Certified Human Resources Professional Training

The UT San Antonio Human Resources Professional training program is an online professional development course for individuals entering the HR field and experienced HR professionals preparing for certification. Participants study essential human resources functions while completing a certification-preparation track aligned with the aPHR, PHR or SHRM-CP examination. The program combines live virtual workshops with asynchronous certification-preparation coursework.

The program is designed for individuals beginning a career in human resources, professionals moving into HR-related responsibilities and experienced practitioners seeking an industry certification. It may also benefit managers, supervisors, small business owners and professionals responsible for hiring, employee relations, training, compensation or workplace compliance. The appropriate certification track depends on each participant’s education, professional experience and career goals. Experienced HR practitioners can also explore the potential career return of earning a PHR certification.

The program offers preparation tracks for the HRCI Associate Professional in Human Resources, or aPHR; the HRCI Professional in Human Resources, or PHR; and the Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional, or SHRM-CP, examinations. Students select the track that best fits their HR experience, education and professional goals. Certification eligibility is determined by HRCI or SHRM rather than by UT San Antonio. Before selecting a preparation track, compare HRCI and SHRM professional certifications.

Previous HR experience is not required to enroll in the UT San Antonio training program. Participants who are new to human resources may be best suited for the aPHR or SHRM-CP preparation track, depending on their goals and current eligibility requirements. The PHR examination generally requires professional-level HR experience. Students are responsible for confirming that they meet the current eligibility requirements established by HRCI or SHRM before applying for an examination.

The UT San Antonio Human Resources Professional training program currently costs $1,895. Financial assistance may be available through SA: Ready to Work funding, continuing education loans, employer sponsorship, Guild sponsorship or vocational rehabilitation for eligible participants. Students should review the current registration listing for the latest tuition, funding requirements and payment deadlines.

Yes. The Human Resources Professional training is delivered online through scheduled live virtual workshops and asynchronous certification-preparation coursework. The instructor-led portion meets once per week and is completed over approximately eight weeks. Depending on the certification track selected, students also complete approximately 36 to 40 hours of independent online preparation. Microsoft Office Suite and reliable internet access are required.

The curriculum covers HR competencies, organizational and human resources strategy, talent acquisition, employment law, learning and development, compensation and benefits, and total rewards. Participants also study workforce management, employee and labor relations, HR technology, global workforce management, risk management, corporate social responsibility and employee engagement. Certification-preparation content varies according to the aPHR, PHR or SHRM-CP track selected.

An HRCI examination voucher is currently included for students completing the aPHR or PHR preparation track. The SHRM-CP examination fee is not included. Successful course completion earns a Human Resources Professional Certificate from UT San Antonio, but it does not automatically grant aPHR, PHR or SHRM-CP certification. Students must separately apply for, meet the eligibility requirements of and pass the appropriate examination administered by HRCI or SHRM.