Bethel College Logo
Is an Online Certificate right for you?
Online Certificate

Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR®)

Start a Career as a Human Resources Professional

6 Months*

To Complete

8-10 Hours

Weekly Commitment

Anytime

Enrollment

What is the aPHR® Certificate?

The Associate Professional in Human Resources® (aPHR®) is designed for individuals who are beginning their human resources career or for professionals transitioning into an HR role from another field.

Earning the aPHR® certification demonstrates to employers that you have a solid understanding of the basic HR principles and practices. It's a valuable credential for those looking to establish themselves in the HR field.

Becoming a Qualified Human Resources Professional

Ready to start your HR career? The 100% online aPHR® certification from Bethel College equips you with the foundational skills needed to begin a career in human resources. You’ll learn the basics of recruitment, employee relations, and HR compliance, setting you on the path to becoming a well-rounded HR professional.

You will learn

HR Operations

Recruitment and Selection

Compensation and Benefits

Human Resource Development and Retention

Employee Relations

Health, Safety, and Security

Requirements

  • No prior professional HR experience is required

Provided Courseroom Materials

  • Expert-led video based training

  • Competency assessments

  • National Certification exam fees

Is a Career in Human Resources Right for You?

Take the Bethel College “aPHR® Certificate Readiness Quiz”

This fun, online quiz takes just 3 minutes to complete and provides you with a personalized report to find out if a short-term online certificate program is right for you. The report identifies your strengths and social style, plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.

What You’ll Learn in the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR®) Program

The Associate Professional in Human Resources program is designed to validate foundational knowledge in the field of Human Resources.

What Can You Do with an aPHR® Certificate?

The aPHR® certification provides a strong foundation in HR principles, making certified professionals valuable to employers who need their HR operations to be managed effectively.

Careers to Explore

HR professionals can work in nearly every industry, as most organizations need HR departments or personnel to manage employee-related tasks.

As a graduate you may be eligible for these careers:
  • Human Resources Manager
  • HR Business Partner
  • Talent Acquisition Manager
  • Compensation and Benefits Specialist
  • HR Consultant

High Demand for Human Resource Professionals

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of human resources managers is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations**.

Feel confident you’re getting relevant skills to enter an in-demand career with plenty of opportunities.

Get Certified as an HR Professional and Stand Out to Employers

Upon successful completion of your Associate Professional in Human Resources courses, you’ll be prepared to take the HRCI aPHR® exam to earn your national certification.
Program Management Institute
HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR®)
You will receive a complimentary voucher for this certification exam.

How Much Does an APHR® Certificate Cost?

$1,200
Total Tuition

Frequently Asked Questions

The Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR®) certification is an entry-level credential designed for individuals new to HR or those seeking to establish foundational knowledge in the field. It demonstrates your expertise in HR principles and can set you apart in the job market.

While an associate’s degree in human resources provides academic education over a longer period, this program focuses on preparing you for the aPHR® certification, offering practical and focused HR training in less time.

Yes! This program provides the foundational skills and certification needed to complement an associate’s degree on resources or start a career in HR without a degree. It’s an excellent first step for entry-level roles.

The program covers key HR areas such as recruitment, employee relations, compensation and benefits, compliance with labor laws, and workplace safety. These topics are designed to prepare you for the aPHR® certification exam.

With an aPHR® certification, you can pursue roles like HR Assistant, Payroll Coordinator, or Talent Acquisition Specialist. It’s a valuable credential that helps you build a strong foundation for future advancement in human resources.

Is a Rewarding Career in Human Resources Right for You? Get More Info…

At Bethel College, you can gain the skills to make a positive impact while advancing your career. Get the details and see how Bethel College can help you move forward.
Ready to Get Started?

Complete an Application - It's Free!
The free and fast application process at Bethel College allows us to get to know you, your achievements and your aspirations.

Get Started
Need More Info?

Have a question for us? Reach out and we'll get back to you! Learn more about online learning and explore whether Bethel College is right for you.

Get Info Now
Not Sure If You’re Ready?

Take our Online Certificate Readiness Quiz. Our online quiz provides you with a personalized report to find out if an online certificate program is right for you.

Learn More
*Program length when completed in normal time.
**https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm#tab-6
Copyright © 2025 Bethel College. All rights reserved.