HR Certification Prep Classes Online or Near You
Find online and in-person HR certification preparation courses through HRCP’s class list. Partner organizations teach classes for the aPHR, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, and international aPHRi, PHRi, and SPHRi exams using HRCP study materials. Browse by exam, delivery method, and location, then check each listing for dates and enrollment details.
HRCP has helped HR professionals prepare for certification since 1995. We develop the study materials; independent colleges, universities, HR associations, and training companies teach the classes and set their own tuition and schedules.
By Terri Varnell, SPHR, Chief Operating Officer, HRCP · Updated November 2026
Browse HR Certification Prep Classes
Find a preparation course for your exam
Start with the exam you plan to take. These descriptions are a starting point; confirm eligibility with HRCI or SHRM before enrolling.
| Exam | Preparation focus |
|---|---|
| aPHR | Foundational HR knowledge for people beginning an HR career |
| PHR | Technical and operational HR practice in the United States |
| SPHR | HR strategy, policy, and leadership in the United States |
| SHRM-CP | HR knowledge and competencies for operational HR work |
| SHRM-SCP | HR knowledge and competencies for strategic HR work |
| aPHRi | Foundational HR knowledge for an international HR career |
| PHRi | Technical and operational HR practice in an international context |
| SPHRi | Strategic HR management in an international context |
Some partner courses combine PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, and SHRM-SCP preparation in one class. Others focus on selected exams. Confirm that the syllabus, instruction, and practice activities address the exam you plan to take.
Not sure which exam fits? Take the free HR Cert Fit Assessment
How to find and enroll in a prep class
1. Open the HRCP class list
Browse course listings from our prep partners. Select Online for remote options or Traditional Classroom for classes that meet in person.
2. Choose an exam and location
Use the exam and location filters to narrow your options. For online courses, try searching without a location restriction so you do not exclude a provider based elsewhere.
3. Review the course details
Check the exams covered, start date, meeting times, time zone, course length, and registration instructions. Ask the provider whether sessions are recorded, how to get help between classes, and about any details missing from the listing.
4. Confirm the total cost and enroll
Most partners handle registration directly. Online instructor-led courses from HR.com and HR Education Network can also be purchased through hrcp.com. Before paying, confirm what tuition includes and how you will receive your materials.
Compare online and in-person prep courses
| Format | What to check |
|---|---|
| Live online | Scheduled instruction with an instructor and classmates. Confirm the time zone, attendance expectations, and whether recordings are available. |
| In-person classroom | Face-to-face sessions at a campus, association, or training location. Check travel time and the full meeting schedule. |
| Self-paced online | Study on your own schedule. Some provider courses include instructor support, recorded lessons, or a structured sequence. Check which support is included. |
If no local course fits, consider live online options. Students outside the United States should confirm enrollment availability, language, time zone, and which exam the course covers.
How to choose an HR certification preparation course
Choose a course that covers your exam, fits your schedule, and gives you the support you need to study consistently. Colleges and universities, HR associations, and training companies offer different schedules and learning environments. Compare the actual course details before deciding.
Exam coverage and materials
Confirm which exams the course prepares you for. HRCP study materials are updated in accordance with the HRCI Exam Content Outline (ECO) and the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge (SHRM BASK). In a combined class, ask how the instructor addresses your chosen exam’s content and question types.
Instructor and study support
Ask about the instructor’s HR experience, credentials, and teaching experience. Find out how to ask questions between sessions and whether the course includes additional review sessions.
Schedule and workload
Check the full schedule and ask how much independent study is expected each week. Allow time to read, practice, and review difficult topics between class sessions.
Tuition and policies
Request the total cost, including study materials and any other required charges. Ask whether an exam voucher is included. Read refund, transfer, attendance, and guarantee terms before enrolling.
Is a prep class right for you?
A prep class can help if you want a study schedule, an instructor to explain difficult topics, and classmates to keep you accountable. Self-study may fit better if your schedule changes often or you prefer to move through the material at your own pace. You can also use HRCP materials independently between class sessions.
In our experience, the structure, guidance, and accountability of a preparation course can help candidates achieve better results. For example, HR.com reports a 95.6% pass rate among candidates who follow its course steps, and HR Education Network reports a 95% pass rate. These figures are reported by the providers; individual results vary.
How HRCP study materials fit into your class
All preparation courses using HRCP materials include practice exams as part of those materials. HRCP supplies the study content and flashcards as well; your provider supplies the instruction and course schedule. The package and format depend on your exam and provider. Some partners include materials in tuition; others provide a discount code for you to purchase them on hrcp.com.
Course guarantees vary by provider. Review the class terms separately from HRCP’s study-material guarantee, which has its own eligibility requirements.
Read HRCP’s You Pass or Your Money Back Terms
You Pass or Your Money Back covers eligible aPHR, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, and SHRM-SCP programs. The international aPHRi, PHRi, and SPHRi programs are covered by HRCP’s 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.
Plan your class around your exam date
Choose your target exam date early enough to work backward from application deadlines, class dates, and the time you need for final review. Completing a prep class does not automatically register you for a certification exam or establish exam eligibility.
HRCI exams
The aPHR, PHR, SPHR, aPHRi, PHRi, and SPHRi are offered year-round. After HRCI approves your application, you must schedule and take your exam within the 180-day eligibility period. Test-center appointments and online proctoring options depend on availability and location.
For exam dates, application timelines, and scheduling details, see HRCP’s aPHR, PHR, SPHR, aPHRi, PHRi, and SPHRi exam prep guides.
SHRM exams
SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exams are offered in two testing windows each year. Check the current application deadlines and testing dates before choosing your class. Exams are taken in person at authorized Prometric test centers.
For current testing windows, application deadlines, and scheduling details, see HRCP’s SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP exam prep guides.
A practical study sequence
- Before enrolling: confirm exam eligibility, application deadlines, class coverage, and total cost.
- Before class starts: obtain your materials and review the syllabus and study plan.
- During class: attend sessions, study between meetings, and use practice exams to identify topics that need more work.
- Before testing: review weak areas and practice answering unfamiliar questions under timed conditions. HRCP recommends aiming for 80% or higher on its practice exams; this is a study target, not an official passing standard or a prediction of your exam result.
Use HRCP’s Sample Study Schedules
HR certification prep class questions
How much does an HR certification prep class cost?
Each provider sets its own tuition. Confirm whether the price includes instruction, HRCP study materials with practice exams, and an exam voucher so you can compare the total cost of each course.
Is the certification exam fee included in tuition?
Do not assume it is included. Some packages include an exam voucher; others cover only instruction and materials. Confirm this with the provider and check the certifying organization’s application requirements.
How long does a prep course take?
Course length varies by provider and format. HR Education Network, for example, offers 8- and 16-week options. Check the listing for the full schedule and ask how much study time to allow between meetings. Self-paced courses may have an access deadline even when you set your own pace.
Can one class prepare me for PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, and SHRM-SCP?
Yes. Some HRCP partners offer a combined course covering all four exams. Confirm the exams listed in the course description and ask how the instructor addresses the differences in content, level, and question types.
Are there prep classes for aPHRi, PHRi, and SPHRi?
Yes. HRCP’s class list includes separate preparation courses for the aPHRi, PHRi, and SPHRi exams. Select your exam to find available courses, then check enrollment availability, language, and meeting times with the provider.
Does a prep course award the HR certification?
No. A preparation course helps you study for a certification exam. Some providers offer a certificate of completion, but earning your HR certification requires meeting HRCI’s or SHRM’s requirements and passing the applicable exam.
When do HR certification prep classes start?
Start dates vary by partner. Check HRCP’s class list for upcoming classes and ongoing self-paced options. If a listing has no confirmed start date, contact the provider before making plans.
Can my employer arrange a private class?
Many HRCP partners offer private classes for employer groups. Ask about the exams covered, minimum enrollment, delivery format, schedule, and total cost. For an individual course, ask your employer whether professional development or tuition assistance funds are available.
Find your next prep class
Choose a course that fits your exam, schedule, and learning needs. Browse HRCP’s partner class list for online and in-person options.
Browse HR Certification Prep ClassesView Online Instructor-Led CoursesTry the Free HRCP Practice Test
Explore exam preparation:
aPHR | PHR | SPHR | SHRM-CP | SHRM-SCP | aPHRi | PHRi | SPHRi
HRCP is an independent preparation provider. HRCI and SHRM own their respective certification trademarks and administer their own certification programs. Partner organizations teach the classes listed by HRCP.