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 degree in human resources or business administration with an HR specialization, though some roles call for a master’s. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), HR managers earned a median annual wage of $149,280 in May 2025, and employment is projected to grow 6% from 2025 to 2035 — faster than the average for all occupations. Most positions also expect five or more years of related work experience.

A degree improves your prospects, but it can also be expensive and lead to student loan debt. Some free HR degree programs are available with the right combination of aid.

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 covers the fundamentals needed to be an HR generalist, including the employment cycle, recruitment, and training.

Alison lists the course at 1.5 to 3 hours of study. The course itself is free and CPD-accredited, but note that Alison charges a fee if you want a digital or physical copy of the certificate to share on LinkedIn or your resume.

OHSC's HR Management Course

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

OHSC now offers its HR Management short course free of charge. The self-paced course takes approximately 20 hours and introduces recruitment basics, employee relations, workplace policies, and performance management. Study materials are included at no cost, though claiming a CPD or QLS certificate afterward requires a fee.

OpenLearn's Developing Your Skills as an HR Professional Course

This free course from The Open University focuses on the personal skills that make HR professionals effective: learning reflectively, organizing yourself, managing time and stress, and working in teams or groups.

The course takes approximately nine hours at your own pace. Students who create a free account and complete the course, including any required quizzes, receive a free statement of participation.

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 certification is generally voluntary rather than required, though BLS notes that employers may prefer candidates who hold one, and some positions require it. HR also includes multiple specializations, such as HR strategy and talent acquisition, so it’s worth checking which credentials employers in your target specialization actually value.

OHSC's HR Management Certificate

OHSC’s entry point for structured HR study is its Certificate in Human Resource Management at QLS Level 3, a 200-hour self-paced program. The school also offers a Level 5 Advanced Diploma (450 hours) and a regulated Level 7 Diploma in Human Resource Management (120 recommended study hours).

These are paid programs, and the Level 7 diploma in particular carries a four-figure price tag. Note that QLS endorsement is not the same as Ofqual regulation, so check each course page for its exact status before enrolling. If cost is your main concern, OHSC’s free short courses cover similar introductory ground.

Saylor's Human Resource Management Certificate

Saylor University, formerly Saylor Academy, is a free online learning platform offering courses similar to those at a college or university. Its HR course is officially called BUS301, providing an in-depth study of HR functions, employment law, and employer/employee relations.

The course takes approximately 24 hours and carries 2.4 CEUs. Units cover strategic HR planning, recruitment and selection, training and development, performance management, compensation and benefits, workplace safety, and labor relations. Students who score 70% or higher on the final exam earn a free course completion certificate, and the exam can be retaken after a seven-day waiting period.

Alison's Diploma in Modern Human Resource Management

Alison also offers a free diploma-level course reflecting the challenges and best practices of modern human resource management. It runs roughly 10 to 15 hours.

Topics include the role of HRM, diversity and multiculturalism, the four steps of employee training, management styles, handling performance issues, and considerations around layoffs and downsizing. As with Alison’s shorter courses, the coursework is free and the diploma document itself costs extra.

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. Its foundation awards over $400,000 in scholarships each year to undergraduate and graduate students studying HR.

Options go beyond a single undergraduate and graduate award — the foundation also offers the Susan R. Meisinger Scholarship for graduate studies, annual conference grants, student and professional membership grants, and the HR Tomorrow Leadership Program. Applications typically open in January and close in March, and most awards require an active SHRM student membership.

Business & Professional Women's Foundation Scholarships

The Business & Professional Women’s Foundation supports women pursuing business-related degree programs, including human resources. BPW scholarships are issued at the state and local level rather than nationally, and each state or chapter organization sets its own award amounts and application requirements.

Awards commonly range from several hundred dollars to around $1,500. Many state programs specifically target non-traditional students — women who have been out of high school for several years and are returning to school to advance or change careers — so check your state’s BPW organization for current criteria and deadlines.

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 award two-year associate degrees, though a growing number can now award bachelor’s degrees. As of 2026, 24 states authorize community college baccalaureate degrees, and business is the single most common field offered — relevant for anyone eyeing an HR career.

Even where that option isn’t available, you can start your HR degree at a community college and finish it elsewhere. Starting at a community college lets you take general education and prerequisite courses at 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 eligible to fill out the FAFSA, some states offer their own financial aid application that can be used to apply for state funds instead of federal ones. Check with your state’s higher education agency to see whether one is available where you live.

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. Resources like LinkedIn, SHRM student chapters, or the HR managers at your current job are a great place to start.

Reach out to ask basic questions about the work they do and how they became an HR manager. Those conversations may reveal an alternate path you hadn’t considered.

8. Look for Internship Opportunities

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

These programs often last a few months over the summer and provide hands-on experience. Interns typically gain a better understanding of company processes, making them more appealing job candidates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an HR Manager for Free

Pursuing an HR career on a tight budget raises a lot of practical questions. Below are answers to some of the most common ones.

Can You Really Become an HR Manager Without a Degree?

It’s difficult, but not impossible. BLS reports that most HR manager positions require a bachelor’s degree plus five or more years of related work experience. A realistic low-cost path is to use free courses to build foundational knowledge, enter the field in an entry-level support or coordinator role, and then pursue a degree with employer tuition assistance while you gain the experience managers need.

Are Free HR Certificates Worth Anything to Employers?

They carry limited weight on their own, but they aren’t worthless. Free courses from providers like Saylor, OpenLearn, and Alison demonstrate initiative and give you vocabulary and context for interviews. They work best as a supplement to a degree or hands-on experience rather than a replacement for either.

What’s the Difference Between a Free Course and a Free Certificate?

Many platforms offer the coursework at no cost but charge for the credential document. Alison and OHSC both follow this model — you can study for free, then pay if you want a shareable certificate. Saylor is a notable exception, issuing a free completion certificate to students who pass the final exam.

Is SHRM Certification Required to Work in HR?

No. BLS classifies HR certification as voluntary. That said, credentials like SHRM-CP or those from HRCI can make you more competitive, and some employers do require them for specific roles. These are typically pursued after you’ve gained work experience, not before.

How Long Does It Take to Become an HR Manager?

For most people, roughly nine to ten years: four years for a bachelor’s degree plus the five or more years of related experience employers expect. Starting at a community college or using employer tuition reimbursement can reduce the cost considerably, but it rarely shortens the timeline.

Do Employers Pay for HR Degrees?

Many do, through tuition assistance programs. These benefits usually reimburse you after you complete coursework rather than paying up front, so you’ll need to budget for tuition in the interim. Check your employee handbook or ask your HR department directly.

Explore Free Educational Resources

There’s no single free path to an HR manager role, but there are plenty of ways to lower the cost. Explore the options listed above, or discover additional resources available on Learn.org.