The 20 Best Courses for HR Certification in 2023
20 of the most popular certificates and courses in HR
HRCI Certification
HRCI certification is one of the best ways to get a professional credential in the field of human resources. Their courses and tests set a standard for HR rigor and excellence in the field and show who has HR expertise. They have been teaching HR for more than 40 years and are one of the most respected organizations that offer professional certifications. The courses are for people who are just starting out in HR, those who want to improve their skills, and those who want to learn about a specific area of HR. They cover everything you need to know to get a certificate or just to learn out of interest.
Price: Each course starts at $149
Duration: Variable
Test Needed: Yes, most certificates can be earned online, in person, or both. Both
How many teaching hours: Various
Eligibility Requirements: None; most courses for beginners are open to everyone.
SHRM Certification
The goal of the SHRM certification is to help people be more effective at work, move up in their careers, and network with other business leaders. SHRM teaches students that good people management is needed to make sure that both the company and the people it hires are on the same page and want the same things. Students learn how to use what they’ve learned in classes at work so they can work as part of a team to help the company reach its goals.
Prices for exams start at $500.
Duration: Variable
Exam Required: Yes, in person, online, or both? Depends on timing
How many teaching hours: You can take classes somewhere else before the test.
Eligibility Requirements: None, it depends on which stream you’re in
College of George Brown
The college offers human resources certification programs aimed at those who are already at the management level. It was made to help people who already work in the administration side of HR improve their skills and learn new ones. It is also a great course to take if you are just starting out as a human resources professional and want to move up in management.
Price: $319 per module (10 modules) (10 modules)
Each module lasts 6 weeks.
Exam Required: Yes, in person, online, or both? In-Person
How many teaching hours: 36 per module
Eligibility Requirements: HRM 1031 Taking care of human resources
A certificate in the management of human resources
York University made this course so that students could learn about HR concepts and connect with professionals in the field. You can balance your work and personal lives while taking this HR certificate program and learning the core competencies of an HR professional, as set by the Human Resources Professional Association. A good certification program in human resources for anyone who wants to improve their standing in the field without having to take time off work to do the course work.
Price: $6,921
Duration: 2 years
Yes, an exam is needed. Will it be online, in person, or both? Online
How many hours of class: 9 courses, flexible schedule
Eligibility Requirements: 1-year college or university – basic requirements to get into university.
Human Resources Certificate Program
Cornell University has a lot of Human Resources courses that you can take one at a time or all at once to get a full certification. The university brings together what academic researchers have learned and how they have used what they have learned in the real world. These courses are for both people who are new to HR and those who have been working in the field for a long time. There are things for every job.
Price: $5,400
Length: 4.5 months; each course is 2 weeks.
Exam Required: Yes, in person, online, or both? Online
How many teaching hours: 3-5 hours per week
Eligibility Requirements: Global professionals, HR workers with 0–5 years of experience in line positions, and people who want to work in the field.
Management of Human Resources
This is one of the best programs you can find online for Human Resource Management. Students at Golden State University can take classes that teach them how to understand and deal with the problems and situations that come up in the human resources field, which is always changing. Along with organizational structures and skill sets, you also learn how to manage people well and how to analyze people. You learn directly from the best teachers who are available. There are different ways to get into the courses, but the times are set. Make sure you have enough time to put into these courses for professionals.
Price: $600 per course – 15 courses for certification
Time: 1 school year
Exam Required: Yes, in person, online, or both? You can do it online, or if you live in San Francisco, you can do it there.
How many hours of classes? It depends on the module.
Eligibility Different modules have different requirements. Some have prerequisites.
Human Capital Institute
The Human Capital Institute is based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and offers Certification programs and Conferences all over the world. They have three core beliefs. The first is that aligning human capital with business strategy is the best way to speed up an organization’s success. The second is that businesses with aligned human capital strategies do better than others. The third is that for organizations to be able to do this, HR and talent management professionals must have the right strategic skill sets and mindsets.
The Human Capital Institute has a number of programs that can help you learn new skills, get certified, attend virtual conferences and webcasts, and find corporate solutions for your HR teams.
Price: between $1,195 and $2,795
Most are given in half-day sessions spread out over 4 to 6 weeks.
Yes, an exam is needed. Will it be online, in person, or both? Both
How many hours of instruction: It depends on the program.
Eligibility Requirements: None, everyone can take any course.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
The CIPD is a group of people who are experts on people at work. It has been around for 100 years. As part of their job, they set professional standards for HR and people development and work to make the world of work a better place. As a member of CIPD, you can get access to more than just certification programs. You can also join a community, use a wellbeing helpline, and get help with employment law. The courses focus, among other things, on practical operational know-how and high-level strategic insight.
Prices range from £98 for a student membership to £260 for an affiliate membership.
Course workbooks can be downloaded, and you can go at your own pace.
Not sure if an exam is needed online, in person, or both. Online
How many teaching hours: Flexible access, some just taking 30-45 minutes per lesson
There are no clear eligibility requirements on the website.
International Association for Information Management in Human Resources
Since 1980, IHRIM has been around to help both new and experienced HR professionals adapt to changes in the HR field caused by technology. The Human Resource Information Professional Certification is something you can get through IHRIM (HRIP). The HRIP is made to help HR professionals build their credibility, show how knowledgeable they are, and show that they care about quality.
Prices range from $445 to $790, depending on whether or not you are a member.
Exam Review: How long? Scheduled courses last 3 weeks.
Exam Required: Yes, with a webcam and a recording of the exam.
In person, on the Internet, or both? Online
How many teaching hours: Each session lasts 75 minutes, and there are 6 of them.
Eligibility Requirements: None, but you should have at least 3–5 years of experience with HR technology solutions and/or management.
Program for Managing Human Resources at McMaster
McMaster University has a full human resources program that includes 4 3-course certificates and 1 diploma program. The Human Resources Professional Association has approved a lot of courses that can be used to get a CHRP or CHRL certification.
Certificates are available in a virtual classroom setting and help build skills in HR management, talent planning and acquisition, workplace health and safety, and intercultural competency and communication. Use virtual learning or online self-study to get your CHRP and CHRL certifications while building your confidence and making connections that will help you in the long run.
Price: $59 non-refundable application fee plus $700-800 per course
Each certificate takes about 4 months to finish because it is made up of 3 courses that are each worth 3.0 units.
Exam Required: No In-Person, Online, or Both? : Online
How many hours of lessons: each course takes about 36 hours.
Eligibility Requirements: Have an O.S.S. Diploma or be an older student
Certificate in Human Resources Management from Calgary University
The Human Resources Management Certificate at the University of Calgary takes 300 hours to complete. It is made up of 3 required courses and up to 13 optional credits. Ideal for people who want to learn the basics of HR or who are studying for the CHRP certification.
The program lets you choose from a number of electives, such as conflict management, employee benefits, and creating a positive work environment. These courses can help you specialize and focus your interests in a way that will help your career.
The price is $105 for the application fee and $5400 for tuition.
Duration: You can finish a certificate in about 4 to 12 months, depending on how many courses you take.
Exam Required: Unknown: Online, in person, or both?
How many hours of instruction: 300
Eligibility Requirements: You must be 18 years old and have a Grade 12 diploma to take this course.
Simon Fraser’s Certificate in Human Resources Management
The CPHR in British Columbia and the Yukon has approved a 9-course certificate from Simon Fraser University. Graduates of this program with at least a 70% GPA can apply to not have to take the National Knowledge Exam, which is the first step toward getting the CPHR, the Canadian National HR designation.
The finished certificate can also be used to get the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from the SFU Beedie School of Business, which doesn’t require an undergraduate degree.
Cost: $75 application fee plus $749 per course
Duration: 8 weeks (7-10 hours per week)
Exam Needed: Unknown Online, In-Person, or Both? : Online
How many hours of class: 36 hours per course
Eligibility Requirements: At least 5 years of work experience or a high school diploma
Certificate in Human Resources Management from TMU
Through the Chang School of Continuing Education, TMU’s Chang School of Human Resource Management offers a six-course certificate program. The CHRP doesn’t require most of the courses that this certificate offers, so you can use them right away toward your designation. The certificate is made up of two required courses and four electives. The required courses focus on diversity and inclusion, training, and HR strategy. The electives offer a more practical approach to HR management.
Price: $75 application fee plus $500-$700 per course
Six courses can be finished in about four to twelve months.
Exam Required: Unknown Online, In Person, or Both? : Both Online and In Person
How many hours of lessons: 36–40 per course
Eligibility Need a high school diploma with 6 M or U credits or be a mature student with a cumulative GPA of 1.67
Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management
This program is the only one of its kind in Canada. It began in 1988. This course is great for people who want to learn about all aspects of human resources and who want to do a field placement or internship. Humber has complete core courses that are recognized by the HRPA and can be used toward the HRPA designation. Study with HR-trained professors who put an emphasis on practical applications and have a track record of helping students get good jobs and careers.
Through the IGS Industry and the Community Connector Hub, which connects students with the career resources they need, the program also has a large network of professionals and mentorship programs.
The price is $440 for the application fee and $5966.40 per year for tuition.
Duration: 3 semesters
Exam Needed: Not Known
In person, online, or both? : In person and online
How many hours of lessons: 36–40 per course
Eligibility Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree
The Academy to Make HR Better (AIHR)
AIHR has a whole online library of HR courses and certification programs. The academy has a specialized full program that lets students choose from an unlimited number of certifications that can be finished over a long period of time. You can also choose to focus on one specialty area and get certified in things like Strategic HR Leadership, Digital HR, and HR Metrics and Dashboarding.
The AIHR focuses on making T-shaped professionals by requiring them to know about data, how to use technology, how to run a business, and how to advocate for people.
Academy costs $997 USD per course or $1,797 USD to join.
Length of time: one year
Exam Needed: Unknown Online, In-Person, or Both? : Online
How many hours of class? Each certification program takes 30–40 hours.
Eligibility Requirements: No experience needed
The Talent Management Institute’s “Talent Management Practitioner”
This is the world’s largest certification institute for talent management. If you know you want to specialize in talent management, this could be a good choice for you. The program offers three globally recognized talent management certifications: TMP (Talent Management Practitioner), STMP (Senior Talent Management Practioner), and GTML (Global Talent Mangement Leader).
Price: $625 USD
Duration: 180 days
Exam Required: Yes, in person, online, or both? : Online
How many teaching hours: Self-study and self-paced
Eligibility Requirements: Depending on how you apply
Professional with a Certificate in Talent Development (CPTD)
This certification is offered by the Association for Talent and Development (ADT) and is meant for business professionals with more experience. The courses are based on the ADT’s Talent Development Capability Model, which focuses on personal, professional, and organizational skills. You must sign up for the exam and study materials through the website.
Members pay $975 USD and non-members pay $1350 USD.
Exam lasts 3 hours
Exam Required: Yes, in person, online, or both? : Online
How many teaching hours: Self-paced
Eligibility Five years of work experience in a related field and 60 hours of professional development are needed.
Certificate in Human Resource Management from Sheridan College
Sheridan College has a certificate in Human Resources that includes two courses that help students prepare for the CHRP and CHRL designation exams. The course starts with two introductory classes, and then there are nine mandatory modules in finance, analytics, and health and safety at work.
Price: ~$300 per module.
Time: between 4 months and 1 year
Exam Needed: Not Known
In person, online, or both? : Both online and in person
How many hours of lessons: 30–40 per course
Conditions for eligibility: Unknown
Mastering Talent Management: How to Find, Keep, and Reward A-Plus Talent
This program from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania is unique because it is based on an HR study model that looks at organizations as a whole rather than at the results of each person. If you are a C-level human resources professional who wants to be a CEO or work in an executive position, this course will help you improve your skills and apply concepts in a hands-on way.
Price: $2,600 USD
Duration: 6 weeks
Do I have to take the exam online, in person, or both? : Online
4–6 hours a week
Eligibility Requirements: Years of work experience in a business or HR field
Human Resources Program at the University of Toronto
The University of Toronto has a program in human resources and three certificates in Human Resources, Human Resources Management Essentials, and Managing, Investigating, and Resolving Workplace Harassment Complaints. Some courses that count toward CHRP and CHRL certifications are taught both in person and online. You can study at your own pace and sign up for single courses or a full program.
Price: $795 per course
Self-paced Exam Lasts: Needed: Not known
Online, In Person, or Both? : Both Online and In Person
How many hours of lessons: 30–40 per course
Eligibility Not sure what’s needed.
One Last Thing
You can find many ways to get a human resource management certificate, whether you want to take just one course or all of them. There are courses for all levels at the HR Certification Institute for people who want to learn more before taking a test there. The HRCI offers SPHR certification, recertification, and basic certification for those who are just starting out in the field.
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