15 Best HR Courses, Certifications & Training Programs Online In 2023
Discover the top 15 online HR courses, certifications, and training programs for 2023 to boost your career, enhance your skills, and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving human resources field.
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With a staggering 41,939 HR courses and more than 587,981,952 enrolled students to analyze, finding the best online HR certifications and training programs can be an overwhelming task. That's where we come in. We've sifted through countless ratings and 27,133,265 reviews to identify the top-performing courses that cater to various skills and career objectives in the human resources field. Are you ready to catapult your HR expertise to new heights? Our comprehensive guide will help you take that first step in the right direction.
To ensure that our carefully-selected list of 15 best HR courses offers valuable and engaging content, we assessed factors such as curriculum comprehensiveness, release date, and affordability, as well as the feedback and experiences of learners who have completed these courses. Whether you're just starting out in the HR profession or seeking to enhance your skills in a specific area, our recommendations will empower you to unlock your full potential and thrive as a human resource expert. Dive in, explore the options, and start your learning journey today!
The role of HR within an organization cannot be overemphasized as it directly impacts the success and growth of a company. This course focuses on the crucial role HR plays and provides strategies that can help HR business partners become more effective in their roles, thereby enabling business leaders to better understand how to partner with HR. Led by experienced instructor Michael McLernon, this course covers essential information about the function of HR, the skills needed to succeed as an HR business partner, and how this role can add significant value to a business, regardless of its size or structure.
Throughout the course, participants will learn how to engage with leaders, managers, and employees on key talent initiatives such as organization design, performance management, and employee engagement. Moreover, the course will guide learners on how to assess the impact of their efforts as an HR business partner and modify their approach according to the changing dynamics of their organization or the scope of their role. By the end of the course, learners will possess valuable knowledge to strategically position HR as a vital resource within their respective organizations, thus maximizing the effectiveness of their workforce and contributing to overall success.
User review:
HR as a Business Partner requires an individual to see and impact the business through HR intervention. And so, I did not tend to agree that the HR as a Business Partner needs to work within the ambit of HR. That thought confines the quality of HR service delivery, where the HR focuses too much on its own domain functions whereas the business needs remain mis-aligned. The alignment of business goals to HR is very important. It would have been nice if the instructor emphasized on this aspect too. [1]... Read More
Muhammad Sohail Iftikhar
Best for:
This course is ideal for individuals looking to improve their knowledge of HR as a business partner and develop skills essential to work effectively in modern organizations. Participants will gain practical insights into strategies and techniques for engaging with leaders, managers, and employees on key talent initiatives, organization design, performance management, and employee engagement.
In today's competitive business landscape, the need for skilled and competent HR professionals cannot be overstated. With this insightful and comprehensive course, learners are introduced to the fundamental principles and core responsibilities inherent in human resources. These include crucial aspects such as recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and development, and performance management. The course, led by HR expert Wayne Cascio, aims to equip new HR professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to excel in their roles while supporting and nurturing the workforce within their organizations.
Throughout the course, Wayne not only covers the basics of human resources, but also dives deeper into critical areas like career development, performance management and maintaining an international workforce. By understanding these critical aspects, HR professionals can make a tangible and lasting impact within their organizations. With its focus on providing practical and actionable knowledge, the Human Resources Foundations course is the perfect starting point for anyone looking to build a successful career in the ever-important HR sector. Ultimately, this course ensures that learners are well-prepared to create and implement policies and strategies that contribute to organizational success by harnessing the power of human resources.
User review:
Not one hundred percent sure which direction I want to go with my career, but I do know I want to help people, animals, or both in some way. I want to make a difference. I searched humanities and this was the first video that came up so I checked it out. This is one of the fields of study I was looking at. It's nice to get some insight into it. [2]... Read More
Kat Knotts
Best for:
This course is best for individuals looking to improve their fundamental understanding of human resources principles, responsibilities, and essential HR knowledge. It is suitable for those preparing for a PHR certification exam or simply seeking an in-depth comprehension of HR core functions.
HR administration is vital to the success of every business and every employee. Effective HR administrators make sure companies stay compliant with regulations, and keep their employees motivated and engaged. If you are a small business owner who wants a deeper understanding of HR, someone looking for a job in HR, or an administrative professional whose duties include HR, this training course is for you. It provides a general introduction to the role and duties of an HR administrative professional.
HR consultant Catherine Mattice outlines some of the considerations of the human resources professional, such as balancing the needs of employees with the interests of the organization. She reveals how to conduct an HR audit to identify HR practices that need improvement. She then outlines core HR responsibilities: staffing, training, documentation, compensation and benefits, performance reviews, job descriptions, compliance with state and federal regulations, and more.
User review:
The term performance review or performance evaluation twice a year in order to identify strengths and weaknesses and participation in order to determine future goals, and there are some who seek to create more opportunities that will raise the level of qualitysearch for development[3]... Read More
نصير الريامي Al Riyami
Best for:
This course is ideal for those seeking to improve their knowledge of HR administration, including balancing employee needs with organizational interests, and understanding core HR responsibilities such as staffing, training, documentation, and compliance.
Distinguish yourself from others in the HR field by earning the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI®) Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification. By taking and passing the PHR exam, you indicate to colleagues and potential employers that you boast a deep understanding of both the technical and operational aspects of HR. This course was designed to prepare you to approach your exam day with confidence. Instructor Joanne Simon-Walters provides an overview of the PHR exam content, going over key topics in each of the five functional areas: business management, talent planning and acquisition, learning and development, total rewards, and employee and labor relations. Joanne also provides tips for maximizing the course and crafting an effective study plan.
As you embark on your journey to obtaining the PHR certification, this comprehensive course will help ensure that you have a solid understanding of the core concepts and best practices within the HR profession. By leveraging the expertise of the instructor, you will be able to tailor your study approach to your unique learning style, ensuring a more seamless and enjoyable learning experience. Though the course is not produced nor endorsed by HRCI®, it serves as an invaluable resource for those seeking to advance their careers by obtaining this highly respected certification in the field of human resources.
User review:
The content was helpful and refreshing. It is a reminder to my functions and values as Human Resource Officer . It can help to remain relevant to the organization in view of the dynamic of the work environment. This is a content which go through as a refresher course, beginning end of each year because of its emphasis on Human Resource foundations and professionalism. [4]... Read More
Mathews Mulenga
Best for:
This course is ideal for those seeking to enhance their understanding of the core concepts within the HR profession and prepare for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification exam, providing comprehensive coverage of key topics and tailored study approaches.
The course on HR and Digital Transformation aims to equip learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to help their organizations embrace the digital age effectively. A key focus of the course is the significance of human resources in driving successful digital transformation. The course, taught by bestselling business author and analyst Charlene Li, covers a wide range of topics as part of the digital transformation process, such as online recruitment, digital learning and development, leveraging cloud productivity tools, eliminating the performance review, and integrating data-driven decision-making.
Digital transformation is a people-centric process which involves the assimilation and adaptation of emerging technologies across all aspects of a business, ultimately fostering a more innovative and productive workforce. By participating in this course, learners will gain insights into transforming their employee experience and company culture, which are crucial in promoting enhanced innovation, productivity, and engagement within their organizations. As HR professionals are at the forefront of leading these essential changes, this course will provide them with a comprehensive understanding of their roles and responsibilities in the digital era.
User review:
I love the effort of educating how HR and digital transformation are competitors rather digital transformation could be the enabler for HR practices to solve some of the problems of current and future workforce. The session talked about different aspects from leadership to culture, members to networking, performance reviews and learning & development of workforce. In general it was an all round class for indicating the direction where HR and digital transformation is headed to and what to expect from that evolution. [5]... Read More
Arooj Alvi
Best for:
This course is ideal for those looking to understand the impact of digital transformation on human resources, enhancing innovation, productivity, and engagement within organizations.
The effort to anticipate future business and environment demands on an organization and meet the talent requirements dictated by these conditions.
strategic workforce planning connects Business strategy with talent strategy to ensure the company get right people, at right time and right cost.[6]... Read More
Amany Aljamos
Best for:
This course excels at equipping HR professionals with essential tools and knowledge for creating a strategic workforce plan that aligns organizational goals and workforce capabilities, ensuring long-term success and sustainability. Students will also learn the importance of using data-driven insights to make informed talent management decisions.
By enrolling in this HR-focused course, students gain fundamental knowledge of the features and benefits of human resource information systems (HRIS). As these programs have rapidly evolved over the years, this comprehensive curriculum offers valuable insights into employee onboarding, compensation, leaves of absence, time off, and more. Additionally, the course covers the technology behind these systems, key administration aspects such as records management, and how to leverage an HRIS program to manage employees, strategy, data, and compliance. Students will be better prepared to maximize the benefits of HRIS programs in their professional lives after completing this course.
It is important to note that this course primarily addresses US law concepts that may not apply to all countries. The instructor and associated platforms do not provide legal advice or representation. Rather, the course content is intended to communicate information similar to that of a college or law school course, helping students to grasp the basic concepts within the subject matter. The views and legal interpretations presented in this course do not necessarily represent the views of the associated learning platforms. Participants are recommended to consult legal professionals for advice and information relating to their specific jurisdictions.
User review:
Like the Transcript feature - The Transcript helps the audience especially when the Speaker and the slides are flashing too fast. Audience could click on the pause button and check back the Transcript to confirm and align the understanding.[7]... Read More
Connie Chan
Best for:
This course is ideal for individuals who wish to gain fundamental knowledge of the features and benefits of human resource information systems (HRIS), including employee onboarding, compensation, leaves of absence, time off, and the technology behind these systems. Students will also learn about key administration aspects such as records management, and how to leverage an HRIS program to manage employees, strategy, data, and compliance.
This comprehensive course on HR Analytics using MS Excel for Human Resource Management is designed to help students and professionals gain practical knowledge and skills in using Excel for HR analytics. By leveraging MS Excel, participants will learn how to calculate HR metrics, build HR dashboards, and develop machine learning models for people analytics. The course aims to demystify analytics for HR managers, addressing the subject with a focus on both statistical concepts and practical computing applications.
After completing this course, students will be well-equipped to create and automate the calculation of HR metrics, make visually appealing and informative HR dashboards, implement predictive machine learning models like simple and multiple linear regression for HR problem-solving, and use Excel tools such as pivot tables, filtering, and sorting options to summarize and derive valuable insights from HR data. The course incorporates a hands-on approach, with real-world case studies and practical examples to help learners effectively implement the acquired knowledge in their workplace.
User review:
The course is good, but Linear Regression calculation should be elaborated more for non-mathematical students and should be defined more briefly to understand better. Practice exercise of Linear regression is not there, it should be added. HR Metrics and analytics are not being focussed much to face the real corporate world. I think the course is designed for basic HR analytics not for the advanced level. [8]... Read More
Md Khurshid
Best for:
This course is ideal for those who want to gain practical knowledge and skills in using Excel for HR analytics, including calculating HR metrics, building HR dashboards, and developing machine learning models for people analytics.
This comprehensive HR course focuses on the principles of job design, a crucial aspect of the human resources field. By covering a range of job design techniques such as job analysis, job rotation, job enrichment, and job enlargement, the course aims to help HR professionals understand how to create job structures that not only accurately reflect the duties and responsibilities of employees but also promote engagement and satisfaction within the workforce. Guidance is provided by Catherine Mattice Zundel, an experienced HR consultant, who shares valuable insights and practical knowledge to assist individuals in mastering the art of effective job design.
Moreover, the course dives into the process of writing clear, concise, and accurate job descriptions, exploring the synergy between job design and organizational design. It highlights emerging trends in the industry and tackles common challenges faced by HR professionals when crafting job structures. By equipping learners with crucial skills and knowledge, this course aims to enhance the ability of HR coordinators, managers, and specialists to create job designs that cater to the dynamic and evolving needs of today's employees and organizations.
Best for:
This course is excellent for those looking to improve their knowledge of job structure, design, and analysis in human resources, while also creating job designs that promote employee engagement and satisfaction within the workforce.
Strategic management plays a crucial role in the growth and success of small businesses, particularly in terms of human resources. The course aims to assist organizations in moving beyond administrative HR and developing a strategic focus on their most important asset - their people. This involves defining the components of strategic HR planning, including assessing current needs, forecasting the future, and supporting the overall organizational strategy and vision. Participants will learn how to identify areas requiring an audit or assessment and create a plan to complete them, ensuring that they are addressing key issues within their organization.
Focusing on talent acquisition and management, the course provides guidance on recruiting, onboarding, training, managing, and engaging employees. By understanding the benefits of diversity and inclusion, as well as the importance of employee well-being, organizations can better meet their long-term goals. The course also covers essential tools and metrics for executing and measuring strategic HR initiatives, such as software, apps, and key performance indicators. Moreover, strategic approaches to benefits and compensation management are discussed, allowing organizations to optimize their offerings and better attract, retain, and develop their workforce in line with their long-term vision and objectives.
User review:
Very rewarding because in my career I had to carry out a major restructuring based on the strategy put in place by the groupheidelbergcement in order to put in place a structure adequate to the resources of the company.
I had to reduce the workforce from 470 to 148 in two years with 7.5 million cost savings with an impact of 50% reduction in fixed costs
I understood one cannot be human resources without carrying out a restructuring because this one is multidimensional and gives great power to the HRD whose traditional role has profoundly
changed since globalization dominated by disintermediation.
Today his role is strategic, he is a strategist who supports the policy of the general management [9]... Read More
Jean Ikoli
Best for:
This course is ideal for those looking to enhance their strategic thinking abilities in the realm of human resources management. Participants will learn the crucial components of strategic HR planning, talent acquisition, and employee management, as well as gain insights into implementing and measuring strategic HR initiatives for their organization's long-term success.
Embracing the digital era, the HR industry has seen a significant shift in the way interviews are conducted. This course provides valuable insights on leveraging technology for virtual interviewing, helping HR professionals tap into the global pool of talented candidates who might not be available through a traditional hiring process. You would learn about conducting efficient and effective virtual interviews, carving out a modern and innovative method to assess potential employees, track their performance, and promptly fill vacant positions.
You will learn from staffing and recruiting expert, Barbara Bruno, how to execute a well-planned and seamless virtual hiring procedure, right from setting up a video interview to perfecting follow-ups and nurturing new hires. The course stresses the importance of adopting a virtual interviewing strategy, equipping HR personnel with the essential skills to conduct interviews from a distance, without compromising on quality. By the end of this course, you will have mastered the techniques and know-how to uncover and engage the best candidates worldwide for your organization, ensuring a competitive edge in the ever-evolving business landscape.
User review:
Basic information how virtual interviews are more beneficial to the standard interview process.
There is one major difference between virtual and standard - Both interviewer and candidate don't have the pleasure of face to face in-house contact so the candidate can get a sense of the work environment first hand. Nor does the interviewer get "a full picture" of the candidate over a technical device. The benefits are there but there are substitutions. Depending on the hiring process - Great candidates can be eliminated on the first round by the interviewer if there is no rapport especially if they are doing a script interview with little room for personality. [10]... Read More
Donna Peters Baumann
Best for:
This course is ideal for those who want to learn and master the skills needed to conduct efficient and effective virtual interviews, accessing a global pool of talented candidates and improving the overall hiring process.
Embarking on the journey to become a successful HR professional requires a solid foundation in strategic career growth, planning, and managing emotional challenges. In this comprehensive course led by expert instructor Don Phin, participants are guided in exploring the fascinating and complex aspects of HR management. From setting the stage for long-term career advancement, to understanding how HR impacts the sales process, to developing and executing effective plans, this course equips aspiring HR heroes with the knowledge and skills they need to make a positive impact on their organization's performance.
Furthermore, the course delves into essential time management techniques and the importance of managing emotional energy to ensure a balanced and effective approach to HR management. As participants progress through the course material, they will acquire valuable tools and insights that will empower them to excel in their roles. Ultimately, the knowledge and skills gained in this course will enable HR professionals to become true HR heroes, positively affecting not only their organizations but also their own career trajectories and earning potential.
User review:
I thought this course was relatable. I really enjoyed that it identified problems, gave examples, and provided easy actionable steps to help those facing those challenges ways to face or resolve them. After taking this course I felt in good company, supported, and encouraged to tackle things head on. [11]... Read More
Jessika Grenner
Best for:
This course is the best for individuals looking to improve their knowledge of HR as a business partner, gain a foundational understanding of human resources, and comprehend administrative tasks in HR while preparing for the PHR certification exam.
This comprehensive program delves deep into the realm of business analytics, specifically in the context of human resources. It teaches HR professionals how to harness the power of data to inform their decision-making processes, ultimately driving organizational success. The course emphasizes the importance of using data as a "decision science," where HR practitioners effectively leverage metrics and key performance indicators to achieve strategic goals.
Throughout the course, participants will gain valuable insights into identifying effective data sources, developing meaningful metrics, and designing long-term measures that support organizational strategy and tactics. Additionally, students will learn how to apply the results of their analyses in real-world scenarios, further enhancing their skills as HR professionals. By the end of the program, participants will be well-equipped to use data-driven approaches to inform their HR practices, setting the stage for continued success within their organizations.
User review:
Business and society today are transforming into connected, data-rich landscapes where complex data insights and informed decision making are crucial drivers of success. The usage of data analytics shared herewith is thereby nifty in effective human resources management, leveraging on data as a decision science by identifying effective data sources, developing meaningful metrics, designing long-term measures, and applying results in support of organisational strategy and tactics, thus steering towards achieving aspiring and sustainable business goals. This course is highly recommended. [12]... Read More
Lee G L
Best for:
This course is excellent for HR professionals looking to harness the power of data to inform their decision-making processes and drive organizational success, while acquiring valuable insights into identifying effective data sources, developing meaningful metrics, and effectively leveraging key performance indicators.
In today's complex business environment, HR teams often rely on external expertise for managing crucial services such as payroll, 401(k) administration, and worker's compensation. This course, taught by experienced instructor Gabriella Parente-Neubert, aims to provide comprehensive knowledge on how to effectively engage and collaborate with HR vendors to ensure seamless service delivery. The curriculum covers various aspects such as understanding the types of HR support services often outsourced, uncovering the advantages and drawbacks of partnering with vendors, and exploring practical strategies to identify the best service providers in the market.
Once a vendor has been selected, it is essential to maintain a productive relationship to derive maximum benefit from their expertise. This course equips learners with valuable insights on how to establish vendor partnership through well-defined setup processes, troubleshooting common challenges, and fostering open communication channels. Additionally, it delves into crucial aspects of vendor management, including contract negotiation and periodic performance evaluations. By the end of this course, participants will be well-prepared to confidently manage HR vendor relationships to ensure the success of their organization's human resources function.
User review:
I really learnt a lot in this course, its really beneficial for beginners point of view. They must complete this course before initiating business. Thank you so much mam. I will definitely recommend this to my friends and colleagues.[13]... Read More
Deepa Kumari
Best for:
This course is best for those who seek to effectively engage and collaborate with HR vendors, ensuring seamless service delivery while maintaining a productive relationship.
This HR-focused course delves into the significant role a well-developed pay strategy plays in an organization and its impact on employee satisfaction. With expert guidance from author Lynne Prescott, learners will discover how to design and tailor a pay strategy that aligns with their organization's specific needs, while attracting and retaining top talent. The course highlights three critical aspects to consider when formulating an effective strategy, emphasizing the value of a structured approach.
In addition to laying the foundation for developing a pay strategy, the course offers essential insights into the implementation process, including securing approval from relevant stakeholders. Practical methods are shared to ensure the success of your pay strategy, equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and tools to foster a harmonious and financially-rewarding work environment for all employees. The knowledge gained from this course can be instrumental in promoting sustainability and continuous growth within your organisation.
User review:
I have worked with Lynne before, and I admire her work. Lynne did a great job here taking a truly complex topic and making it seem effortless. It is not! Yet is helpful when you are beginning to learn a topic to understand the issues and considerations that matter most and to navigate towards and through them without fear. Lynne does this well! It is also much fun to see and hear her on camera - someone I know has been there in the trenches and done the work. This course is not professorial at all - much more practical. [14]... Read More
Mike West
Best for:
This course is ideal for those who want to learn how to develop and implement a well-crafted pay strategy that aligns with their organization's specific needs, while attracting and retaining top talent. With practical tips and insights, participants will be equipped to foster a harmonious and financially-rewarding work environment.
As a learner seeking to improve your knowledge and skills in Human Resources, it is essential to choose the best HR course tailored to your needs and objectives. To start, you should consider your learning intentions, which may include strengthening your understanding of HR as a business partner, mastering administrative HR tasks, or preparing for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification exam. Moreover, in today's digitized world, it is important to comprehend the impact of digital transformation on HR and be equipped with essential skills such as strategic workforce planning, HR analytics, and effective vendor management.
When selecting a course, consider the following points:
Verify the credibility and quality of the course provider.
Assess the course content, instructional methods, and learning outcomes.
Check the course duration, cost, and accessibility.
Look out for additional resources such as case studies, real-life examples, and engaging learning activities.
Read reviews and seek recommendations from HR professionals who have completed the course.
Whether you are an HR professional looking to expand your skill set or an individual exploring a career in HR, selecting the right course will be instrumental in achieving your goals and contributing to your organization's success.
Conclusion
As we've explored in this article, there are a plethora of high-quality HR courses available that cater to a wide range of career objectives and skill levels. By investing time and effort into these educational opportunities, you will not only enhance your expertise in various aspects of human resources, but you will also strengthen your position as a strategic business partner within your organization. The various course options available cover an extensive array of HR topics, ensuring that you will find a suitable learning experience for any specific skill or area of interest you wish to develop.
In closing, the pursuit of further education through these HR courses is an excellent step toward professional growth and personal development. By enhancing your HR knowledge and skills, you will be better equipped to handle the ever-evolving needs of the workforce and contribute to your organization's long-term success. Whether you are a seasoned HR professional or new to the field, there is always more to learn, and these courses can help you become a well-rounded and successful human resource expert. Like any investment in yourself, the return will be both personally and professionally rewarding. Start your learning journey today and unlock your full potential in the field of human resources!
How much does an HR course cost?
The cost of an HR course varies depending on the platform. On LinkedIn Learning, the subscription fee is $19.99/month annually or $39.99/month monthly. Udemy offers courses for a one-time fee, which can be around $79.99 per course. Coursera has a 7-day free trial, with a subscription fee of $33.25/month annually or $59/month monthly.
How long do HR courses take?
The duration of HR courses varies greatly, ranging from less than an hour to over 11 hours. For instance, courses on LinkedIn Learning can be as short as 25 minutes or as long as 2 hours and 44 minutes. Udemy offers an HR course that takes 11 hours and 4 minutes to complete, while Coursera has a 5-hour HR course.
Are there any certification programs available for HR professionals?
Yes, there are certification programs available for HR professionals. One popular certification is the Professional in Human Resources (PHR)®. Certification courses are designed to help you prepare for the credential exams, which can validate your expertise and advance your career in human resources.
Article sources
Muhammad Sohail Iftikhar (October 22, 2021). "HR as a Business Partner".
LinkedIn Learning. Retrieved
May 18, 2023
