
Course introduction, instructor welcome, and overview of what the course covers.
Introduction to the section, key topics to be covered, and call to action.
What HR does in organizations and how it acts as a strategic partner and culture builder.
The HR profession, common roles, and career progression options.
Core employment laws and the ethical, confidentiality, and professional duties HR must uphold.
Aligning staffing with business goals, then analyzing roles and writing clear job descriptions.
Methods for attracting and sourcing qualified candidates.
Structured interviewing and fair candidate-selection techniques.
Hiring within EEO requirements and compliance obligations.
Designing onboarding that helps new hires succeed early.
Core training and development principles plus career growth and succession planning.
Engaging and retaining employees and shaping a positive experience across the lifecycle.
Core pay concepts and building pay structures that stay market-competitive.
Common benefits, paid-leave options, and workplace wellness offerings.
Using total rewards to attract and retain talent.
Introduction to the section, key topics to be covered, and call to action.
Practices that foster respect and inclusion at work.
Handling employee concerns and complaints and conducting fair workplace investigations.
Resolving conflict through effective communication.
Recognizing and preventing toxic workplace behavior.
Maintaining accurate HR documentation and records.
Managing workplace safety and common HR risks.
Developing and applying clear HR policies and procedures.
Protecting employee data and monitoring and reporting on compliance obligations.
How the aPHR exam is organized, the key knowledge areas, and the question formats used.
Effective study techniques and exam time management.
Worked practice questions and creating a personalized plan to finish exam preparation.
This course is designed to help aspiring HR professionals build a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills required for the HRCI Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) certification exam. Whether you are beginning your HR career, transitioning into human resources from another field, or seeking to validate your understanding of core HR principles, this course provides a structured introduction to the essential concepts that shape modern human resource management.
Learners will explore the primary functional areas of HR, including workforce planning, talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, learning and development, onboarding, performance support, compliance, workplace safety, documentation, and organizational culture. Each topic is presented through clear explanations, practical examples, and realistic workplace scenarios that demonstrate how HR professionals apply these concepts in day-to-day business environments.
Throughout the course, learners will also examine the strategic role of HR in supporting organizational goals, fostering employee engagement, promoting ethical decision-making, and maintaining legal and regulatory compliance. Special attention is given to employment laws, professional responsibility, workplace investigations, diversity and inclusion, and effective communication, helping learners understand how HR contributes to both employee success and organizational performance.
In addition to building practical HR knowledge, the course incorporates certification-focused guidance to reinforce the concepts commonly tested on the aPHR exam. Learners will become familiar with the exam structure, question formats, study strategies, and time management techniques while practicing with certification-style examples.
By the end of the course, learners will have a solid understanding of the major HR domains, greater confidence in applying foundational HR concepts, and stronger preparation for the HRCI aPHR certification exam. They will also be equipped with practical knowledge that can be applied in real workplace settings, providing a strong foundation for continued professional growth and a successful career in human resources.