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How do I get an HR Certificate?

Harriette Halepis
Harriette Halepis

Human resources (HR) is a popular field all around the globe. In order to obtain a position within a human resources department, an educational background is necessary. In most cases, a four-year degree must be completed before applying for any HR job. However, many schools have begun to offer an HR certificate in lieu of a four-year degree.

In most cases, people who enroll in a HR certification program are interested in one particular aspect of the human resources field. Areas such as management may only require a highly specialized HR certificate, though this is not always the case. These certificates often include business courses in addition to courses unique to the HR field.

Businesswoman talking on a mobile phone
Businesswoman talking on a mobile phone

Many colleges and universities around the world offer HR certificate programs. In addition, a HR certificate may be obtained online through an accredited college. These certificates will help prospective HR candidates gain a position within the HR field, though some companies will not consider certificate candidates. Therefore, it is important to research any HR position that you may be interested in prior to enrolling in any school program. Find out what the requirements of a certain position are, and consider whether or not a HR certificate will count towards educational background requirements. If you are unsure about specific job requirements, contact a prospective employer with any questions that you may have.

Once you have determined that a HR certificate will get you the job you are seeking, you can then begin to look for the right program. Take the time to look at a school's website. The Questions and Answers section of any school website should answer any queries that you may have. Also, don't hesitate to call a school admission's counselor in order to gather further information.

Some schools may also offer a job guarantee following the completion of a certificate program. This type of guarantee can be extremely beneficial when it comes to securing a job. After a certificate has been gained, recent graduates can then begin to search for jobs within the HR field.

Human resource positions can be found by applying directly to a company, searching through Internet job sites, and looking through your local newspaper. Frequently, companies will advertise entry-level HR positions that are ideal for recent graduates. In fact, working your way to a better paying position by securing an entry-level position is often the best way to put your new certificate to use.

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