If you’re considering a career in human resources, you might wonder, How long does an HR course take? HR courses can vary in length from a few months for short courses to several years for diploma or degree programmes. Understanding the time commitment can help you choose the right course for your goals.
HR courses vary in duration based on the type of qualification. Here’s a table showing different HR course options and how long each one takes:
| Course Level | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| N4 Human Resource Management Course | Entry-level HR skills for beginners | 6 – 12 months |
| N5 Human Resource Management Course | Intermediate HR skills, builds on N4 knowledge | 6 – 12 months |
| N6 Human Resource Management Course | Advanced HR skills | 6 – 12 months |
| Short HR Courses | Basic HR skills, suitable for beginners | 4 – 12 months |
| Higher Certificate in HR Management | Covers HR fundamentals | 1 year |
Becoming A Human Resource Manager
To become an HR manager, you’ll need the right education and skills. HR managers play a crucial role in helping a company run smoothly by handling employee needs and workplace issues. Here’s a look at what HR managers do, the skills needed, and how to become one.
What Does A Human Resource Manager Do?
An HR manager is responsible for managing employee relations, hiring new staff, training employees, and supporting a positive workplace environment. They ensure that company policies are fair and that employees are treated well.
What Skills Do You Need To Work In HR?
To succeed in HR, you need a variety of skills you’ll use on a daily basis, including:
- Communication: To interact clearly and professionally with employees.
- Problem-Solving: To handle workplace challenges and resolve conflicts.
- Organisation: To manage records, schedules, and other tasks efficiently.
- Empathy: To understand and support employees’ needs.
- Leadership: To guide teams and create a positive work environment.
What Are The Five Main Tasks Of A Human Resource Manager?
HR managers are responsible for several key tasks for ensure smooth running of the company, including:
- Hiring: Finding the right people for the job.
- Training: Helping employees learn new skills.
- Employee Support: Addressing any concerns or issues.
- Performance Management: Monitoring employee progress.
- Compliance: Ensuring workplace rules and labour laws are followed.
How Do I Become An HR Manager?
To become an HR manager, you’ll need to study HR and gain practical experience. Starting with an entry-level HR role can help you build the skills needed to move into a managerial position. Completing accredited HR courses can also speed up your progress.
What Qualifications Are Needed To Become A Human Resource Manager?
To qualify as an HR manager, most people study human resource management. Here are some course options to help you get started:
- NATED N4 to N6 National Certificates in HR Management: Covers advanced HR skills, including labour law, recruitment, and employee training.
- Short HR Courses: Offer basic HR skills, like record-keeping and recruitment, but do not provide a full qualification.
Why Study HR?
Studying HR can lead to a rewarding career in people management. HR professionals play a vital role in any company by supporting employees and creating a positive work environment. Here’s more on what an HR management course offers and why it’s worth studying.
What Is An HR Management Course?
An HR management course teaches you the skills needed to manage employee relations, recruit new staff, and ensure a healthy workplace environment. Courses cover important topics, such as labour law, training methods, and workplace communication.
Is HR An Easy Course?
HR can be challenging because it involves working with people, solving problems, and understanding workplace laws. However, if you enjoy helping others and working with teams, HR can be a fulfilling area to study.
Why Study Human Resource Management?
HR management is essential for any company. By studying HR, you gain the skills to support employees, improve workplace culture, and help the company reach its goals. This field is in demand, which means that skilled HR professionals are valued in almost any industry.
Benefits Of Learning Human Resources
HR is one of the best career paths out there. Learning HR has several benefits, including:
- Career Opportunities: HR professionals are needed in all types of businesses.
- Job Stability: Companies always need skilled HR managers.
- People Skills: HR helps you learn communication and problem-solving skills.
- Personal Growth: Working in HR teaches empathy and how to work well with others.
These benefits make HR a rewarding career path with plenty of opportunities for growth.
Is This Course Right For Me?
If you’re interested in working with people and supporting employees, an HR course might be right for you. Let’s go over who these courses are best suited for and why you might choose to study HR.
Who This Course Is For
HR courses are for people who have the following characteristics or are willing to gain them:
- People-Oriented: Enjoy interacting with others and helping solve their concerns.
- Organised: Able to manage records, schedules, and tasks.
- Problem-Solver: Ready to handle workplace issues and find solutions.
- Good Communicator: Comfortable speaking and listening to others.
- Empathetic: Understand and support people’s needs.
Reasons To Choose This Course
Studying HR offers many benefits. Here are some reasons why an HR course could be a good choice:
- High demand for HR roles in all industries
- Opportunities to help people and improve workplaces
- Strong career growth and progression paths
- Develop skills in communication, problem-solving, and leadership
- Flexible work options, including remote or hybrid roles
Is HR A Good Career?
Yes, HR is a good career choice. HR professionals are needed in almost every industry, so there are plenty of job opportunities. The field offers stability, chances for growth, and the chance to make a difference in employees’ work lives.
Is HR A Stressful Job?
HR can sometimes be stressful because it involves managing people, handling conflicts, and ensuring fair workplace practices. However, for those who enjoy working with people and problem-solving, HR can be very rewarding.
Career Pathways And Opportunities
Studying HR opens up various career pathways. Below are some popular HR roles, along with their duties and salary expectations.
- Staffing Coordinator
- Staffing Specialist
- Human Resource Assistant
- Human Resource Administrator
- Human Resource Supervisor
- Personnel Manager
- Human Resource Manager
Staffing Coordinator
A Staffing Coordinator helps with hiring by finding qualified candidates and making sure the right people are placed in the right roles.
- Duties:
- Screen job applicants and arrange interviews
- Assist with onboarding new employees
- Keep records of job openings and candidates
- Salary: R10,000 – R15,000 per month
Staffing Specialist
A Staffing Specialist focuses on recruiting and filling open positions quickly and effectively.
- Duties:
- Find and interview job candidates
- Work with hiring managers to fill positions
- Update recruitment records
- Salary: R12,000 – R18,000 per month
Human Resource Assistant
An HR Assistant provides general support to the HR department, handling tasks like record-keeping and employee support.
- Duties:
- Maintain employee records and files
- Answer employee questions about HR policies
- Help with payroll and benefits processing
- Salary: R8,000 – R12,000 per month
Human Resource Administrator
An HR Administrator supports HR tasks, focusing on policies, employee benefits, and record management.
- Duties:
- Process employee benefits
- Keep track of employee attendance and leave
- Ensure HR policies are followed
- Salary: R12,000 – R20,000 per month
Human Resource Supervisor
An HR Supervisor oversees other HR staff and ensures that HR processes run smoothly.
- Duties:
- Supervise HR assistants and administrators
- Support employee relations and conflict resolution
- Assist with HR projects and policy updates
- Salary: R15,000 – R25,000 per month
Personnel Manager
A Personnel Manager oversees HR activities related to hiring, employee support, and workplace policies.
- Duties:
- Manage recruitment and hiring processes
- Oversee training programs
- Ensure compliance with labour laws
- Salary: R20,000 – R30,000 per month
Human Resource Manager
A Human Resource Manager is responsible for all HR activities, including managing the HR team, handling policies, and supporting employees.
- Duties:
- Develop and enforce HR policies
- Manage recruitment, training, and benefits
- Lead conflict resolution efforts
- Salary: R25,000 – R45,000 per month
Which HR Certification Pays Most?
In South Africa, the NATED certificates in HR Management offer good earning potential. Completing the NATED certificate courses, along with practical experience, prepares you for higher-level roles that pay more.
This certification is respected by employers and can lead to roles with greater responsibilities and higher salaries.
What Is The Highest Paying Job In HR?
The highest-paying job in HR is often the role of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) or HR Director. These roles involve leading all HR functions in a company and working closely with top management. Salaries for these roles can reach R70,000 to R120,000 per month.
How Do I Start Learning HR?
Starting a career in HR can be exciting and rewarding. HR is all about working with people, helping employees, and supporting a healthy workplace. If you’re interested in learning HR, there are options for studying online, part-time, or even without matric.
Can I Study HR Online?
Yes, you can study HR online. Many institutions, including Skills Academy, offer online HR courses that allow you to learn from home. Online learning is flexible, which is helpful if you have other responsibilities like work or family.
Can I Study HR Part Time?
Yes, studying HR part-time is possible. Many online and distance learning courses allow you to study at your own pace. Part-time study is a good option if you want to keep working while you learn.
Can I Do HR Without Matric?
Yes, you can study HR without matric by taking short HR courses. These courses teach you the basics of HR, like record-keeping and employee support, and are perfect for beginners. For advanced HR courses, though, you’ll usually need a matric certificate.
Can You Do HR Without Maths?
Yes, you can study HR without advanced maths. Basic maths skills are helpful, but most HR tasks focus on communication, organisation, and people skills rather than complex maths.
Where Can I Study HR Online In South Africa?
Many institutions in South Africa offer online HR courses, but Skills Academy provides flexible options that are ideal for students needing online or part-time study. Skills Academy allows you to learn HR from home with the support and guidance needed to succeed.
Study Human Resources Online With Skills Academy
Skills Academy offers online HR courses that are accessible, flexible, and designed to help you succeed. Our courses are easy to follow and allow you to study from anywhere in South Africa, making it simple to fit HR studies into your life.
Requirements And Technology
To study HR, there are some entry requirements, and you’ll need access to certain technology. Knowing what you need can help you prepare and make the most of your studies.
What Are the Requirements to Study HR?
Different HR courses have different entry requirements. Here’s a comparison of the requirements for NATED courses and short courses:
| Course Type | Entry Requirements |
|---|---|
| NATED (N4 to N6) | Matric Certificate or equivalent |
| Short HR Courses | No matric required, suitable for beginners |
Mode of Instruction
At Skills Academy, courses are available online, meaning you can study at home, on your schedule. All materials are available online, and tutor support is just a message or phone call away.
Technology Requirements
To study HR online, you will need the following for smooth studying:
- A computer, tablet, or smartphone
- Internet access to join classes and download materials
- Basic computer skills to complete assignments and communicate with tutors
How Much Is An HR Course?
Skills Academy offers affordable HR courses, with payment plans to help make studying easier. Our fees cover all learning materials, online support, and guidance throughout your studies.
Register to Study Through Skills Academy
Applying to Skills Academy is simple. Here’s how to start your journey:
- Visit the Skills Academy website and find the HR course that suits you.
- Complete the online application form with your details and course choice.
- Select a payment plan that works for your budget.
- Submit your application. Our team will review it and contact you for the next steps.
Once registered, you’ll receive access to all materials and can start studying right away!
Frequently Asked Questions
High-paying HR jobs in South Africa include roles like HR Manager, HR Director, and Chief HR Officer. These roles involve
- Leading HR activities in a company
- Setting policies
- Working closely with management
Salaries for these roles can range from R50,000 to over R100,000 per month, depending on the company.
Yes, anyone with the right skills and training can work in HR. Skills like communication, empathy, and organisation are important. Taking an HR course, even a short one, is a good way to start building these skills.
Yes, some programmes allow you to complete an NQF Level 4 qualification without a traditional matric. Adult Matric or certain short courses may qualify you for NQF Level 4.
An HR Diploma usually has 12 modules. Each level (N4, N5, N6) includes about four modules, covering topics like recruitment, labour law, and employee support.
An NQF Level 4 course usually takes 12 months to complete. However, some programmes may allow you to complete it faster with full-time study.
The NATED N6 National Diploma in Human Resource Management is highly respected in South Africa. It covers in-depth HR topics and includes practical experience, making it ideal for those wanting a full HR qualification.
To work in HR, start by completing an HR course, like an N4 or a short HR course. Gaining practical experience in an entry-level HR role also helps build the skills needed for more advanced roles.
Yes, an HR professional can become a CEO, though it usually requires years of experience and additional management skills. Many CEOs have backgrounds in various fields, including HR, because they understand how to manage and lead people effectively.
