Human Resources Professional

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) certification exam offered by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI).

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.    

• 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

Enroll Now

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

Introduction to Human Resources
Learn about opportunities in the HR field and the skills you will need for success.    

HR’s Role in Strategy
Learn how to create compelling vision and mission statements, policies, and metrics grounded in business strategy.   

Recruiting and Hiring Employees
Understand how to write a job ad that will attract candidates, effectively review résumés, properly prepare for an interview, and formally make a job offer.

Training Programs
Learn the basics of training, including the design, development, implementation, analysis, and evaluation of training programs.

Compensation and Benefits
Understand all the things that must be considered when designing a compensation and benefits package.  

Employee Health and Safety
Learn the ins and outs of complying with OSHA, protecting against workplace hazards, and investigating, recording, and preventing accidents and employee illnesses.  

The Legal Environment
Gain knowledge of employment law as well as an understanding of equal employment opportunity, avoiding discrimination, and what happens when an employee files an EEOC claim.  

Making HR Decisions
Learn how to make decisions based on various company growth strategies and how to use HRIS Software as well as job analysis as a tool for decision-making.

Affirmative Action
Learn the full spectrum of affirmative action, how to create an affirmative action plan, and information on the AAP you will need to know.

Diversity
Understand what diversity is and why it is a good thing in an organization as you learn to manage it and handle conflict.

Employee Rights and Discipline
Learn the laws that protect employee rights and privacy and how to properly monitor and document behavior and discipline employees.

Termination
Understand the alternatives to firing as well as how to prepare for termination, including proper separation agreements as well as what to do in the event of wrongful discharge.

Investigations
Learn why it is so important to investigate problems as well as the steps of an effective investigation including preparing, conducting, and wrapping it up.

Managing Labor Relations
Get a quick overview of the history of unions as you learn how they work and why employees join them.

Creating a High-Performance Workplace
Learn how to ask employees for input and act on it, delegate authority, keep communication open, and continuously ask for feedback as you strive to develop a high-performance workplace.

Global Human Resources
Understand the basics of staffing strategy, cultural differences, HR in other countries, choosing global employees, and issues faced by expatriates.

Retention
Learn the top reasons employees leave a company and how you can encourage them to stay as well as the importance of succession planning. 

Motivation, Rewards, and Recognition
Find out fun ways to motivate workers and gain nine strategies for creating a great rewards program.

Preparing for the PHR Exam
Gain information on externships and internships as you review the basics of the PHR exam and begin to study.

Anna Smith
Anna Smith has worked in the field of human resources 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 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.

Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.

Enroll Now