10 Free Online Human Resources Courses & Certificates 2025

If you're looking to advance your career in HR, taking human resources courses online can provide valuable knowledge and skills. Whether you're new to the field or looking to expand your expertise, there are many free courses available that can help you grow.

In this article, we'll explore some of the best free human resources courses, offering insights into what they cover and how they can benefit your career. Keep reading to learn more about these opportunities.

Are There Free Human Resources Courses Online?

Yes, there are free human resources courses available online, covering various aspects of HR management. Free HR certification courses provide a valuable opportunity to build foundational skills and enhance your qualifications through continuing education without the financial burden of a full degree program. Some programs aren't free up front but can be made free with grants and scholarships.

Do Free Online Human Resources Courses Include Certificates?

Some online courses in the HR field offer certificates to their students upon completion. These certificates can help demonstrate your knowledge and skills in HR management. However, be sure to check each course's details � while the course itself may be free, there could be a fee for the certificate.

Top Free Online HR Courses and Training

We've compiled ten of the best free online HR courses with certificates that provide valuable training in HR management.

1. Coursera � HRCI Human Resource Associate Professional Certificate

This program provides foundational HR knowledge, covering topics like talent acquisition, employee relations, and compensation. It's designed for beginners aiming to start an HR career. Upon completion, you can earn a certificate to showcase your skills, with the option to pay for the certification.

• Program length: Five months
• Program cost: Free to audit

2. Alison � Strategic Human Resource Management and Development

This free online course delves into the strategic aspects of human resource management, focusing on aligning HR practices with organizational goals. It covers topics such as workforce planning, employee performance, and performance management. Designed for both human resources professionals and managers, it aims to enhance the effectiveness of HR functions within an organization. A certificate is available for a fee.

• Program length: 10 to 15 hours
• Program cost: Free

3. Oxford Home Study Centre � Human Resources Certification Online Free

This entry-level course offers a comprehensive introduction to human resource management, covering essential topics such as HR objectives, recruitment processes, and staff training and development. It's designed for both newcomers and existing HR professionals seeking to enhance their foundational knowledge. Upon successful completion, learners have the option to obtain one of three certificates for a nominal fee.

• Program length: Self-paced
• Program cost: Free

4. Great Learning � Human Resource Management

This free HR course covers foundational industry topics such as job analysis, recruitment, employee training, and performance management. It's designed for beginners, offering essential HR knowledge. A human resources management certificate of completion is available for a fee once you finish the course.

• Program length: Three hours
• Program cost: Free

5. HRSimplified � Managing Remote and Hybrid Teams

For those looking for a free HR course online, this program offers essential strategies for managing remote and hybrid teams effectively, focusing on communication, productivity, and employee engagement. It covers topics like fostering collaboration, handling remote talent management issues, and creating a positive virtual workplace culture. A certificate of completion is available for a fee after finishing the course.

• Program length: Self-paced
• Program cost: Free

6. LinkedIn Learning � Human Resources: Strategic Workforce Planning

This advanced-level course delves into strategic workforce planning, covering topics such as environmental scanning, workforce demand forecasting, and leadership succession planning. It also addresses managing global and local labor relations, ensuring organizations can adapt to dynamic business environments. A certificate of completion is available for a fee after finishing the course.

• Program length: One hour and 20 minutes
• Program cost: Free with LinkedIn Learning trial of three months; subscription required thereafter

7. edX � Managing Human Resources in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry

Offered by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, this course explores key HR concepts tailored for the hospitality and tourism sectors. Topics include staffing and onboarding, organizational culture, leadership and diversity, employee turnover, and international HR management. Designed for professionals seeking to enhance HR practices in these industries, this training program provides practical insights and strategies. A verified certificate is available upon completion for a fee.

• Program length: Six weeks
• Program cost: Free to audit

8. Udemy � Attracting, Managing & Incentivizing the Right Human Capital

This practical course is tailored for entrepreneurs and small business leaders seeking to build and manage effective teams without extensive HR resources. The coursework covers topics such as leveraging AI for recruitment, structuring teams with lean roles, creating functional organizational charts, and implementing performance monitoring systems. A certificate of completion is available for a fee after finishing the course.

• Program length: 53 minutes
• Program cost: Free

9. NPTEL (via Class Central) � Human Resource Development

This comprehensive course explores key aspects of human resource development (HRD), including training, career development, and organizational behavior. Designed for students and professionals, it provides foundational knowledge essential for managing and nurturing talent within organizations. Upon completion of the course, students have the option to purchase a certificate.

• Program length: One day and seven hours
• Program cost: Free

10. FutureLearn � Human Resource Analytics

This three-week course introduces the fundamentals of HR analytics, focusing on leveraging business analytics to make fair and unbiased decisions. Participants will learn to work with data, interpret descriptive statistics, and utilize statistical software. Designed for HR professionals, it provides practical skills applicable to real-world HR challenges. A certificate of completion is available for a fee after finishing the course.

• Program length: Three weeks
• Program cost: Free for the length of the program

FAQs About Free Online HR Courses With Certificates

For those exploring human resources courses online, we've answered common questions to help you find the right course for your needs.

Are Free HR Certificates Recognized by Employers?

Free HR certificates can be recognized by employers, especially when they come from reputable online platforms. While they don't carry the same weight as university degrees, they still demonstrate a commitment to learning and can enhance your qualifications, particularly when paired with relevant experience.

How Will Human Resource Management Courses Enhance My Career?

Human resource management courses can enhance your career by providing essential skills in recruitment, employee relations, and organizational development. They improve your ability to manage teams, resolve conflicts, and contribute to strategic decision-making. Gaining HR knowledge can open doors to leadership roles and increase your job market competitiveness.

How Long Do Free HR Courses Take To Complete?

The duration of free HR courses varies depending on the program. Most courses can be completed in a few hours to several weeks. Short courses typically take a few hours, while more in-depth programs may span two to six weeks, with most offering flexible, self-paced learning to suit individual schedules.

How Long Does HR Certification Take?

The time required for HR certification depends on the specific program and the certification level. Some entry-level certifications can be completed in a few weeks, while more advanced certifications may take several months of study. Most programs allow for self-paced learning, giving you the flexibility to complete them on your schedule.

Are There Online Human Resources Courses Available for Beginners?

Yes, there are free HR courses available for beginners. These courses cover the fundamentals of human resources, including recruitment, employee relations, and performance management. They provide a solid foundation for those looking to start a career in HR and are designed to be accessible, even for those with no prior experience.

Discover Online Programs for HR Professionals

Explore more free courses and certifications across various fields on Learn.org. Enhance your skills and advance your career with various online programs.