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This Professional Certificate provides a comprehensive introduction to core HR knowledge and practices used in organizations around the world. Designed for learners new to Human Resources, the program builds a strong foundation in essential HR concepts, systems, and responsibilities across the employee lifecycle.
Through engaging videos, guided activities, real-world workplace scenarios, and assessments, you will explore how Human Resources supports organizational operations, compliance, and workplace culture in a variety of global contexts.
By the end of the program, you will be able to:
Describe how Human Resources supports organizational strategy, operations, and culture Identify basic employment laws, ethical standards, and confidentiality requirements Interpret HR policies, procedures, and standard documentation Support recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and employee relations processes Use HR systems and workforce data for recordkeeping and compliance support
This specialization is aligned with the HRCI Associate Professional in Human Resources – International (aPHRi) certification and reflects HR practices applicable across global workplace settings. Upon completion, you will earn a Coursera certificate and be prepared to pursue the aPHRi exam, demonstrating readiness for entry-level HR roles in international and multicultural environments.
Syllabus
- Course 1: Foundations of HR Operations
- Course 2: Talent Acquisition and Onboarding
- Course 3: Total Rewards and Employee Development
- Course 4: Employee Relations, Safety, and Compliance
Courses
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This course introduces the foundational concepts and practices that support effective employee relations and workplace safety. You will examine employee and employer rights related to workplace conduct, privacy, fairness, and engagement, and how these rights guide HR decisions and organizational practices. It covers methods for gathering, documenting, and responding to employee feedback and workplace concerns, as well as common sources of employee conflict and the communication and disciplinary processes used to address issues consistently and fairly. It also addresses laws, policies, and procedures that support workplace safety, security, and risk prevention, including organizational responses to incidents and compliance requirements. By the end of this course, you will be able to: ● Identify employee and employer rights related to workplace conduct, privacy, and fairness ● Describe methods for gathering, documenting, and responding to employee concerns ● Explain sources of employee conflict and disciplinary and communication processes ● Identify laws, policies, and procedures that support workplace safety and risk prevention
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This course introduces the foundational concepts and practices that support effective total rewards and employee development for a global workforce. You will examine the key components of employee compensation and how legal requirements influence pay practices to promote fairness, consistency, and compliance across the organization. It covers common employee benefit programs, eligibility rules, and workplace flexibility options, as well as the stages of the performance management process, including goal setting, feedback, and documentation. It also explores training and career development practices that support employee growth and retention. In addition, the course addresses data privacy and confidentiality requirements related to compensation, benefits, and performance information. By the end of this course, you will be able to: ● Describe compensation components and legal requirements that influence pay practices ● Explain employee benefit programs, eligibility rules, and workplace flexibility options ● Identify performance management stages, including goal setting, feedback, and documentation ● Describe development, data privacy, and confidentiality practices related to employee growth
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This course introduces the foundational concepts and responsibilities that support effective Human Resources operations. You will examine how HR contributes to an organization’s mission, strategy, and core business functions while promoting consistency, compliance, and ethical workplace practices. The course also explores how organizational culture, values, and ethics influence HR decisions and shape employee experiences. The course covers how legal, regulatory, and confidentiality requirements guide HR operations and data management, and how HR policies, metrics, and basic workforce data support compliance and informed decision-making. It also introduces HR systems, digital tools, and professional communication practices that support day-to-day HR activities and efficient operations. By the end of this course, you will be able to: ● Explain how Human Resources supports organizational strategy and operations ● Describe how culture, values, and ethics influence HR practices ● Identify legal, regulatory, and confidentiality requirements in HR operations ● Summarize how HR policies, systems, and workforce data support compliance
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This course introduces the foundational concepts and processes that support effective talent acquisition and onboarding. You will examine how organizations create and post open positions by applying employment requirements, job classifications, and standardized documentation that promote consistency and compliance throughout the hiring process. The course covers recruiting sources, methods, and metrics used to attract and evaluate candidates, as well as the role of applicant tracking systems and employer branding in supporting organized and compliant recruiting practices. It also addresses structured interviewing and candidate selection processes designed to promote fairness, reduce bias, and support informed hiring decisions. By the end of this course, you will be able to: ● Describe employment requirements, job classifications, and documentation for open positions ● Identify recruiting sources, methods, and metrics used to evaluate candidates ● Explain how applicant tracking systems and employer branding support recruiting ● Describe structured interviewing, selection, and onboarding practices
Taught by
Michelle Alvarado and Taylor Jones