Become a Certified HR Professional

Human capital is the single most important asset in any business and human resources (HR) professionals are charged with protecting these assets. This 100% online training course will prepare you for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification exam offered by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI). You will be fully equipped to advance your career as a certified PHR in only six months.

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Job Outlook for Human Resources Professionals 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates a 6% job growth for HR specialists by 2032. This will equal an additional 78,700 job openings throughout this period. More jobs for HR specialists are expected as they are needed to help with complicated employment laws and benefits.

The BLS reports that the median salary for human resources specialists is $67,650 (as of May 2023), with top earners making more than $121,800 annually.

Human Resources Professional FAQs

What is an HR specialist? What does an HR specialist do?

An HR specialist performs specialized HR tasks such as recruiting, screening, interviewing job applicants, and placing newly hired employees.

Do you need a certification to work as a human resources specialist? 

While a certification is not required to work as a human resources specialist, the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification is one of the most widely known and most respected credentials in the field of human resources. It is also a requirement by most employers before you are considered for higher-level human resources roles.

Does this course prepare me for certification? 

Yes. This Human Resources Professional training course will prepare you for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) exam offered by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI). According to Payscale.com, those who have PHR certification get promoted faster and have a median salary that is $20,000 higher than those who do not. 

Is human resources a good career? 

Absolutely. Every organization, large or small, needs someone who can help them with employee relations. A career in Human Resources can be whatever you make it. There are dozens and dozens of specialties and career paths to fit almost anyone interested in helping others while improving relations between employers and employees.     

Course Objectives

  • Comprehensive knowledge needed to sit for the aPHR, PHR, or SHRM-CP certification exams
  • A broad overview of human resources practices
  • Skills for handling recruitment, performance appraisals, and training processes
  • Strategic decision making for compensation and job evaluation
  • Foundational knowledge of U.S. laws and regulations regarding employment practices
  • OSHA rules governing employee health and safety
  • Strategies for implementing retention initiatives
  • Remote work and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) considerations

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Prerequisites and Certification Requirements

There are no specific prerequisites for taking this course. However, HRCI requires that you meet one of the following criteria to sit for PHR certification: 
  • Master’s degree or higher = 1 year of work experience in a professional-level HR role
  • Bachelor’s degree = 2 years of work experience in a professional-level HR role
  • Anything less than a bachelor’s degree = 4 years of work experience in a professional-level HR role

Instructors

Anna Smith

Anna Smith has worked in the human resources field for 30 years and has taught at the university level for over 20 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Spalding University, a master's degree in management from Webster University, and a Master Online Teaching certificate from the University of Illinois. She is also a certified Professional in Human Resources from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources, and an SHRM Senior Certified Professional. Her experience spans many areas of human resources, including recruitment, labor relations, and affirmative action plans.

Ann Nevers

Ann Nevers holds a law degree and a master's in health law. She has work experience in employee management, hiring, training, and staff development. This includes motivating employees to work to their strengths, preparing new job descriptions, and looking for ways to improve workplace efficiency in a positive work environment.

Ann has used communication, problem-solving, and dispute resolution processes both formally and informally to effectively work through issues. In addition, she has experience both teaching and writing on a number of legal and workplace issues, including health care and employment law.

She is engaged in community volunteer activities, including prior work overseeing a women's organization with implementation and oversight of new volunteer roles, training, and leadership development. In addition, she has established a newsletter and newsletter team to support the efforts of a local non-profit organization. 

Registration and Enrollment

This course is 100% online. Start anytime. 

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