Professional Certification in Human Resources (PHR) Training
Prepare for a career and professional certification in human resources (HR)! Review industry-recognized practices aligned with the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
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What to Know at a Glance
Duration
Self-paced
Delivery
100% online
Scheduling Options
Start anytime
Where it is offered
Online
About Our Human Resources Program
You will explore the foundational aspects of HR, including human resource laws, hiring disciplines, and labor relations. You will dive into essential areas, such as affirmative action and diversity considerations, and come to understand important decisions that human resources professionals often make regarding retention, recruiting, and hiring. Additionally, you will learn how to create a high-performance workplace and related topics of performance appraisals, remote work, workplace communication, motivation, digital media, compensation and benefits, and more. Training will also prepare you for the HRCI’s Professional Certification in Human Resources (PHR) exam and helpful information for other human resources certification exams, including SHRM’s Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) exam and the HRCI’s Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) exam.

- Gather comprehensive knowledge needed to sit for the aPHR, PHR, or SHRM-CP human resources certification exams
- Obtain a broad overview of human resources professional practices
- Gain skills for handling recruitment, performance appraisals, and training processes
- Learn strategic decision-making for compensation and job evaluation
- Acquire foundational knowledge of U.S. laws and regulations regarding employment practices
- Understand OSHA rules governing employee health and safety
- Review strategies for implementing retention initiatives
- Study remote work and Diversity considerations
There are no prerequisites for taking this course other than basic computer knowledge. No HR experience is required to sit for the aPHR exam. You will need a high school diploma, but you don’t need any additional education. Similarly, no HR experience or degree is required for the SHRM-CP exam; however, a basic working knowledge of HR practices and principles or a degree from a SHRM Academically Aligned program is recommended. If you plan to take the PHR exam after completing the course, you will need one of the following: A minimum of one (1) year of experience in a professional level HR position with a master’s degree or higher, OR A minimum of two (2) years of experience in a professional level HR position with a bachelor’s degree, OR A minimum of four (4) years of experience in a professional level HR position with less than a bachelor’s degree.
Human resources professionals are employed in nearly every industry, making this a great career field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for human resource managers is $140,030. Over 17,000 job openings are projected for these professionals each year on average through 2033. The BLS notes that the median annual salary for human resources specialists is $72,910, with over 86,000 job openings projected annually by 2033.
Human Resources Professional FAQs
An HR specialist performs specialized HR tasks such as recruiting, screening, interviewing job applicants, and placing newly hired employees.
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.
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.
Instructors
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 holds a law degree and a master’s in health law. She has work experience in employee management, hiring, training, and staff development. 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.