HR Generalist | Certificate Program
The HR Generalist Certificate program gives you the knowledge, tools, and templates you need to succeed as an HR team of one. From setting up policy frameworks to managing payroll, this online training course helps you build and execute key HR processes, navigate challenging conversations, and add value to the business. With the combination of bite-sized on-demand video lessons and practical downloadable guides, the HR Generalist Certificate Program is the go-to resource for ambitious HR generalists looking to make an impact.
DURATION:
Online Self-paced
Study 3 hours/week to finish in 10 weeks
ACCESS
12 Months
12 months to obtain your certificate
CONTENTS:
5 courses + Capstone project
35 video lessons + Case studies + Assignments
See what the lessons are like
Unlock real preview lessons
Receive the preview link in your mailbox
What you will do
To succeed as an HR generalist, you need a wide range of skills to manage vital administration, navigate difficult conversations, manage HR budgets, and more. This HR Generalist certificate helps you do just that by combining clear theories and practical easy-reference materials. You will learn how to identify HR priorities, align people policies with business growth, and increase HR’s strategic values with effective processes and governance.
HR Operations
Understand key HR processes that keep your HR organization running — from recruitment to payroll, and from performance management to employee engagement.
HR in a Scaling Business
Learn how a scaling business impacts HR, and how to organize HR’s service delivery model to best support a scaling organization and enable further growth.
Strategic HR Structuring
Enhance your HR toolkit with the expertise to develop a truly strategic HR function, including HRM skills, a deeper and practical understanding of HR tech, and stakeholder management.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Keep your HR operation on track by learning about common HR mistakes and how you can avoid them.
+ program structure
Driving Business Value & Measuring Success
Start the HR Generalist certificate program by examining the role of the HR generalist and understanding how you add value to the organization. What are your key responsibilities, and what can you do to make a difference? You will also learn how to create an HR canvas to communicate effectively with stakeholders and set relevant KPIs, letting you quantify your impact on the company.
Policies & Processes for the Employee Lifecycle
Next, it's time to get practical. You will kick off this module of the HR Generalist certificate by learning to expertly position HR within the organization, set up a policy framework, and master the payroll process. You will also focus on people: from attracting the right candidates with a powerful employer brand to keeping employees motivated with effective performance and reward processes.
HR in a Scaling Business
With the foundations of HR established, it's time to take a closer look at HR for scaling businesses. In the third course of the HR Generalist certificate program, you will learn about the scale up cycle and how to respond to each stage — including challenges such as downsizing and reorganization. Other key topics include building a culture-based strategy, and leader and founder dynamics. You will close the course by developing an HR operating model that is customized for a scaling business.
HR Communications Toolkit
Soft skills are a crucial part of your HR toolkit, and this HR Generalist certificate program helps you take them to the next level. You will learn about tools you can use to navigate difficult conversations, such as different listening strategies and communication styles. You will also study conflict management, and learn how to effectively provide feedback.
HR in Practice: Daily Operations & Strategy Design
Finally, you will close the HR Generalist certificate by getting into the practical operation of HR. You will learn how to plan, organize, and structure HR, and how to utilize HR technology for maximum effect. This course will walk you through key aspects of strategic HR, from leading an HR team to acting as a business partner. You will also learn about common HR mistakes and what you can do to avoid and overcome them.
Download the syllabus for a detailed overview of all lessons, assignments, reading materials, and bonus content.
+ meet your instructors
Erik van Vulpen
People Analytics & HR Leader
MORE
Erik van Vulpen is an expert in connecting HR processes to business results through qualitative and quantitative methods. He’s a regular speaker at HR tech events and conferences around the world. Erik also teaches at Utrecht University, The Netherlands and as the founder of AIHR, he provides training to dozens of senior HR leadership teams. Erik graduated in Law, Psychology (hons.) and Business Administration (hons.).
Julie Moore
HR Consultant & People's Advocate
MORE
Julie Moore is an expert in understanding human behaviors in a corporate environment. At the Trium Group, she consults leaders and their teams to shape impactful strategies, improve team alignment, and increase their ability to work together.
Omar Ismail
People Development Leader
MORE
Omar is an experience people and organizational development leader. He specializes in developing HR professionals, leaders, their teams, and organizations. Omar's purpose is to inspire people to think differently in a way that moves them towards getting what they want in their personal & professional lives.
Dieter Veldsman
HR Thought Leader & Subject Matter Expert
MORE
Dr. Dieter Veldsman is an organizational psychologist with a passion for HR. He has 12+ years of experience in Organizational Development, Design and Strategic HR, having worked for and consulted with various multi-national corporations in Europe, Asia, and Africa. He is also a regular speaker at various conferences and panels on HR, Future of Work, and Organizational Development.
Gemma Baldock
HR Coach & Mentor
MORE
Gemma has spent more than 29 years coaching, leading, and managing teams and programs in corporates and scale-ups. She now uses her experience and background in Organizational Psychology to help individuals and scale-ups build a foundation that will carry them through any transitions and reach their goals. She also advises fast-growing or down-scaling companies on people strategy, organization, and building a culture that fits the business and its people.
Download syllabus
Explore the full curriculum in pdf and receive email reminders when enrollment opens
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should I enroll in this HR Generalist Certificate Program?
As an HR generalist, you have a broad set of responsibilities, from setting up policy frameworks to navigating difficult conversations. This demands a solid and diverse skill set, as well as strong foundational knowledge of various areas of HR. All of these can seem overwhelming when you're new to the role of HR generalist — or when you’re the only HR professional in an organization. And that's where the HR Generalist certificate program comes in.
This online HR generalist certification was created to help you master this challenging and dynamic role. It is 100% online and self-paced, so that you can learn whenever and wherever that works for you. The bite-sized lessons, quizzes, and downloadable materials help you understand the theory and translate it into practical new skills and competencies. After completing the HR generalist certificate program, you won't just have a certificate to add to your profile — you will have a robust set of skills that will set you up for long-term success.
SHOW MORE FAQS SHOW LESS
+ Will this online training help me get started in HR?
The HR Generalist certificate program covers many topics you need to be familiar with in order to become an HR professional: recruitment and onboarding, the payroll process, performance management, policy frameworks, soft skills, and more.
That makes this a good online HR course for beginners, and a good fit if you're taking your first steps in Human Resources Management. Thanks to the module dedicated to HR in a scaling organization, this is a particularly good fit for people who have just joined a growing business as their first HR hire, or who are transitioning into an HR role.
+ Is there a fixed schedule?
No. This program is 100% online and self-paced! When you learn and how much time you spend each day, week, or month is up to.
In total, you will need to invest approximately 26 hours to finish the program and obtain your certificate.
+ How long do I have access to the program?
In total, you will have 12 months of access to the student portal, all lessons, and learning materials. On average, members complete their (first) program in 3 - 4 months.
+ Is this program the right fit for me?
If you’re not sure if this program is the right fit, we are here to help you determine which program is the right fit for your goals and needs! Simply talk to one of our admissions advisors or send them an email at [email protected]
Join 15,000+ HR Professionals
Learn modern & relevant HR skills
Single
Fast-track your career by learning a new skill and earning a certificate
$ 9751 Certificate Program
1 Certificate Program
12 months access
Community & (live) events
60-day money-back guarantee
Full Access
Become a continuous learner and stay up-to-date with in-demand HR skills
11 Certificate Programs
Get full accessinstallments from $ 165 / month
11 Certificate Programs
12 months access
Community & (live) events
60-day money-back guarantee
Personal coaching
Competency assessments
Team
Enable your team with modern & relevant HR skills
from $ 2,60011 Certificate Programs
Learn moreminimum 2 people
11 Certificate Programs
12 months access
Community & (live) events
60-day money-back guarantee
Coach + Customer Success Manager
Competency assessments
Team reporting & analytics
AIHR is recognized by the Society for Human Resource Management to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CPSMor SHRM-SCPSM.
AIHR is an approved provider with the HR Certification Institute (HRCI®) and recognized to offer recertification credits. Click here to learn more.
All our programs include
Real-world projects & case-studies
Develop practical skills through working on real-world projects taught by the world’s best leading experts
Global HR practitioners community
Collaborate and solve problems on the spot by connecting with peers and HR professionals from around the world
Accredited education
Globally accredited and recognized programs that are designed to help you learn practical skills and succeed
Personal Coach
Customize your learning path with your personal coach who is your one point of contact for everything AIHR
OUR ALUMNI WORK AT
Are you ready to make an impact?
Develop a full all-round HR skill set!