This course does not require any HR experience. The program is best for:

• Professionals entering the HR field
• Professionals not in an HR position but are doing HR duties
• Recent college graduates interested in HR
• Military personnel transitioning to civilian careers
• Professionals seeking a career change

• Career Opportunities: Open doors to new HR career paths and increase your earning potential.
• Professional Development: Enhance your HR knowledge and skills to become a more effective HR professional.
• Certification Preparation: Prepare for the aPHR® certification exam and gain a competitive edge in the HR field.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other HR professionals and build valuable relationships.

This certificate will bridge the education and training gap for those seeking to stand out and revitalize their careers. It will serve as a catalyst to an HR career path, demonstrating specialized training and a commitment to the field. You will also benefit from DePaul's 20-year reputation of preparing professionals for HR certification.

At the end of this program, you will be able to:

• Explain the entire talent acquisition process, including planning, sourcing, recruiting, screening, selection, hiring, and onboarding new employees
• Identify organizational needs
• Describe effective training programs to equip employees with the tools, skills, and knowledge required to achieve current and future organizational goals
• Recall the components of a total rewards package, including compensation, benefits programs, and retirement planning, and how they contribute to organizational competitiveness
• List organizational methods for monitoring and addressing employee morale, performance, and retention
• Connect the operational needs of the organization with the well-being of individual employees
• Define prevalent laws, regulations, and policies related to the areas of HR
• Identify organizational risks and ways to mitigate and respond
• State records management, storage, retention regulations, and reporting requirements

Why has DePaul University chosen to offer the Foundations in HR Certificate Program?
Since the 1990s, DePaul has offered various HR-related training programs and assisted thousands of HR professionals in preparing for HR certification exams. In 2017 when HRCI introduced the new aPHR® certifications, DePaul sought to provide related training options to those who were new to HR or performed some HR duties but were not in an HR role.

Why should I take this program?
This program offers professional development in HR and assists in preparation for the HRCI aPHR® certification exam by experienced HR instructors. By systematically exploring the HRCI aPHR® content, this program helps people build their HR knowledge.

How long is the program?
This certificate program is eight weeks.

Do I need an HR background to take this program?
No. If you are considering a career in HR, this program will provide the foundational knowledge of Human Resources needed for early HR career roles. Is there a required textbook for this course? Yes. There is one required text:

• Moreland, T., Simon-Walters, J., & Rehor, L. (2022). aPHR® Associate Professional in Human Resources Certification Practice Exams (2nd Edition). ISBN: 978-1264286294

Are books included in the tuition fee?
No. The textbook is not included in the tuition fee.

Does this program have homework?
Yes. There are weekly readings, discussion boards, and tests.

Does this program result in a certificate?
Yes. Completing the program with a minimum score of 75% on assignments and attendance will earn you a DePaul Foundations in HR Certificate.

Are classes taught in class or online?
Classes are offered on DePaul's Loop Campus, live online, and online with flexible weekly scheduling and deadlines.

What are the computer requirements for this program?
Consistent access to a computer with an Internet connection.

I registered for an online class, when will I receive my login information?
You should receive your login information at least two business days before the course starts. However, if you registered less than seven days before the course start date, there might be a delay in accessing the online course site. In such cases, you may not receive your login until 2-5 business days after the course begins.

How many hours will I have to devote to this online course each week?
The average student will need to spend at least 3-6 hours per week to complete the required coursework for this program.

Is there a final exam?
Yes. At the end of the program, there will be a multiple-choice final. The final exam is not a substitute for the HRCI aPHR® certification exam.

Can I use this program for university credit elsewhere?
No. This is a professional, non-credit program that awards a post-baccalaureate certificate. This program does not grant college credits. You may be able to use it towards prior learning assessment for a degree in DePaul’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies and you would need to check with SCPS at SCPSPLA@depaul.edu.

Is this a graded program?
Yes. There are graded assignments and students must achieve a final grade of C (75% or higher) or better in the program. To earn the certificate, you must demonstrate mastery of the required knowledge and skills by achieving, an average score of 75% on assignments and exams and at least 75% attendance.

When do I get my certificate?
Within 3 months after the course end date, DePaul University will mail via USPS the Foundations in HR Certificate to students with a zero DePaul balance who completed the program, with a final grade of C or better and at least 75% attendance.

Can I take individual classes?
There are no individual classes.

Does this program qualify for financial assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)?
To determine your eligibility for financial assistance, please contact Workforce Development. As a certified program under the Illinois WorkNet initiative, this program is eligible for workforce training grants. Funding may be available for individuals receiving unemployment benefits. For more information, please contact your local Workforce Development office.

Will I be certified as an aPHR® when I complete the DePaul Foundations in HR Certificate program?
No. You will need to take the HR Certification Institute’s aPHR® examination. For complete details, visit the HRCI website at www.hrci.org.

Is the application fee for the aPHR® included in the program fees?
No. The application fee for the aPHR® examination is not covered by the payment students make to DePaul. You apply and pay the aPHR® exam fee to HRCI. You can obtain information on the application from the HR Certification Institute at (866) 898-4724 or from their website at www.hrci.org.

What qualifications are required to take the aPHR® exam offered by the HR Certification Institute (HRCI)?
To sit for the aPHR® exam you must have a high school diploma or global equivalent.