designed to prepare graduates to serve as integral members in their fields.
The program covers key concepts in human resources, such as personnel selection, training and development, and employee relations.
Florida Atlantic University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Florida International University offers a self-paced, fully online program for a Certificate in Human Resources that can typically be completed in only 4 months.
Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.