Are you looking to advance your HR career without breaking the bank? Free HR certification can be a game-changer for your professional journey.
Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for the next level, these accessible courses offer valuable skills and recognized credentials. In today’s competitive job market, HR professionals need every advantage they can get.
The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to earn respected certifications. There are numerous HR certification online free options, and study materials for various certifications are available at Prepsaret, both free and paid. Let’s dive into how to get certified in HR without spending a dime!
Top Platforms Offering Free HR Certification
Looking to enhance your HR knowledge without spending money? Several reputable organizations offer valuable credentials at no cost. Here are some of the best platforms where you can find free HR certification opportunities:
Free HR Certification Courses Linkedin
LinkedIn Learning has become a go-to resource for professionals looking to upskill. The platform offers a variety of free HR courses that cover everything from recruitment to employee relations.
While not all courses offer certificates for free, LinkedIn occasionally provides free access to premium content, including their LinkedIn Learning free HR certification programs.
Benefits include:
- Integration with your LinkedIn profile
- Industry-recognized credentials
- Network-building opportunities with other HR professionals
Free HR Courses by SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management)
SHRM offers some free introductory materials and webinars, but full certifications typically require payment.
There are no widely available free SHRM certifications. However, SHRM occasionally provides free certification preparation materials and select courses at no cost, allowing you to familiarize yourself with their approach before committing to paid programs.
Keep an eye out for:
- Webinars and virtual events
- Sample study materials
Check Out: How Much Does it Cost to Get SHRM Certified?
HRCI (HR Certification Institute)
Similar to SHRM, HRCI offers some resources and preparation materials for free. While their full certifications require payment, you can access some valuable content through their free HRCI certification resources, which include webinars, articles, and occasional promotional offerings.
CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development)
For those interested in international HR credentials, CIPD offers some free CIPD certification online resources.
While their full qualifications require payment, they provide free webinars, research papers, and occasional courses that can enhance your understanding of HR practices from a global perspective.
Open University Free HR Courses
The Open University offers free HR courses through its OpenLearn platform. One notable course is “developing your skills as an HR professional,” which helps learners develop essential skills for HR roles, such as time management, stress management, and teamwork.
Upon completion, learners receive a statement of participation rather than a formal certification. Another relevant course is “human resources: recruitment and selection,” which provides guidance on the recruitment process, including legal considerations.
Platform for HR Certification Preparation
Before earning your HR certification, it’s essential to properly prepare for the exams. Prepsaret is a leading platform that offers comprehensive study materials for both SHRM and HRCI certifications.
SHRM Study Materials:
HRCI Study Materials
These resources can help you effectively prepare for your certification exams and increase your chances of success.
Best Free HR Courses for Beginners
Just starting your HR career? No problem! There are excellent free HR certification options specifically designed for beginners. These programs focus on the fundamentals, so you won’t be overwhelmed with advanced concepts.
If you’re aiming for free HR certification for entry-level positions, consider these best free hr certification with certificates to help you build a strong foundation in HR.
Coursera free HR courses
Coursera partners with top universities to offer HR courses that cover the basics of HR management, recruitment, and employee relations.
While these courses are free to audit, earning a certificate typically requires payment or applying for financial aid.
edX HR Management Courses
edX provides university-level courses that can help you learn HR fundamentals. Many courses can be audited for free, but earning a certificate usually requires payment.
Benefits of beginner-focused certifications include:
- Accessible Content: Designed for newcomers, these courses provide foundational knowledge that applies across industries.
- Practical Applications: Focus on real-world scenarios rather than just theory.
- Stepping Stones: These courses can serve as a foundation for more advanced certifications, though the specific recognition may vary.
Additional Free Resources:
- UniAthena: Offers free HR courses with certificates upon completion.
- Oxford Home Study Free HR Diploma: Provides free HR courses with certificates, though these may not be as widely recognized as certifications from SHRM or HRCI.
How to Get HR Certified for Free
Ready to start your certification journey? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate where to find free HR certifications and how to make the most of these opportunities:
- Define your career goals: Before selecting a certification, clarify what you want to achieve with your free HR certification for career advancement. This will help you choose the most relevant options.
- Research available options: Explore platforms offering remote HR certification free programs. Resources like Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn regularly update their catalogs with new opportunities.
- Check for new programs: Look into 2025 free HR certification programs as organizations frequently launch new offerings at the beginning of the year.
- Create a study schedule: Even though these are no-cost HR training programs, they require commitment and consistent effort.
- Join HR communities: Connect with others pursuing similar certifications to share resources and motivation.
- Apply for financial aid: Many platforms offer waivers or scholarships for paid certifications, effectively making them free.
- Look for employer sponsorship: Some companies will cover certification costs as part of professional development.
When pursuing your free HR certification, consistency is key. Set aside dedicated time each week to work through the material, and don’t try to rush through everything at once.
Most certificates require 15-40 hours of study, depending on complexity and your previous experience.
Free Advanced HR Certifications for Senior Professionals
Experienced HR professionals can benefit from ongoing education to stay current with evolving best practices and specializations. While most advanced certifications require payment, there are valuable free resources available for continuing education.
Advanced SHRM Resources
- SHRM offers free access to some HR courses, webcasts, and research publications through their resource library. These resources can help you stay updated on HR best practices but do not constitute a free certification program.
- Full SHRM credentials require payment.
Diversity and Inclusion Programs
- Platforms like edX and Coursera offer specialized courses in diversity and inclusion, which are free to audit. However, earning a certificate typically requires payment or financial aid.
- These courses are beneficial for HR professionals looking to specialize in DEI initiatives.
Compliance Training Resources
- Various organizations provide free HR compliance training resources to help professionals stay updated on regulatory changes. These resources are valuable for continuing education but may not lead to formal certifications.
Advanced certifications help you:
- Specialize in high-demand areas of HR
- Demonstrate continued professional development
- Stay current with evolving best practices
- Prepare for leadership roles
These specialized certifications are particularly valuable for HR professionals looking to move into strategic roles or develop expertise in specific areas like compensation, talent acquisition, or employee relations.
The Best Free HR Courses with Accredited Certificates
When considering free HR courses with certificates, it’s crucial to understand that not all certificates carry the same weight with employers.
Accredited certificates from recognized institutions generally hold more value in the job market because they meet established quality standards.
What makes a certification “accredited”? Accreditation means the program has been evaluated and approved by a recognized accrediting body, ensuring it meets quality standards. However, most accredited certifications require payment for the certificate itself.
Options for Free HR Courses:
University-Affiliated Programs
- Many prestigious universities offer HR courses through platforms like Coursera and edX. While these courses can be audited for free, earning a certificate typically requires payment or financial aid.
- Some universities offer financial aid for certification fees, but this is not a standard practice for all courses.
Government-Sponsored Training
In some regions, government workforce development programs may offer free HR training to promote economic growth and professional development. However, these opportunities vary significantly by location and are not universally available.
Benefits of accredited certificates include:
- Greater recognition from employers
- Alignment with industry standards
- Verification of quality and rigor
When evaluating free HR certification options, always check who is backing the credential. A certificate from a recognized university or professional association will generally hold more weight than one from a lesser-known organization.
Check Out: HRCI vs SHRM
Comparing Free HR Certifications: Which One is Right for You?
With so many options available, how do you choose? Let’s compare free HR certifications to help you find the best fit for your specific situation and career goals.
When comparing free and paid HR certifications, consider these factors:
| Factor | What to Consider | Free HR Certifications | Paid HR Certifications |
| Career Stage | Entry-level vs. senior roles | Often suitable for beginners, foundational knowledge | Specialized for advanced roles, e.g., SHRM-CP/SCP, HRCI SPHR |
| Time Commitment | Duration of the course | Typically shorter, e.g., a few hours | Can range from weeks to months, e.g., AIHR’s 20-36 hours |
| Industry Recognition | Credibility and acceptance | May lack recognition compared to paid options | Highly recognized, e.g., SHRM, HRCI certifications |
| Specialization | Alignment with career goals | General HR knowledge, less specialized | Offers specialized tracks, e.g., HR Manager, DEIB |
| Learning Format | Self-paced, live, or interactive | Often self-paced, limited interactive elements | Offers self-paced, live, and interactive formats |
For those already working in HR, free HR courses for professionals with practical applications may be more valuable than theoretical knowledge. Consider how each certification aligns with your:
- Current role challenges
- Future career aspirations
- Industry-specific requirements
- Learning preferences
- Available time for study
Remember that the “best” certification varies based on individual circumstances. A certification that’s perfect for someone else might not be ideal for your specific career path or industry.
Free HR Courses and Certifications for Remote HR Professionals
The rise of remote work has created new opportunities and challenges for HR professionals. Fortunately, there are many remote HR certification free options designed specifically for virtual human resources roles.
Remote HR requires specialized skills in:
- Virtual onboarding and training
- Managing distributed teams
- Digital communication
- Remote performance management
- Virtual recruitment and hiring
To excel in these areas, consider courses focused on:
Digital HR Transformation
Learn how traditional HR functions translate to digital environments through courses that specifically address remote work challenges.
Compliance for Remote Teams
Free HR compliance training becomes even more crucial when managing employees across different locations, potentially with varying legal requirements. Look for courses that address multi-state or international compliance issues.
Inclusive Remote Culture Building
Many free diversity and inclusion HR certification programs now include modules on maintaining inclusive practices in remote environments, where unconscious bias and communication challenges can be amplified.
Remote-focused HR certifications help you:
- Adapt traditional HR practices to virtual environments
- Develop strategies for engaging distributed teams
- Master digital tools for HR management
- Navigate compliance across multiple locations
As remote work continues to grow, these specialized certifications become increasingly valuable for HR professionals looking to stay relevant in a changing workplace landscape.
Why Should You Consider Free HR Certification?
With so many professional development options available, you might wonder if pursuing a free HR certification is worth your time and effort. Let’s explore the compelling reasons to consider this path:
Career Advancement
A free HR certification near me (whether literally local or virtually accessible) can open doors to new opportunities. In competitive job markets, having credentials that verify your knowledge and skills gives you an edge over candidates with similar experience.
Continuous Learning
HR practices constantly evolve with changing regulations, technologies, and workplace dynamics. Free HR courses for professionals help you stay current without ongoing financial investment.
Specialized Knowledge
Many free HR certification online programs allow you to develop expertise in specific areas like recruitment, compliance, or employee relations, making you more valuable to employers seeking specialists.
Testing the Waters
Before investing in expensive paid certifications, free HR management courses with certificates let you explore different aspects of human resources to find your passion and strengths.
Additional benefits include:
- Networking opportunities with other HR professionals
- Practical skills you can immediately apply at work
- Confidence in your professional knowledge
- Demonstration of initiative to current and future employers
While free certifications might not always carry the same weight as premium paid options, they demonstrate your commitment to professional growth and provide valuable knowledge that can be applied immediately in your work.
FAQs
What Is The Easiest HR Certification To Get?
The Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) is often considered one of the easiest due to its foundational nature and fewer eligibility requirements.
Are There Any Certifications You Can Get For Free?
While there are no free certifications, some platforms offer free HR courses that can prepare you for certifications or provide foundational knowledge.
Does SHRM Offer Free Training?
SHRM does not offer free training, but they provide resources and study materials for certification preparation.
Is It Worth Getting An HR Certificate?
Yes, HR certifications enhance career prospects, demonstrate expertise, and increase earning potential.
What Is The First HR Certification I Should Get?
For beginners, the aPHR or entry-level SHRM-CP are good starting points.
How Can I Get HR With No Experience?
Start with entry-level certifications like aPHR, internships, or volunteer roles to gain experience.
What Is The Lowest Level Of HR?
The lowest level in HR often involves administrative roles or assistant positions, which may not require certifications but benefit from foundational knowledge.
Can You Become HR Without A Degree?
Yes, you can enter HR without a degree by starting with entry-level roles and pursuing certifications to build your career.
Conclusion: Start Your Free HR Certification Journey Today
Now is the perfect time to enhance your HR credentials with free certification opportunities. These resources can boost your career without financial strain. Start by assessing your skills and identifying gaps. Research certification options based on your experience and career goals, then create a study schedule.
Engage with others for support and apply your new knowledge at work. Choose certifications that align with your goals, and for comprehensive preparation, consider Prepsaret’s resources to ensure success in HR certifications like SHRM and HRCI.