HR training programs and courses

HR leaders drive organizational success by building the foundations for a positive company culture and offering team members resources for personal and professional growth.

They can offer HR programs and courses to their teams to create opportunities for continuous learning and ensure their people stay ahead of industry trends, enhance their skills, and remain motivated. 

When HR leaders collaborate with other decision-makers to invest in these resources, businesses enjoy a boost in individual performance and the overall success of the organization.

The best HR training programs: A quick overview 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of HiBob. Readers are always encouraged to conduct their own research before making any decisions. All courses and pricing listed were available as of the article’s writing. 

1. People analytics course by AIHR: Learn how to use data to drive decisions that benefit team members
2. Project management for HR professionals by Alison: Discover how to apply project management principles to HR initiatives
3. Consulting skills certificate by ATD: Build skills that help you boost credibility and form partnerships within your organization to drive change through talent development solutions
4. Artificial intelligence in HR by Bersin Academy: Learn how AI impacts core HR functions like talent acquisition and learning and development
5. HR analytics by Coursera: Learn how to build a custom HR dashboard 
6. Strategic human resources leadership certificate by eCornell: Understand how to align human resource strategies to a company’s goals and strategy
7. Sustainable business through green HR by FutureLearn: Discover how your HR department can help to build an environmentally friendly business
8. Assessing workforce needs by HR Certification Institute Learning: Learn how to plan for future workforce needs in recruitment, training, and development
9. HR strategies for building an ethical workplace by HR.com: Discover how to implement an ethical decision-making framework in HR 
10. Legal interviewing and asking the right questions by HRTraining.com: Gain expertise in employment laws related to legal interviewing and avoid legal lawsuits
11. Using Gen AI to develop personalized learning plans by LinkedIn Learning: Learn how to use artificial intelligence to create custom learning plans for your team
12. FMLA compliance by Pryor Learning: Learn the legal requirements of the Family Medical Leave Act and avoid compliance issue
13. Workplace harassment prevention by SHRM: Build skills to cultivate a respectful workplace environment by learning how to handle harassment, discrimination, and retaliation effectively
14. Workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion by Skillsoft: Learn how to build a sustainable DE&I culture
15. Diploma in Human Resource Management (HRM) by Udemy: Master end-to-end HR functions like hiring, onboarding, designing payroll structures, compliance, performance analytics

The need for HR training programs and courses

HR teams use training programs to stay updated on industry trends, align their goals with business objectives, drive organizational success, and lead confidently and professionally.

HR leaders can offer these programs to their teams, providing essential tools, techniques, and resources that enhance their ability to manage people effectively. These programs improve team engagement and retention, promote a culture of continuous learning, and create career advancement opportunities.

Offline vs. online HR training

Offline training involves HR professionals attending in-person classes, workshops, and seminars at specific locations and times. Learners can interact directly with instructors and fellow students and engage in hands-on activities that enhance learning. This method is highly effective but can come with higher costs and less flexibility. 

HR leaders can offer online HR training, which provides digital courses and resources. This allows HR teams to learn from anywhere in the world at any time. It also proves more affordable than traditional offline programs.

Key components of HR training

HR training programs will include: 

Subject matter 

Subject matter represents the knowledge HR teams gain from a course. For example, an HR professional may learn to use business intelligence tools for analyzing team performance. Another course may teach using AI to create personalized learning programs for the team.

Time requirement

You can choose HR programs with different durations. Some courses last two to three hours and offer quick insights. Longer programs, like degrees, span six to 12 months.

Dynamic material 

HR training programs can provide dynamic learning materials such as online training modules, HR podcasts, textbooks, webinars, and video classes. These resources offer engaging content that caters to different learning styles and helps HR professionals stay updated with the latest industry trends, leading to better performance and results. 

Learning communities

HR training programs foster a community where learners interact, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects. This interactive environment enhances the overall learning experience and can improve engagement.

Certification opportunities 

HR teams can take courses to gain certifications like senior professional in human resources (SPHR) and professional in human resources (PHR) for higher-level positions. Training programs include opportunities to earn these certifications, which support career advancement and professional development.

Best HR training programs and courses 

HR leaders may consider offering some of these training programs and courses for their teams. 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of HiBob. Readers are always encouraged to conduct their own research before making any decisions. All courses and pricing listed were available as of when the article was written.

Academy to Innovate HR (AIHR)

AIHR offers 100 percent self-paced, online HR courses for entry-level, intermediate, and experienced HR professionals. 

AIHR partners with institutions like HRCI, HRPA, and SHRM to provide accredited certifications. For enterprises, AIHR offers cohort-based blended learning for teams with more than 25 members. 

The Academy pairs each full-access learner with a personal coach who guides them through the course.

Popular HR courses:

(Pricing as of article publication date)

• People Analytics: $1,125
• HR Data Analyst: $1,125
• Sourcing & Recruitment: $1,125

Alison

Alison offers a free learning platform where HR professionals can pursue certificates or diplomas in human resources. Learners choose from longer diploma courses, ranging from six to 21 hours (or more), or a series of shorter certificate courses of 25 hours.

Alison works with universities, foundations, and professionals to design all courses and set prices. For HR, subjects cover recruitment, employment laws, diversity, inclusion, and more. HR teams can customize their education by selecting a combination of subjects, course duration, and course level.

Popular HR courses:

• Fundamentals of Human Resources
• Project Management for HR Professionals
• Human Resource Systems and Processes

Association for Talent Development (ATD)

ATD delivers learning experiences and support for government and corporate organizations. The team at ATD provides resources like team training and certification, enterprise membership, and team conferences to help companies identify and manage their teams’ skill needs.

Learners engage in face-to-face, live online, on-demand, or micro courses. They can also explore a self-paced online learning library. ATD certifies all its courses. For HR professionals, certifications cover leadership, coaching, and managing team members’ talent.

Popular HR courses:

(Pricing as of article publication date)

• DEI in Talent Development Certificate: $2,095 for members and $2,345 for non-members
• New Employee Onboarding Certificate: $1,495 for members and $1,745 for non-members
• Consulting Skills Certificate: $1,795 for members and $2,045 for non-members
• Integrated Talent Management Certificate: $1,875 for members and $2,125 for non-members

Bersin Academy 

Bersin Academy is a dynamic community that brings together HR practitioners, mentors, and innovators. HR professionals engage in cohort-based professional development courses, self-guided learning paths, and custom learning experiences.

HR teams use the platform’s HR capability assessment to benchmark their knowledge against a global database of HR professionals and 90 core HR capabilities. HR professionals use this assessment to determine their own skills and set up personalized learning paths for continuous learning.

Popular HR courses:

(Pricing as of article publication date)

• The Voice of the Employee:  $49/user/mo and custom pricing for enterprises
• Artificial Intelligence in HR: $49/user/mo and custom pricing for enterprises
• Talent Acquisition at a Crossroads:  $49/user/mo and custom pricing for enterprises

Coursera 

Coursera offers a learn-at-your-own-pace platform for individuals, businesses, universities, and government organizations. The course build enables people to to create and launch custom courses tailored to their needs through the course builder.

Learners can track, measure, and benchmark their progress and acquired skills with Coursera’s skills dashboard. The platform also integrates with other learning systems like Moodle, Workday, and Degreed.

Popular HR courses:

(Pricing as of article publication date)

• Human Resource Analytics: $9.99
• Diversity and Inclusion for HR Professionals: $49/month
• Talent Acquisition: $49

eCornell 

eCornell provides HR teams with engaging courses developed by Cornell faculty. HR teams can choose between online or in-person lessons and set their program schedules.

HR teams participate in interactive live sessions, connecting with expert industry peers and enhancing their learning experience. 

Popular HR courses:

(Pricing as of article publication date)

• Human Resources Essentials Certificate: $3,900
• Human Resources Management Certificate: $3,900
• Strategic Human Resources Leadership Certificate: $3,900

FutureLearn 

FutureLearn is an online platform for micro-credentials and degree learning. It partners with leading universities and institutions, such as Accenture, Leeds, Cambridge, and Bloomsbury, and offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

FutureLearn delivers short, bite-sized courses, providing learners with the most significant benefit: the ability to gain the knowledge they require most. HR professionals can find a range of courses, topics, career advice, and micro-credentials to enhance their skills.

Popular HR courses:

(Pricing as of article publication date)

• HR Fundamentals: $134
• Sustainable Business Through Green HR: $109
• International Human Resource Management: $349.99

HR.com

HR.com empowers HR professionals with resources and training to earn HR credits and stay updated on industry trends. HR teams using the platform get access to an extensive library of professional courses, webcasts, and micro-credentials. Additionally, HR.com supports HR professionals in preparing for industry examinations, ensuring they excel in their careers.

Popular HR courses:

(Pricing as of article publication date)

• HR Strategies for Building an Ethical Workplace: $59
• Fair Pay for the Right Talent: $299
• Performance Review Conversations: $149

HRCI Learning 

HRCI delivers eight global HR certifications tailored for teams and individuals at every career stage. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), a third-party government body in the United States, accredits these certifications.

HR professionals of all levels engage in on-demand learning through HRCI. The platform also connects users with globally accepted HR recertification providers, ensuring continuous professional development.

Popular HR courses:

(Pricing as of article publication date)

• Compensation: $399
• Employment Law: $399
• Assessing Workforce Needs: $149

HRTraining.com 

HRTraining.com offers DVDs showing how HR managers handle specific workplace situations, such as hiring and firing, harassment, workplace violence, workplace safety, and team members’ wellness. 

For single-monitor use, HR professionals use the standard DVDs. Organizations looking to display DVDs on multiple monitors can opt for the MS option. HRTraining.com also integrates with custom LMS platforms, allowing users to import courses into their own LMS.

Popular HR courses:

(Pricing as of article publication date)

• Workplace Detox: How to (Legally) Deal with Toxic Employees: $197
• Building Your Team: Recruiting, Interviewing & Hiring: $395
• Legal Interviewing: Asking the Right Questions: $495

LinkedIn Learning 

LinkedIn Learning, a subsidiary of LinkedIn, offers custom-priced, online video courses taught by industry experts. HR professionals use this platform to upskill, develop existing skills, and learn best practices.

HR professionals use LinkedIn Learning’s community to connect with other learners, certified instructors, and subject matter experts.

Popular HR courses:

• Using Gen AI to Develop Personalized Learning Plans
• HR Foundations
• Administrative Human Resources

Pryor Learning 

Pryor Learning delivers on-demand training programs across 19 categories. HR professionals can attend online courses or live virtual and in-person seminars led by instructors at specific US locations.

HR teams can access and integrate Pryor Learning’s eLearning content library with existing learning management systems. They can also import courses into their LMSs to ensure seamless training experiences.

Popular HR courses:

(Pricing as of article publication date)

• FMLA Compliance: $199/person
• Payroll Law: $149/person
• Behavioral Based Interviewing: $199/person

SHRM

SHRM, or the Society for Human Resource Management, is a global HR network of over 325,000 professionals. For more than 75 years, SHRM has helped improve workplaces by providing HR professionals with invaluable resources, world-class educational opportunities, and premier events.  SHRM offers industry certifications like SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP to help HR professionals remain at the top of their professional game.

The platform hosts year-round physical and online HR events and offers customized training programs for teams of eight or more. HR professionals can participate in SHRM’s virtual and on-site training programs, which cover HR legal compliance, recruitment, retention strategies, and more. 

Popular HR courses:

(Pricing as of article publication date)

• Workplace Harassment Prevention: $99
• Leading Internal Investigations: $349 for members and $399 for nonmembers
• Virtual Talent Acquisition: $99 for members and $149 for nonmembers

Skillsoft 

Skillsoft provides learning programs in leadership, technical skills, compliance, and ethics. HR professionals can engage in a blend of virtual live online classes, self-paced online courses, hands-on practice, compliance courses, and coaching sessions. Skillsoft’s AI helper assists learners in asking questions and practicing assignments, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

Popular HR courses:

(Pricing as of article publication date)

• Recognizing and Addressing Micro Behaviors in the Workplace: $20/mo for individuals, $55/mo for teams, and custom pricing for enterprises 
• Workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:  $20/mo for individuals, $55/mo for teams, and custom pricing for enterprises 
• Trust Building Through Effective Communication:  $20/mo for individuals, $55/mo for teams, and custom pricing for enterprises

Udemy 

Udemy offers online video courses on in-demand skills. HR teams, students, companies, and government organizations can access free and paid courses taught by verified industry experts.

Udemy provides cohort learning for leadership development, asynchronous learning, live interactive sessions, and discussion forums. This dynamic approach ensures continuous professional growth and skill development.

Popular HR courses:

(Pricing as of article publication date)

• Diploma in Human Resource Management (HRM): $100
• HR Analytics using MS Excel for Human Resource Management: $95
• Human Resource Management setup workflow & toolkit: $50

Benefits of HR training programs and courses 

HR teams can use HR training programs and courses to enhance their skills, stay updated with industry trends, and boost overall team performance.

Improve skills 

Research shows that advanced training helps HR teams complete tasks quickly and accurately. They can also use these courses to sharpen their abilities in communication, leadership, problem-solving, and analytics—and then apply new knowledge to real-life HR projects.

As a result, HR teams navigate their work seamlessly and become invaluable assets to themselves and their organizations.

Gain industry expertise  

HR training programs offer specialized curriculums covering HR industry trends, labor laws and regulations, novel employee engagement strategies, and the latest HR software tools. 

HR teams can use this industry expertise to tailor their talent acquisition strategies, team development programs, and compensation packages to best serve their people and organization. 

Network with HR professionals 

HR training programs connect learners with communities of HR professionals through physical seminars, conferences, online forums, and webinars.

HR professionals can network with experienced HR thought leaders and professionals. They can learn, share knowledge, and develop personal relationships that benefit their careers.

Advance HR careers 

HR professionals who invest in continuous learning position themselves better for promotions and leadership opportunities. This boosts their career prospects and drives their organization’s success.

Learn more about HR training programs and courses

More information on HR training programs and courses:

What types of jobs can you get in HR?‎

According to Post University, the top HR jobs include Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO), training and development manager, benefits manager, payroll manager, compensation manager, talent acquisition manager, change management specialist, and HR consultant.

HR professionals also explore roles like workforce planning analysts, HRIS analysts, and DEI specialists.

HR generalist roles include HR coordinators, HR analysts, and HR managers, and extend to advanced roles like Chief HR Officer or Chief People Officer. 

What types of people are best suited for roles in HR?‎

HR teams balance people’s needs with business goals, so people who have strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and problem-solving abilities are usually best suited for HR roles.

You can excel in HR if you have the following: 

• Strong communication skills
• Organizational skills 
• Empathy
• Problem-solving skills  
• Leadership capabilities 
• Business acumen 

Are there any free HR certifications? 

Yes! Free HR certifications exist on Alison, Great Learning, LinkedIn, Coursera, and other online programs. Some platforms offer free trials before requiring payment.

Choose the best HR training programs for your people

HR managers offer training programs that help their teams acquire new skills and advance their careers. These programs can enhance team performance, increase individual confidence, and boost job satisfaction—all supporting organizational success.  

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of HiBob. Readers are always encouraged to conduct their own research before making any decisions. All courses and pricing listed were available as of when the article was written.