How to become a human resources officer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- specialist courses run by professional bodies
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in any subject. You could then apply for a graduate HR training scheme.
You may have an advantage if you study an HR related subject like:
- human resources management
- business management and human resources
- psychology
- economics
Find advice on how to check if a course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Accredited courses will give you automatic entry to CIPD membership.
If you already have a degree, you could do a postgraduate qualification in human resource management, though this is not essential.
Graduate jobs
You can find graduate HR opportunities with:
- small and medium sized private sector companies in most industries
- large multi-national companies
- charities and education organisations
- public sector employers like the NHS and Civil Service
Some employers may expect you to have, or be working towards Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualifications.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
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College
You can study Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualifications like:
- Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice
- Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management
- Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You may be able to work your way up through the apprenticeship route by starting as an HR assistant on an HR support advanced apprenticeship.
From this you could go on to do a higher level apprenticeship to become a human resources officer.
Relevant apprenticeships include:
- human resources consultant partner higher apprenticeship
- senior people professional degree apprenticeship
You can find out more about HR apprenticeships through the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
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Work
You could start as a human resources assistant or a business administrator in a company's HR department and work your way up through training and promotion.
Other Routes
You can study a range of professional qualifications in human resources, either online or at a training centre approved by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
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Career tips
Take a look at the CIPD Profession Map to find out more about the values, knowledge and behaviours needed from professionals like HR officers.
Professional and industry bodies
You may find it useful to join organisations like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in human resources from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and Personnel Today.