Human Resources Professional FAQs
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.
 

Course Objectives
 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

Prerequisites and Certification Requirements

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
 

Instructors
 

Anna Smith

 

Anna Smith has worked in the human resources field 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 Professional in
Human Resources from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI), a certified Senior Professional in
Human Resources, and an 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.