Human Resources Professional

Yes. Refer to the specific details located on the HRCI or SHRM websites.

Yes, this course prepares you to sit for the Human Resource Certification Institute's Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) and Professional in Human Resources (PHR) exams as well as 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 Prerequisites section for more information.

No. You do not need to have experience in human resources to take this course. However, you will need experience as a human resources representative to take the PHR exam, administered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI).

Yes, human resources professionals are currently in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the employment of human resources specialists will continue to increase 8 percent through 2031 (faster than average). Additional HR professionals will be needed to help companies with increasingly complex employment laws and health coverage.

While there is no specific internship with this course, you will be given instructions and insight on how you can obtain an internship or externship upon the completion of your coursework and financial obligation.

The PHR Exam, or Professional in Human Resources Exam, is a prestigious certificate awarded by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). By achieving this designation, you will effectively show potential employers and those in the industry that you possess the knowledge as well as practical experience in human resource management necessary to pass this thorough exam.

The aPHR Exam, or Associate Professional in Human Resources Exam, is a knowledge-based exam. 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 Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) exam by the Society of Human Resources; however, a basic working knowledge of HR practices and principles or a degree from a SHRM Academically Aligned program is recommended.

Obtaining certification shows that you are dedicated to advancing in your career. Many organizations consider the certified Human Resources Professional to be motivated and knowledgeable, giving them a competitive edge in the field.

The PHR exam consists of 150 scored questions, mostly multiple-choice, requiring you to select the best possible answer using your HR knowledge and experience. There are a variety of test items including workplace scenarios. Each question is weighted the same, and there is no partial credit for answers.

HRCI offers virtual and in-person testing options for most of their exams. Online testing is available via Pearson Vue's online proctoring system, OnVue. OnVue leverages artificial intelligence, in combination with live monitoring, to ensure exams are proctored using state-of-the-art technology. In person testing is offered at a Pearson VUE testing center. You can search for the one closest to you by visiting www.pearsonvue.com/hrci.

The aPHR consists of 65 scored questions + 25 pretest questions. The SHRM-CP consists of 134 questions, 80 knowledge items, and 54 situational-judgment items. You can take both exams in-person or at an authorized testing center.

Once you have earned your PHR or aPHR certification, it is valid for three years. To maintain your PHR certification, you can retake the exam or complete a professional development course (such as Human Resources Professional) during that three-year period. Upon certification, the SHRM-CP credential is also valid for three years.

A typical day for an HR specialist will involve tasks such as updating employee records related to hiring, transfers, promotions and terminations; explaining policies and procedures to new hires; ensuring new hire paperwork is completed; addressing work complaints; informing applicants of duties, benefits, work hours, etc.; coordinating job postings; reviewing resumes; and conducting background and reference checks. There may also be additional duties depending on the size of the organization you work for and the area in which you specialize.

There is absolutely room for advancement in your career as an HR specialist. You can choose to specialize in an area of HR such as recruitment and hiring or benefits. You can also go the opposite direction and continue to add to and broaden your skillset and HR experience in order to move forward in your career and obtain an HR generalist position. Additional education, certifications and on-the-job experience can help you make the move into a role as an HR manager or HR director, and even beyond.

While HR specialists and generalists often work together, their roles are very different. An HR specialist will typically have a well-defined role and will focus on the same things each day. For example, an HR specialist in charge of recruitment and hiring is not going to be involved in benefit selection or termination procedures. An HR generalist has a much more varied role. In this type of role, you would be required to perform many different tasks, and would see a constantly changing daily routine with many different job duties encompassing a large portion of overall HR tasks for a company.

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course whenever you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

After you register, you will receive 9 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.

ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.

ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.

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