About this Program
From startups to corporate giants, the challenge of attracting, hiring and retaining great employees remains constant. Human resources professionals play a key role in building strong teams and ensuring companies operate effectively. Because they’re involved in everything from policy to payroll, HR professionals need a diverse set of skills and functional knowledge for whatever comes their way. Learning these essentials will set you up to thrive as an HR professional across industries.
In this certificate program, you’ll learn the foundational competencies required to succeed as an HR professional. We’ll explore the functional areas connected with this role: operations, recruiting, compensation and benefits, training, employee retention and morale, performance management, payroll, and compliance with all applicable employment policies and regulations. Acquire the range of knowledge and skills needed to break into this dynamic field.
▸ Related Article: How to Become a Human Resources Specialist
DESIGNED FOR
Those looking to enter the human resources field, including early-career professionals and individuals who want to transition from other job roles into this field.
See Requirements
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To apply, you must have one year of work experience in any field.
TIME COMMITMENT
Including time in class, you should expect to spend about 6 to 8 hours each week on coursework.
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you should have at least intermediate English skills to enroll. To see if you qualify, make sure you are at the B2 level on the CEFR self-assessment grid . To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Noncredit Programs .
International Students
Because this offering is 100% online, no visa is required and international students are welcome to apply. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students .
Technology Requirements
Access to a computer with a recent operating system and web browser
High-speed internet connection
Headset and webcam (recommended)
Earning the Certificate
You earn a certificate of completion by successfully completing all required courses. For more information, see Earning the Certificate .
▸ Explore More : Already an experienced manager or HR professional? Consider the more advanced Certificate in Human Resources Management — or find the right HR program for you .
Video Overview
Hear from instructor Ranodda DeChambeau about the Certificate in Human Resources Essentials at the University of Washington and how it can prepare you to enter the growing field of human resources.
Duration: 02:12
Play
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
The scope of an HR professional’s responsibilities and how to succeed as part of an HR team
Human resources information systems (HRIS) and simple data analysis tools for HR reporting and decision making
How to ensure compliance with organizational policies and regulations regarding sensitive issues
Ways to foster workplace ethics and advance diversity, engagement and belonging goals
How HR functional areas work and how to apply your HR skills to common problems in each area
GET HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE
Practice what you learn in individual simulations of various HR cases and scenarios
Create a project plan that includes communication strategies and measures of success
Analyze data using spreadsheets and practice data-based reporting
APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
You may be eligible to apply for a UW Certificate Scholarship or Rotary Scholarship to cover most of the costs of this program. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and the potential of the program to positively impact your career. For more information, see the Scholarships page.
Career Stats
77%
Alumni working in field
Sample Employers
Amazon, University of Washington, Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks, State of Washington
19.6%
Projected job growth for HR specialists in Washington state (2024-2034)
$81,182
Median salary for HR specialists in Washington state (2023)
EARN DIGITAL BADGES
You can earn a digital achievement badge for successfully completing this certificate program, as well as a separate badge for each course. These badges can be shared on LinkedIn and other social media sites. Learn more about digital badges .
OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP
Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options .