How To Become an HR Manager For Free

Human resources (HR) is a career path that can lead to work in different industries. HR professionals specialize in the people side of businesses, coordinating everything from recruiting and onboarding to running staff training programs and promoting a safe work environment.

Typically, becoming an HR manager requires a bachelor's or master's degree in human resources or business administration with an HR specialization. These degree programs increase your career prospects; some free HR degree programs are available with the right amount of assistance, but they can often cost a lot of money and lead to student loan debt.

Still, there are ways to reduce the costs of pursuing a career as an HR manager, such as taking online courses, using various forms of financial aid, and other opportunities.

Tips For Becoming an HR Manager With Little to No Cost

Most HR managers must complete a degree program to apply for HR roles. Still, there are some ways to upskill your current abilities to become a human resources professional for a lower cost, or no cost at all.

1. Take Free Online HR Courses

You can learn the fundamentals of HR practices and competencies through free HR courses. Some of these courses include certifications, while others can provide entry-level knowledge to prepare learners for more advanced programs.

Alison's Fundamentals of Human Resources Course

Alison is a free training and development platform that teaches courses on various career-related material. This HR education course teaches the fundamentals needed to be an HR generalist. It can be completed in three hours and results in a certificate, which can be shared on your LinkedIn or resume.

OHSC's HR Management Course

OHSC is the Oxford Home Study Centre. Students can take accredited professional certification courses in multiple disciplines, including HR management.

This program isn't free, but OHSC does offer discounted course rates that make its programs more affordable. This self-paced course takes approximately 125 hours to complete.

OpenLearn's Developing Your Skills as an HR Professional Course

This free course takes students through some of the most essential skills related to HR management, including problem-solving, time management, people management, and group performance management.

Students will receive a statement of participation after completing the nine-hour study course and passing the final quiz at their own pace.

2. Pursue Free Online Human Resources Certificates

Degrees are often preferred in HR job descriptions, but some certificate programs will allow you to pursue careers within the field. HR certifications must come from accredited providers to qualify for HR careers, even entry-level ones. HR includes multiple specializations such as HR strategy and talent acquisition.

OHSC's HR Management Certificate

The Level 7 OHSC HR Management Certificate program takes most learners 620 hours to complete the interactive modules and assessments. This course includes 130 total credit hours and results in an HR diploma recognized by the Education for Business Managers and Administrators (EBMA), a globally recognized accrediting body based in England.

Saylor Academy's Human Resource Management Certificate

Saylor Academy is a free online learning platform that offers courses similar to those at a college or university. This certification program is officially called BUS301, providing a more in-depth study of HR functions, employment laws over time, and understanding employer/employee relations.

Alison's Modern Human Resource Management Certificate

Alison offers a full series of courses reflecting the challenges and best practices of modern Human Resource management. Topics include diversity and inclusion, understanding modern employment laws, and promoting employee engagement and retention for remote and hybrid employees.

3. Apply for Human Resources Scholarships

Some HR positions won't accept certificates in place of degrees, but this doesn't mean you have to spend more money. Students can apply for HRM-specific scholarships and grants that can be used to reduce the cost of a college degree.

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Foundation Scholarships

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is one of the largest membership organizations for HR professionals. Human resource students can apply for one of two types of scholarships offered yearly to graduate and undergraduate students. Each year, SHRM awards over $400,000 in total scholarship funds.

Business & Professional Women's Foundation Scholarships

The Business & Professional Women's Foundation provides scholarships to women pursuing business-related degree programs, including human resources. The BPW scholarships are issued on a state level and each state BPW organization has differing award amounts and application requirements.

4. Seek Employer Tuition Reimbursement

Some employers offer tuition reimbursement as part of their benefits packages. This benefit encourages employees to pursue higher education while maintaining employment. Review your employee handbook or speak with an HR representative.

These tuition assistance programs generally don't provide up-front payment like a grant or scholarship, so you will still need to budget appropriately to cover costs before you receive any funds.

5. Enroll in Community College Programs

Most community colleges can only award two-year associate degrees, even though some are accredited to award bachelor's degrees. You can still start your HR degree program at a community college, even if you have to finish it elsewhere. Starting at a community college allows you to take general education and pre-requisite courses with more affordable credit hour rates.

Furthermore, some states establish programs that allow students to earn free community college credit hours. These credits can then be transferred to a four-year university to complete a degree.

In addition, many states have articulation agreement programs set to guarantee the transfer of qualifying credit hours from community colleges to public, in-state universities.

6. Fill out the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form students should submit before each academic year. It's used to determine financial need for federal financial aid programs, like the Pell Grant.

This form is also used by non-federal financial aid programs, such as private scholarships. All U.S. citizens and qualified non-citizen residents can fill out and submit their FAFSA, but award eligibility will vary.

If you aren't qualified to fill out the FAFSA, most states have their own version of this program that can be used to apply for state funds instead of federal ones.

7. Network With HR Professionals

Networking with HR professionals is a free way to learn more about the industry and possibly get leads on entry-level jobs. Using resources like LinkedIn or the HR managers at your job is a great way to start.

Reach out to ask basic questions about the work done and how they became an HR manager, this might expose an alternate path that you hadn't considered.

8. Look for Internship Opportunities

Internship opportunities usually are awarded to students in an HR degree program, but some certificate programs can qualify you for an internship.

These programs often last a few months over the summer to provide students with hands-on experience. Often, interns gain a better understanding of company processes, making them more appealing job candidates.