21 Best HR Courses Online to Elevate Your HR Expertise

Continuous learning and professional development are not just for the workforce—they're essential for staying ahead of the curve in HR, too. HR professionals are tasked with navigating ever-evolving workplace dynamics, labor laws, and employee expectations. Like other professionals, these HR experts can rely on ongoing education and growth to excel.

Fifty-five percent of CEOs reported that the biggest problem is creating the next generation of leaders, according to Deloitte. HR can spearhead this leadership deficit by becoming better leaders themselves — which is completely achievable with the right resources. A simple way to develop as a professional is to round out your HR tools with HR courses online.  These HR courses online are designed to empower HR professionals as they develop into top-notch leaders.

Why Take an Online HR Course?

Digital HR courses provide flexibility and a vast array of resources that can help professionals deepen their expertise.Whether they are just starting or have years of experience under their belts, there is always more to learn. Plus, online, self-paced courses are the most preferred way of learning for 70% of employees, SHRM reports. This means that most employees can enjoy these HR courses online without losing their typical workflow. 

The human resources field is constantly evolving, with new regulations and best practices emerging regularly. HR courses keep professionals up-to-date with the latest trends so that they can adapt to changes and remain effective in their roles. Whether it's learning about data analytics or talent management, honing these skills or upskilling can make HR professionals more valuable to employers. Many courses also offer HR certifications that are recognized by employers and industry associations. This looks even better for your portfolio and boosts your credibility in the job market.

21 Best HR Courses Online to Elevate Your HR Expertise

These HR courses span many diverse categories for HR professionals, no matter their skill level. There is something for everyone who wants to grow in this field.

1. The Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR)

The Academy to Innovate HR offers a comprehensive range of online HR courses, covering topics like HR analytics, strategic HR, and HR business partnering. Their courses are designed to equip HR professionals with practical skills and knowledge to drive HR innovation and strategic decision-making. AIHR also provides hands-on experience with real-world HR challenges, ensuring that participants can apply what they learn immediately. This course is especially relevant for beginners and helps introduce foundational HR concepts, which gradually progress to advanced topics. 

2. People Analytics Masterclass (Orgnostic)

This course delves into the realm of people analytics, a critical discipline for HR professionals. With 60-minute masterclasses, students will learn the strategic role of HR in aligning human capital with organizational goals, driving workforce productivity, and enhancing employee engagement. Led by experienced CHROs and people ops executives from renowned companies such as American Express, Facebook, and Uber, the course provides real-world insights.

Tuning into these Zoom masterclasses empowers HR professionals to leverage data for informed strategic planning, tackling talent-related issues effectively. As a bonus, successful completion of quizzes in over 80% of sessions earns participants a certificate. This can enhance their credentials and position them as experts in the critical field of People Analytics.

3. Recruitment Skills (OHSC)

The Recruitment Skills course by OHSC focuses on the critical aspect of HR—finding and recruiting talent. It provides comprehensive training on applicant shortlisting, interview techniques, candidate selection, and job offers. With a strong emphasis on the onboarding process, this self-paced, 20-hour course is not only cost-free but also awards an online certificate upon completion. It's an excellent resource for HR professionals seeking to sharpen their recruitment expertise and advance their careers.

4. HR Management (OHSC)

The HR Management course offered by OHSC is another valuable resource for individuals across the HR spectrum, from seasoned executives to those just starting their HR journey. This self-paced course, requiring approximately 20 hours to finish, is free and completion earns students a certification. It's a perfect opportunity to refine leadership styles and management skills, enabling participants to boost their efficiency and expertise in HR management. These can be instrumental for career advancement and professional growth.

5. Diploma in HR Management (OHSC)

If you’re looking for a robust option, you can check out OHSC's Diploma in HR Management, which offers a comprehensive curriculum across 450 hours. Participants earn a diploma upon completion, signifying a deep understanding of HR in various management contexts. This course goes beyond the daily HR functions, emphasizing strategic development required for top-level management. Ideal for those seeking advancement in HR leadership, it equips learners with a broad skill set applicable across diverse management domains, enhancing their capabilities and career prospects in the field.

6. Certificate in HR Management (OHSC)

Another course from OHSC is the Certificate in HR Management, a globally recognized program designed to provide essential management skills crucial in the HR field. Completable in 200 hours, this course is ideal for professionals aspiring to advance their careers as HR generalists. After completing this course, participants earn a certificate in HR management.This enhances their credentials and positions them for success in the competitive HR landscape.

7. Administrative HR for Beginners

Just like the name suggests, Udemy's Administrative HR for Beginners course offers an insightful introduction to the HR role and responsibilities for newcomers. It's ideal for small business owners, job seekers entering the field, or administrative professionals with HR duties. The course covers many facets, from compliance to strategic contributions. More specifically, the course goes over HR audits, recruitment strategies, and performance management enhancements. It's suitable for individuals interested in HR and management — and with no prerequisites, the course is a great starting point for novices.

8. Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR)

The Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) certification offered by the HRCI is another great starting point for beginners in the HR field. Recognized by the industry, it provides the foundational knowledge necessary to excel in HR. Topics covered include HR operations, employee relations, recruitment, compensation, and more. Importantly, no prior HR experience is needed, making it accessible for those with a high school diploma or its global equivalent. This certification is designed to boost career prospects and instill confidence in HR newcomers. HRCI also offers aPHRi for those seeking a similar certification with international HR knowledge.

9. Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

Earning the Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) emphasizes the importance of practical HR expertise for learners. It goes beyond theoretical knowledge, assessing one's ability to apply HR principles effectively in the workplace as you work with real people and real scenarios. Eligibility is based on educational qualifications and HR-related experience, making it accessible to a range of HR professionals.

10. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development offers the Level 3 Foundation Certificate in Human Resources Practice, catering to both newcomers and those in support-level HR roles. This course covers crucial HR areas like business context and people practice essentials. It is ideal for those seeking entry into HR orprogressing in their HR careers. Completion of this course leads to CIPD Associate Membership, marking a significant milestone in an HR professional's journey. Plus, it's an especially flexible option as a 100% online HR course suitable for U.K. and overseas participants.

11. Compliance Prime

Compliance Prime specializes in providing informative HR training through webinars, offering valuable insights into the latest HR practices, rules, and regulations. These webinars not only enhance HR knowledge but also grant HRCI and SHRM credits. They cover essential topics for beginners, such as employee management, workplace pronouns, and Microsoft Excel skills tailored for HR professionals. Whether attending live or on-demand, learners can access archived programs at their convenience.

12. Human Resources Foundations (LinkedIn)

LinkedIn's Human Resources Foundations course, instructed by professor and HR expert Wayne Cascio, is a great resource for HR generalists in particular. It covers critical topics such as interviewing techniques, performance management principles, and internal training applications. The course is free, self-paced, and takes just one hour to complete. Upon finishing, participants earn a certificate of completion and CPE credits. 

13. Human Resources: Managing Employee Problems (LinkedIn)

Another LinkedIn option is the Human Resources: Managing Employee Problems course from JoAnn Corley, a thought leader and coach of executive leadership and HR. The course addresses the common challenges of handling employee issues in the corporate world. Targeted for HR managers, the course emphasizes the significance of training, documentation, and utilizing the employee handbook as valuable tools for HR managers when addressing problems. It also underscores the importance of establishing effective processes for issue management within organizations. Completable in just one hour, participants receive a certificate of completion so this is perfect if you need something short, sweet, and to the point.

14. Human Resources: Using Metrics to Drive HR Strategy (LinkedIn)

Another winner from LinkedIn, the Using Metrics to Drive HR Strategy course offers vital insights into harnessing HR metrics for effective strategy development. By understanding and measuring critical metrics like recruiting success, onboarding effectiveness, and retention rates, HR professionals can make informed decisions to enhance performance and efficiency. This one-hour course equips participants with the knowledge and tools needed to leverage data for HR strategy, and upon completion, they receive a certificate.

15. Interviewing Techniques (LinkedIn)

The final LinkedIn course is Interviewing Techniques, a course led by the CEO of Good As Gold Training, Barbara Bruno. This class keeps professionals updated on the evolving world of interviewing. Nearly 165,000 learners worldwide have gained insights into selecting interview candidates and crafting effective business proposals for applicant searches. Even though the course is only an hour and a half long, learners can understand how to harness the power of social media and evaluate past applicants. Completion of the course awards participants a certificate of completion and CPE credits, making it a valuable resource for staying current and mastering effective interviewing practices in a dynamic job market.

16. Preparing to Manage Human Resources (Coursera)

Coursera's Preparing to Manage Human Resources course, part of the HR Management: HR for People Managers Specialization, spans 18 hours and targets intermediate-level HR professionals. This course is led by economist John W. Budd, a professor at University of Minnesota., The class covers talent acquisition, HR management, and employment laws. It equips learners with the skills to motivate employees and apply HRM strategies for organizational benefit. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate of completion and CPE credit, making it a significant step toward preparing HR professionals for management roles. If you want to develop the qualities of a good manager, check this course out.

17. Recruiting, Hiring, and Onboarding Employees (Coursera)

This is a beginner Coursera course that delves into the significance of aligning recruitment strategies with organizational goals. It explores effective and legally sound methods for selecting and hiring employees. Topics include current trends in talent acquisition, like leveraging social media and hiring analytics, as well as the onboarding process to promote employee commitment and engagement. This course is an essential resource for HR professionals aiming to enhance their skills in hiring and onboarding processes.

18. Leading People and Teams Specialization (Coursera)

HR managers who want to focus on leadership competencies can use this Coursera option to develop essential skills to motivate, inspire, and manage talent while leading teams, even without formal authority. The program combines University of Michigan faculty lectures with insights from experienced leaders. Top performers may even be able to access additional benefits, such as faculty office hours and a waived application fee for the University of Michigan Ross School of Business graduate programs. This specialization is a valuable investment for those seeking to excel in leadership roles.

19. The Manager's Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work (Coursera)

The last Coursera course in this list is The Manager's Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work from the University of London. This one offers practical insights for managing people across diverse workplace scenarios. It bridges HR theories with real-world applications, imparting skills in: employee selection, team motivation, performance evaluation, conflict resolution, and everyday leadership decision-making. Aspiring HR professionals find it a valuable resource for aspiring and current managers seeking to enhance their leadership development.

20. Human-Centered Work Culture (Two-Minute Micro Course)

This 2-minute Micro Course is designed for HR professionals seeking quick and impactful insights. It explores the advantages of prioritizing employees' wellbeing and needs, emphasizing meaningful work, human-centered methodologies, and supportive cultures that foster personal growth. By embracing a people-first culture, HR professionals can drive organizational success and gain actionable strategies to enhance workplace environments.

21. Microlearning Framework for Professional Development (Six-Minute Micro Course)

Finally, there is this six-minute course that shows how effective microlearning is in HR education. This course empowers L&D and HR professionals to design and implement focused and engaging microlearning courses that seamlessly integrate with broader training and development strategies. It also provides insights into best practices for reinforcing existing training and enhancing overall professional development efforts.

Learning and Wellness Go Hand in Hand with Wellhub

Why stop progressing? HR courses challenge the notion that education is a one-and-done experience. Instead of professionally plateauing, human resource teams can leverage the power of online courses and thrive in their role as confident experts. 

These courses not only empower your career but also contribute to employee wellbeing. By building competitive  skills and fostering continual growth in the workplace, HR professionals take even better care of their teams. Plus, employee development is a core aspect of wellness programs, which is good for organizational growth, too. Ninety percent of companies that measure their wellness program’s return see a positive ROI, according to the Wellhub Return on Wellbeing 2023 Report.

Wellhub can help you delve into even more benefits of wellness programs. Take the next step and talk with a Wellhub wellbeing specialist today!

References

• Deloitte. (2023). The Deloitte Global 2023 Gen Z and Millennial Survey. Deloitte. Retrieved October 24, 2023, from https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/issues/work/content/genzmillennialsurvey.html 
• Wellhub. (2023, May 18). Return on Wellbeing Report 2023. /en-us/resources/research/return-on-wellbeing-study-2023  
• SHRM (2022). 2022 Workplace Learning & Development Trends. SHRM. Retrieved October 24, 2023, from https://www.shrm.org/hr-today/trends-and-forecasting/research-and-surveys/Documents/2022%20Workplace%20Learning%20and%20Development%20Trends%20Report.pdf