How Do I Get Certified in Human Resources? Your Questions Answered

10/1/2025

Human resources certification signals verified skill in compliance, employee relations, benefits, payroll, investigations, and related functions. If you are asking how to get HR certification, how to get certified in HR, or how to get HR certification online, this guide explains what certification involves, how to choose a path, how long it takes, and how to prepare.

Key takeaways:

• You can get HR certification online or in person through structured training and exams offered by HR Certification across core compliance areas.
• Entry-level and foundational options include the Certificate Program for HR Generalists and self-paced online Training &Certification Programs (e.g., FMLA, ADA, COBRA, Payroll).
• Many programs include SHRM and HRCI recertification credits, free legal updates, and interactive exercises that build job-ready skills.

What Does HR Certification Involve?

HR Certification provides seminars, webinars, and online Training &Certification Programs that teach the "hard skills" required to administer compliance-driven HR functions. Programs follow instructional design standards, present concepts in plain English, and use tips, examples, and end-of-lesson quizzes to reinforce learning. Most online programs include an exam that confers a Certified Administrator designation and offer SHRM and HRCI recertification credits.

Overview of certification bodies (HRCI, SHRM)

• HR Certification courses commonly offer SHRM and HRCI recertification credits. For example:
  • The Certificate Program for HR Generalists provides 18 SHRM and HRCI recertification credits.
  • Online Training &Certification Programs (e.g., FMLA, ADA, COBRA, Payroll) offer up to eight SHRM or HRCI recertification credits.
• HR Certification emphasizes applied, compliance-oriented training. While SHRM and HRCI are well-known for broader HR theory and competencies, HR Certification focuses on the practical administration of employment laws and workplace requirements.

Key eligibility factors

• No legal or college prerequisites are required to become an HR Generalist or to begin most compliance programs on HR Certification.
• Learners can attend the HR Generalist certificate seminar in person or via video conference, or choose self-paced online programs for specific domains (FMLA, ADA, COBRA, Payroll, 401(k), investigations, and more).
• Programs are suitable for beginners and working practitioners. Small organizations and HR departments of one will find options tailored to their needs.

Which HR Certification Is Best for Me?

Selecting the best path depends on your current role, learning preference (online vs. in-person), and career goals (generalist breadth vs. specialized compliance depth).

Comparing entry-level vs. senior-level options

• Foundational/generalist:
  • Certificate Program for HR Generalists: A comprehensive three-day seminar (in person or virtual) that covers HR's role, recruiting, onboarding, performance management, compensation and benefits, workplace investigations, FMLA/ADA/COBRA compliance, and more. It includes 14 information-packed modules, a 300-page workbook, interactive exercises, and case studies.
• Specialized/compliance-focused (self-paced online):
  • FMLA Training &Certification Program
  • ADA Training &Certification Program
  • COBRA Training &Certification Program
  • Integrating FMLA, ADA, COBRA, and Workers' Compensation
  • Paycheck Fundamentals, Payroll Wage &Hour, Payroll Operations, Payroll Reporting, Compensation
  • 401(k), Defined Benefit, Cash Balance, QDROs, Required Minimum Distributions, and other retirement-plan topics
  • Internal Investigations Training &Certification Program Online
• Advanced or managerial development:
  • Strategic HR Leadership certificate program
  • Advanced Internal Investigations Certificate Program
  • DIY: Running an HR Department of One
  • Managing HR in California (state-specific compliance)

If you are new and want broad HR proficiency to become human resources certified, the HR Generalist certificate program is an efficient starting point. If you already work in HR and need targeted compliance mastery, choose the relevant online Training &Certification Program.

Industry-specific certifications

HR Certification specializes in federally mandated compliance areas used across industries:

• Leave and health-related laws: FMLA, ADA, COBRA, HIPAA, PWFA summaries and updates within applicable programs
• Payroll and compensation: payroll fundamentals, wage and hour, operations, reporting, compensation structures
• Retirement plans: 401(k), Defined Benefit, Cash Balance, QDROs, plan loans, spousal rights, PBGC introductions
• Investigations: internal and advanced investigations

These are industry-agnostic but essential in regulated environments such as healthcare, TPAs, and multi-state employers.

How Much Does HR Certification Cost?

Costs vary by delivery format and scope:

• HR Generalist Certificate Program: a three-day seminar with early-bird and regular pricing shown on the program page. It includes the 14-module curriculum, a comprehensive workbook, interactive exercises, and 18 SHRM/HRCI credits.
• Online Training &Certification Programs: self-paced courses available 24/7/365, with access to updates when laws change. Each includes instructional lessons, quizzes, an included exam to earn the Certified Administrator designation, and up to eight SHRM/HRCI credits.

Exact figures are listed on the individual program pages and event listings. HR Certification also offers multi-person and multi-product discounted pricing schedules and can deliver onsite training to reduce per-person costs.

Exam fees and prep material costs

• For HR Certification online programs, exam access is included with the course. The cost you see for each online Training &Certification Program typically covers lessons, practice quizzes, the certification exam, and free legal updates.
• For seminars, the course fee includes the workbook and course materials.

Employer reimbursement options

• HR Certification highlights that training improves compliance and reduces risk, which often qualifies for employer-sponsored professional development budgets.
• Multi-person discounts and onsite delivery can make reimbursement requests more compelling. Managers receive progress tracking when enrolling teams in online programs, aiding ROI measurement.

How Long Does It Take to Get Certified?

Duration depends on the path you choose and your schedule.

• HR Generalist Certificate Program: Delivered over three days (in person or via video conference). Upon completion, you receive the HR Generalist Certificate and earn SHRM/HRCI credits.
• Online Training &Certification Programs: Self-paced access allows learners to progress at their own speed, with availability 24x7x365. Many learners complete programs in short cycles given structured lessons, end-of-lesson quizzes, and a bundled exam.

Typical study timelines

• Seminar: Three focused days to complete the HR Generalist curriculum and exercises.
• Online programs: Learners complete modules at their convenience. Course design with goals, examples, and quizzes supports efficient study and exam readiness. The site notes that programs are ideal for busy professionals and HR departments of one, which suggests flexible completion within weeks, depending on commitment.

Factors affecting preparation speed

Familiarity with compliance topics (e.g., prior exposure to FMLA/ADA/COBRA or payroll). Choice of delivery (immersive three-day seminar vs. self-paced online modules). Time available for lesson reviews, practice quizzes, and application exercises. Need for multi-topic sequencing (e.g., earning multiple certifications such as FMLA, ADA, and COBRA in succession).

How Do I Prepare for an HR Certification Exam?

HR Certification's model builds exam readiness directly into the training experience.

Study methods and resources

• Instructional design: Each lesson includes clear goals, explanatory content in accessible language, and practical tips.
• Real-world reinforcement: Case studies, sample forms, and interactive exercises (e.g., handling FMLA abuse scenarios, conducting interviews, managing reluctant witnesses).
• Comprehensive materials: The HR Generalist program provides a 300-page workbook that supports structured review, with updates when laws change.
• Dual-format access: Choose in-person, live online video conference, or on-demand self-paced training to match your learning style.

Recommended study sequence:

1. Review lesson goals to frame your learning.
2. Work through content sections and examples.
3. Complete end-of-lesson quizzes to test comprehension.
4. Revisit any items missed; the platform supports remediation by showing incorrect responses for targeted review.

Practice test strategies

• Use the integrated end-of-lesson quizzes to simulate exam conditions and identify knowledge gaps.
• Focus on high-impact compliance areas highlighted in programs: FMLA eligibility and documentation, ADA accommodation processes, COBRA notices and timelines, wage and hour definitions, benefits and compensation fundamentals, and investigation steps.
• Apply scenarios: Many seminar exercises mirror real workplace conditions, which strengthens recall and judgment on exam items.

Conclusion: Launching Your HR Certification Journey

HR Certification provides multiple paths for how to get HR certification online or in person. If your priority is broad coverage to become human resources certified as a generalist, the Certificate Program for HR Generalists offers a fast, structured route with recognized recertification credits and applied exercises. If you require domain-specific credentials, the online Training &Certification Programs in FMLA, ADA, COBRA, payroll, investigations, and retirement plans deliver targeted learning, free legal updates, and a Certified Administrator designation upon passing the included exam.

Next steps to take immediately

1. Define your goal:
   • Broad HR foundation: Enroll in the Certificate Program for HR Generalists (in-person or video conference).
   Specialized compliance skill: Select the appropriate online Training &Certification Program (FMLA, ADA, COBRA, Payroll, 401(k), Investigations).
2. Choose your format:
   • Prefer a structured, immersive experience: Register for a three-day seminar on the posted dates.
   • Need flexibility: Start a self-paced online certification with 24/7 access and free updates.
3. Plan your study:
   • Set a schedule for lessons, quizzes, and workbook review.
   • Track progress and revisit missed quiz items for targeted improvement.
4. Leverage credits and savings:
   • Record SHRM/HRCI credits for recertification.
   • Ask your employer about reimbursement and multi-person discounts or onsite training.

Recommended resources to bookmark

• Certificate Program for HR Generalists: Agenda, venues, and dates
• Online HR Training Programs: FMLA, ADA, COBRA, Payroll, Investigations, and Retirement Plans
• HR Seminars and HR Webinars for ongoing development and credits
• Multi-person/multi-product discounted pricing schedule
• Demo page to preview course interfaces and features