Human Resources Professional
Introduction
In every industry, in good economic times and bad, employees and organizations count on human resources professionals for personnel-related matters. Recruiting, compensation and benefits, employee training, strategic planning1—they handle it all.
There is no time like the present to work to develop fundamental skills and knowledge that can help you break into a human resources career, increase your chances of advancement or seek higher earnings!2
Enroll today to start developing your expertise and move your HR career pursuit into high gear with Trident University International’s Human Resources Professional certification online prep course. In only six months, you could be ready to sit for the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI®) Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®) certification exam.3
Fill out the form to get started today!

Why Prepare
Earning HR certification can increase your chances of advancing from an entry-level to a more senior human resources position.1 Set yourself up to take the PHR® certification exam with confidence by studying industry-relevant skills and knowledge you can utilize on test day.
- 46,900 HR specialist job openings projected between 2019-20291
- $63,490 median salary for human resources specialists in the United States1
About Certification
Although human resources certification is voluntary, earning an HR credential signifies knowledge and competence across all human resources disciplines—which is why some employers may prefer or require it.1 As a result, earning HR certification could potentially open up more human resources career opportunities.
Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®)
A credential that demonstrates mastery of technical and operational aspects of HR management, including U.S. laws and regulations. It is intended for HR professionals who have experience in program implementation, a tactical/logistical orientation, are accountable to another HR professional and have responsibilities that focus on the HR department5—administered by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI®)
PHR® certification is valid for three years following your exam date. To maintain your PHR® certification, you must earn 60 credits or retake the certification exam within that three-year window. For more information about PHR® certification and recertification, visit the HRCI website.
Course Overview
Trident University International’s online HR Professional certification preparation course can be completed in six months or less and is designed to help working adults get ready to take the Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®) certification exam.3
This prep course is designed help you develop strong foundational knowledge and skills through exploration of the following industry-relevant topics:
- Human resource practices
- Recruitment
- Training
- Performance appraisals
- Labor relations
- Diversity in the workplace
Successfully completing this course should help students prepare to take the Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®) certification exam offered through the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI®).
Talk to an Education Specialist for more info about the HR Professional course!
Details & Objectives
Course Code: PCE HRPF
- Comprehensive knowledge needed to sit for the PHR® Certification Exam
- A broad overview of human resources practices
- Skills for handling recruitment, performance appraisals, and training processes
- Strategic decision making for compensation and job evaluation
- Foundational knowledge of U.S. laws and regulations regarding employment practices
- OSHA rules governing employee health and safety
- Strategies for implementing retention initiatives
- Self-paced, online course
- 6 months to complete
- 120 course hours
- Open enrollment, begin anytime
- This course does not award credit
- Learn how to contribute to company strategy planning so you can be a more valuable member of the team
- Prepare for PHR® certification
- Receive a Certificate of Completion
Outline
Details
- Introduction to Human Resources
- Introduction
- Opportunities in the HR Field
- Skills for Success
- Getting into the HR Field
- HR's Role in Strategy
- Introduction
- Let's Talk Strategy
- Vision and Mission Statements
- Policies
- Metrics
- Recruiting and Hiring Employees
- Introduction
- Writing a Job Ad
- Preparing to Interview
- Reviewing Resumes and Interviewing Candidates
- The Job Offer
- Training Programs
- Introduction
- The Basics of Training
- The Analysis, Design, and Development Phases of Training
- The Implementation and Evaluation Phases
- Compensation and Benefits
- Introduction
- Things to Consider When You're Planning Compensation
- Strategic Decisions for Paying Employees
- Job Evaluation
- A Look at Benefits
- Employee Health and Safety
- Introduction
- What Is OSHA?
- Knock, Knock, OSHA Is Here!
- Protecting Against Workplace Hazards
- Investigating, Recording, and Preventing Accidents and Illnesses
- The Legal Environment
- Introduction
- Basic Employment Law Terms and Facts
- Equal Employment Opportunity—Past and Present
- What Is Discrimination?
- Additional Employment Laws
- What Happens When an Employee Files an EEOC Claim?
- Marking HR Decisions
- Introduction
- HRIS Software: A High-Tech Tool for Decision-Making
- Making Decisions in a Growth Strategy
- Making Decisions in a Retrenchment or Stability Strategy
- Job Analysis as a Tool for Decision-Making
- Affirmative Action
- Introduction
- Creating an Affirmative Action Plan
- The AAP: Putting It All Together
- More Parts of an AAP
- Still More Numbers for the Government
- Diversity
- Introduction
- What Is Diversity—and Why Is It a Good Thing?
- Managing Diversity and Handling Conflict
- Demonstrating Leadership in Promoting Diversity
- Diversity Training
- Employee Rights and Discipline
- Introduction
- Laws That Protect Your Employees' Rights and Privacy
- Monitoring Employees
- Disciplining Employees
- Disciplinary Strategies
- Documenting Employee Behavior
- Termination
- Introduction
- Alternatives to Firing
- Preparing for a Termination
- Separation Agreements
- Wrongful Discharge
- Investigations
- Introduction
- Why It's Important to Investigate Problems?
- The Steps of an Effective Investigation
- Getting Ready to Conduct Your Investigation
- Conducting Your Investigation
- Wrapping Up Your Investigation
- Managing Labor Relations
- Introduction
- A Quick Look at the History of Unions
- Why Employees Join a Union?
- How Unions Work
- Collective Bargaining
- What Happens When Negotiations Fail?
- Creating a High-Performance Workplace
- Introduction
- Ask for Your Employees' Suggestions—and Act on Them
- Delegate Authority
- Keep the Lines of Communication Open
- Ask for Feedback
- Let Your Employees Have a Life!
- Global Human Resources
- Introduction
- Staffing Strategy and Culture
- Understanding Cultural Differences
- Practicing HR in Other Countries
- Choosing Your Global Employees
- Additional Issues for Expatriates
- Retention
- Introduction
- The Top Reasons Why Employees Leave a Company
- Encouraging Workers to Stay With Your Company
- Stay Interviews
- Succession Planning
- Motivation, Rewards, and Recognition
- Introduction
- The Roots of Motivation
- Fun Ways to Motivate Your Workers
- Nine Strategies For Creating a Great Rewards Program
- Preparing for the PHR® Exam
- Introduction
- Externships and Internships
- The Basics of the PHR® Exam
- Studying for the PHR® Exam
- What to Expect on the Day of the Test?
Requirements
Prerequisites:
There are no prerequisites for taking this course, other than basic computer knowledge. However, 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
Requirements:
Hardware Requirements:
- This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 10 or later.
- Mac: OS X Snow Leopard 10.6 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the Acrobat Reader.
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Materials
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment. The following textbooks will be shipped to you approximately 7-10 business days after enrollment:
- HR
- PHR / SPHR – Professional in Human Resources Certification Study Guide
FAQs
Can I register for a course if I am an international student?
Yes, certification preparation courses are completely online. However, keep in mind that not all certifying bodies or industry-specific certifications are recognized internationally. Please review your country's regulations prior to enrolling in courses that prepare for certification.
Will this course prepare me for a certification?
This course is designed to help you prepare to sit for the Human Resource Certification Institute's PHR® exam; however, but it does not guarantee a passing score. Trident cannot guarantee that students who complete this course will be eligible to take third party certification examinations. Certification requirements for taking and passing these exams are controlled by outside entities and are subject to change without notice to Trident. You will need experience in the human resources field before you are eligible take this exam. Please reference the Prerequisites section for more information.
When can I start the course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
How long does it take to complete this course?
This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive six (6) months to complete the course.
What if I don't have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?
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 your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
What kind of support will I receive?
You may be assigned with an instructor or team of industry professionals for support. Your support will be available (via email) to answer any questions you may have and to provide feedback on your performance. All of our instructors are working professionals in the fields in which they teach. You will be assigned to a Student Advisor for academic support.
What happens when I complete the course?
Upon successful completion of the course and financial obligation, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
Am I guaranteed a job or career advancement?
No. This course is designed to provide you with skills utilized in entry-level positions in most cases. However, potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
Can I get financial assistance?
This course is non-credit bearing, so it does not qualify for federal financial aid, (Pell Grant and Direct Stafford Loans). In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take these courses.
Do I need experience in human resources to take this course?
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®).
Are human resources professionals in demand?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the employment of human resources specialists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029.2Additional HR specialists will be needed to help companies with increasingly complex employment laws and health coverage options.
What type of test is the PHR® exam?
The PHR® exam consists of 150 mostly multiple-choice questions 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.
Where will I take the PHR® exam?
The PHR® Exam is computer-based and can be taken at a proctored Pearson VUE testing center or at your home or office using OnVUE. Pearson VUE has testing centers nationwide, and you can search for available options by visiting www.pearsonvue.com/hrci.
What is a Human Resources specialist?
A human resources specialist is often trained in all human resources disciplines. Job duties in this position may include recruiting and on-boarding new employees including screening candidates, performing background checks, conducting preliminary interviews and helping with orientation of new employees. Additional HR job duties carried out by those in this role can include:1
- Helping guide employees through all human resources procedures
- Answering questions about policies
- Administering benefits, processing payroll, and handling any associated issues
- Strategic human resource planning and hiring
- Ensuring that all human resources functions comply with federal, state, and local regulations
What does a typical day look like for an HR specialist?
A typical day for an HR specialist may 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 and the specific area.
About the Certifier
Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI)
The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI®) is a global organization that has been credentialing HR professionals for over 45 years. The organization has offers and administers eight global certifications that span all stages of a professional HR career as well as continuing education opportunities to help professionals stay up-to-date on best practices. Seven of HRCI’s certifications are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCAA). NCCA accredited programs include aPHR®, PHR®, PHRi, SPHR®, SPHRiTM, GPHR® and PHRca®. NCCA is the accrediting body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. More information about the NCCA is available online at www.credentialingexcellence.org/accreditation.
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Human Resources Specialists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/human-resources-specialists.htm (visited March 09, 2021). This data represents national figures and is not based on school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
2 Trident cannot guarantee employment, salary or career advancement.
3 Trident cannot guarantee that graduates of this program will be eligible to take third-party certification examinations. Certification requirements for taking and passing these exams are controlled by outside entities and are subject to change without notice to Trident.
5 HRCI, “PHR®,” https://www.hrci.org/our-programs/our-certifications/phr (visited June 25, 2021).