Prepare for Certification While Building Practical Workplace Skills
Gain the human resources training needed to manage people, support organizational goals, and build a successful career in human resources (HR). This comprehensive HR management course bundle provides a strong foundation in HR principles and business management practices while aligning with standards recognized by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Throughout this HR training program, you will explore key areas of the HR profession, including employment law, talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compensation and benefits, training and development, and labor relations. You will also learn how HR professionals contribute to organizational success through strategic planning, workforce management, and compliance initiatives.
In addition to core HR competencies, the curriculum covers essential business topics such as workplace safety and OSHA regulations, business and tax considerations, negotiation strategies, and effective leadership practices.
Upon completion of this HR course, you will be prepared to pursue industry-recognized HR certifications, including the HRCI Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR), Professional in Human Resources (PHR), and SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) credentials. While prior HR experience is required to qualify for the PHR certification exam, no HR experience is required to sit for the aPHR or SHRM-CP exams.
Job Outlook for Human Resources Managers
HR professionals continue to play a critical role in helping organizations recruit, develop, and retain talent while navigating an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of HR managers is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS also projects approximately 17,900 job openings for human resources managers each year during this period, driven by both employment growth and the need to replace workers who retire or transition to other occupations. Demand is expected to remain strong as organizations increasingly rely on HR professionals to support strategic business goals, workforce planning, employee engagement, and compliance initiatives
The BLS also notes that the national median salary for an HR manager is $140,030 per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a human resources manager? What does a human resource manager do?
Human resources managers plan, coordinate, and direct the administrative functions of an organization. Human resources managers are employed in nearly every industry, with job titles like employee relations manager, HR administration director (human resources administration director), human resources director (HR director), human resources manager (HR manager), and human resources operations manager. They work in offices, and most work full-time during regular business hours. Some travel to attend professional meetings or to recruit employees.
Does this course prepare you for a certification?
Yes. This course prepares you to sit for the Human Resource Certification Institute's aPHR and PHR certification exams and the Society for Human Resource Management's SHRM-CP exam. You will need experience in the human resources field before you are eligible to take the PHR exam, but not the aPHR or SHRM-CP exams. Please reference the course prerequisites section for more information.
How long does it take to complete this course?
After you register, you will receive 12 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.
Course Objectives
- A broad overview of human resources practices
- Skills for handling recruitment, performance appraisals, and training processes
- Strategic decision making for compensation and job evaluation
- Review foundational knowledge of U.S. laws and regulations regarding employment practices, including financial and accounting terms
- Understand OSHA rules governing employee health and safety
- Cover important topics in running operations in accordance with legal requirements
- Learn how taxes affect you, whether your business is a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation
- Grasp the process of negotiating, how to evaluate negotiation styles, and successful negotiation strategies for most environments
- Prepare for the HRCI (aPHR, PHR) and SHRM-CP certification exams
Prerequisites and Certification Requirements
You should have basic keyboarding and computer skills, be comfortable navigating the Internet and using email, and have an understanding of a word-processing program (such as Word).
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
Instructors
Deven Matthews
Deven Matthews is a tenured professor with over a decade of higher education experience and extensive expertise in course design, hybrid instruction, and applied learning. An accomplished author and curriculum developer, he specializes in translating complex management concepts into practical, skill-based learning. Deven is known for mentoring students and creating engaging, career-ready programs that bridge theory and real-world practice.
Anna Smith
Anna Smith has worked in the field of human resources for 30 years and has taught at 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 Senior Professional in Human Resources and a 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.
Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.