Best HR Certifications for Beginners in 2025

HR is a fast-evolving field, and organizations across industries are literally relying on HR professionals to manage talent, facilitate engagement, and cultivate workplace culture. Whether you are new to HR or contemplating a career in this dynamic field, getting an HR certification can be an excellent way to set yourself apart and acquire foundational knowledge. However, with numerous courses available, how do you choose the right one? Here, we have covered the best HR certification courses for beginners in 2025, offering insights on what each course provides, whom it is suitable for, and how it'll help you in your career.

1. HRCI Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR®)

Why is it Great for Beginners?

The HRCI aPHR® (Associate Professional in Human Resources) certification program is tailored to newcomers in HR. Unlike many certifications, the ePHR has no experience or educational requirements, so it is a great starting point.

Key features

• Comprehensive HR knowledge from recruitment, employee relations, HR operations, and compliance.

• Exam-focused preparation with study materials and practice tests are provided on HRCI’s platform 

• Internationally recognized certification.

Cost: $300

Application fee (non-refundable): $100

Time to complete

Normally 6 to 8 weeks is needed to prepare.

Ideal for

Entry-level HR professionals with an eye to formalizing their knowledge, recent graduates, and career changers entering HR for the first time.

2. Talent Management Practitioner (TMP™)

Why is it a Great Choice?

TMP™ is a distinct qualification that helps candidates stand out in the Talent Management landscape for entry-level positions. This certification forms the ideal first step for candidates looking for a career in Talent Management and Human Resources. This credential is aimed at recent graduates and junior HR professionals, to meet the increasing demand for Talent Management specialists as traditional HR functions transform.

Key Features

• Worldwide Recognition: The TMP™ credential makes you a more appealing HR recruiter, regardless of location.

• Meant for students graduated from accredited institutions with an HR or related major

• Equips you with a distinct, holistic view of the Talent Management sector

• Increases the employability and credentials for lucrative positions in Talent Management

Cost: Certification costs $675. This includes:

• One examination attempt.

• TMI Resource Box (study materials)

• A digital badge

• Credential kit and shipping charges.

Time to Complete 

Candidates have 180 days after registering to prepare for and take the TMP™ exam.

Ideal For

• Fresh graduates in HR or related courses.

• Freshers in HR (1-2 years of experience).

• Individuals who want to prove ability to work within front-line Talent Management teams

3. SHRM-CP Pathway Program

Why it’s great for beginners

SHRM provides a non-traditional, beginner-oriented pathway to individuals seeking their SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) credential. This certification combines HR theory with real-world applications.

Key features

• Merges practical and theoretical HR principles with behavior competencies.

• Includes webinars, study guides, and access to SHRM's extensive online course offerings.

• Equips candidates to face contemporary workplace concerns, ranging from DEI programs to HR legal compliance.

Cost

• SHRM Member Exam Fee: $375

• Non-member fee: $475

Time to complete 

A study time of between 8 and 12 weeks is recommended.

Ideal for

Entry-level HR professionals with some job training experience or internships who hope to advance further in HR.

4. eCornell HR Management Certificate

Why it’s great for beginners

For a more professional academic, based qualification, the eCornell HR Certification course provides strong credentials from a well-known institution.

Key features

• Self-learning, on-demand modules around HR fundamentals—employee engagement, recruitment and retention, leadership, etc.

• Access to Cornell University faculty and resources.

• Real-life HR case studies and assignments.

Cost

Tuition: $2,880 (with payment plans available).

Time to complete 

6 weeks (approximately 3 to 5 hours per week).

Ideal for

Ideal for HR Professionals who aspire to learn things practically, hands-on experience with a certificate from a reputed institution on top of the resume.

5. AIHR Human Resource Management Professional Certificate

Why it’s great for beginners

AIHR is the place to go for HR professionals who are entering the field. Their HR certification blends foundational HR theory with emerging trends that impact the field, such as the role of AI in HR.

Key features

• Emphasises traditional and future-ready HR skills such as digital HR transformation

• Provides global HR perspective, useful for anyone interested in multinational positions.

Cost

Access to full course starting at $997.

Time to complete 

3–6 months, depending on your speed.

Ideal for

Aspiring newbies who work in tech-driven HR environments (data and digital transformation, etc.)

6. Udemy: HR Generalist Training

Why it’s great for beginners

Udemy – HR Generalist Training Course If you want a very cheap price course with fun and easy access, so you can go for this course. Although this is not a certificate, it is strong for all newcomers to HR.

Key features

• Modules ranging from employee policies to payroll essentials, and recruitment strategies.

• HR Certification course is cost effective and can be accessed often on sale prices.

• Lifetime access to course materials.

Cost

Frequent sales to drop to the $20–$50 range

Time to complete

A little less than 5–8 hours of video content.

Ideal for

New persons to HR who are extremely budget-sensitive

Conclusion

HR certification leads to great entry-level positions such as recruiter, training coordinator, employee relations. Also, as a certified HR professional you are now one step closer to those mid-level positions such as HR manager, as well as higher leadership roles.