Human Resources Management Certificate

Overview

The Human Resources Management (HRM) Certificate program at the University of the Fraser Valley is crafted to enhance your professional journey in the HRM field. This program is rigorously designed to impart strategic insights applicable across various workplace environments, making it an excellent choice for both aspiring HR professionals and those seeking to further their expertise.

Program Details

• Credential: Certificate
• Format: Part-time
• Delivery: Online or hybrid (a combination of online and in-person classes). The program can be completed fully online.
• Duration: 13 years
• Days and times: Weekends and evenings
• Location: Abbotsford Clearbrook Centre
• Tuition: $3,228 total (comprising 9 core courses and 3 electives)
• Application Deadline: There is no formal application process; registration for classes is available anytime before the start date, subject to space availability.

Entrance Requirements

• There are no entrance requirements or prerequisites for this program. Participants may take courses in any order.
• Students can opt to complete the entire program to earn the certificate or select individual courses of interest.

Program Outline

Core Courses

To obtain the Human Resources Management Certificate, participants must complete all nine core courses and three electives. All program requirements must be fulfilled within three years for certificate conferral.

• Core Courses:
  • HRM01 | Strategic Human Resources Management
  • HRM02 | Increasing Employee Engagement
  • HRM03 | Hiring for Performance
  • HRM04 | Managing Employee Performance
  • HRM05 | Employee Development & Training
  • HRM06 | HR Policies and Procedures
  • HRM07 | Handling HR Issues
  • HRM08 | Understanding Leadership
  • HRM09 | Employee Rewards

Elective Courses

Participants choose from the following elective offerings:

• HRM10 | Introduction to Labour Relations
• HRM11 | BC Employment Law
• HRM12 | Workplace Health & Safety
• HRM13 | Designing Employee Orientation
• HRM14 | Measuring HR's Impact

Schedule

Courses are designed to accommodate working professionals, typically scheduled during weekday evenings or weekends. This flexibility enables participants to initiate their studies at any point throughout the year.

Delivery Formats

Courses are delivered online with scheduled meetings, or in a hybrid format that combines both in-person and online classes. It is feasible to complete the entire program online, although participants may need to wait for certain courses to be available in that format.

Graduation

Upon completing the requisite courses and meeting grade requirements, participants may apply for graduation. Additional information will be provided regarding the application process, which includes a graduation application fee.

Employment Insights

The demand for qualified human resources management professionals is rising, particularly in British Columbia and across Canada, with employers frequently facing challenges in filling HRM roles. While formal education in HRM is valuable, prospective candidates also benefit from possessing strong business experience, numerical acumen, and analytical skills. It is important to note that this certificate does not confer a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation. For those interested in pursuing a CPHR pathway, it is recommended to consider the Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Human Resource Management at UFV.

Additional Information

• Textbooks: All course readings are provided online free of charge; there is no requirement to purchase textbooks.
• Computer Requirements: Online courses necessitate a reliable computer or laptop with internet access and up-to-date software.
• Additional Supplies: Basic school supplies, such as notebooks and pens, are required at the student's expense.

It provides a comprehensive understanding of key HR practices and issues, including hiring, employee engagement, labor relations, strategic management, performance management, training and development, and more.

Objectives:

• To provide participants with strategic insights applicable in any workplace setting.
• To help participants build a positive work environment.

Program Description:

• The program is delivered by experienced HRM professionals.
• It is designed for both individuals seeking career advancement and those embarking on a new career in HRM.
• The program format is flexible, offering online, hybrid, and in-person options.
• The program duration is 1-3 years, depending on the chosen electives and completion pace.
• It is a part-time program, with classes offered on weekends and evenings to accommodate working professionals.
• The program utilizes various teaching methods, including case studies, group discussions, simulations, and guest speakers.

Outline:

Program Content:

• The program covers a wide range of HR topics, including:
• Strategic Human Resources Management
• Increasing Employee Engagement
• Hiring for Performance
• Managing Employee Performance
• Employee Development & Training
• HR Policies and Procedures
• Handling HR Issues
• Understanding Leadership
• Employee Rewards
• Introduction to Labour Relations
• BC Employment Law
• Workplace Health & Safety
• Designing Employee Orientation
• Measuring HR's Impact

Course Structure:

• The program consists of nine core courses and three elective courses.
• The core courses provide a comprehensive foundation in HR principles and practices.
• Participants can choose electives based on their specific interests and career goals.

Schedule:

• Each course is typically offered once per year.
• Courses are scheduled on weekday evenings or weekends.
• Participants can start the program at any point throughout the year, as courses do not need to be taken in a specific order.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Individual assignments
• Group projects
• Case studies
• Presentations
• Exams

Assessment Criteria:

• Assessments are evaluated based on the following criteria:
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Problem-solving skills
• Communication skills
• Knowledge of HR principles and practices
• Ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• The program utilizes diverse teaching methods, including:
• Interactive lectures
• Case studies
• Group discussions
• Simulations
• Guest speakers
• Online learning platforms

Faculty:

• The program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining online and in-person components.

Careers:

Career Paths:

• The program prepares participants for a variety of HR roles, including:
• Human Resources Generalist
• Recruitment Specialist
• Training and Development Specialist
• Compensation and Benefits Specialist
• Labour Relations Specialist

Job Opportunities:

• WorkBC reports increasing demand for HRM professionals in BC and Canada.
• The program provides participants with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this growing field.

Career Outcomes:

• Program graduates have gone on to secure positions in various industries, including:
• Government
• Healthcare
• Education
• Nonprofit organizations
• Private companies

Other:

Tuition:

• The program tuition is approximately $3100 for the full program, depending on the choice of electives.
• Courses can also be taken individually.
• The courses can be taken in any order.

Contact Information:

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university located in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, just east of Vancouver. Enrolling approximately 15,000 students per year across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, as well as a growing presence in Chandigarh, India, UFV is a comprehensive university that combines the variety of a large institution with the small class sizes and personal connections of a community-focused one. Students come to UFV to learn in a hands-on environment where they know their instructors and are known in return.

UFV is situated in the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The Stó:lō have an intrinsic relationship with what they refer to as S'olh Téméxw (Our Sacred Land), and UFV expresses its gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in this territory.

Changemaking

At UFV, changemaking is not a slogan; it is the organizing principle of the university's identity. As a designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, UFV prepares students to lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to stronger communities through innovation, reciprocity and a shared commitment to positive social change. Changemaking at UFV means turning knowledge into action, connecting learning to the real challenges facing communities in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia and the world beyond.

Academic structure

UFV is organized across six colleges, faculties and a school:

• College of Arts
• Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development
• Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Computing
• Faculty of Science
• School of Graduate Studies

Programs

UFV offers more than 100 programs across academic, vocational, continuing education and trades pathways, including three master's degrees, 21 bachelor's degrees with majors, minors and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs. Programs are available across a wide range of disciplines:

• Arts, humanities and social sciences: Bachelor of Arts in History, English, Philosophy, Communications, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Global Development Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and more
• Business and management: Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration Diploma and Certificate, Agriculture Management BBA, Trades Management BBA, Accounting Certificate, Marketing and Sales Certificate
• Computing and technology: Computing Science BSc, Computer Information Systems (Bachelor, Diploma, Certificate), Automation and Robotics Technician Diploma, Engineering Physics Mechatronics Diploma, Engineering Common Core Certificate
• Creative arts and design: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design BFA and Diploma, Creative Writing BA and BFA.
• Education: Bachelor of Education, Adult Education Degree, Early Childhood Education Certificate and Diploma, TESL Certificate, Master of Education (Educational Leadership and Mentorship)
• Health sciences: Nursing BSc, Practical Nursing Diploma, Certified Dental Assistant Certificate, Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate
• Social work and human services: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Child and Youth Care BA, Social Service Worker Diploma (Indigenous Focus)
• Trades: Carpentry, Electrician, Plumbing and Piping, Welding, Automotive Service, Automotive Collision Repair, Cabinetmaking, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Electronics Technician, and Culinary Arts Certificates
• Indigenous studies: Indigenous Studies BA, Stó:lō Studies Certificate, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus) Diploma
• Upgrading and access: Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, Workplace TASK for adults with disabilities

Campuses

• Abbotsford (main campus): 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M8 — the largest campus, home to the majority of UFV's faculties, research institutes, library, athletics facilities, housing and student services
• Chilliwack: a full-service campus offering a wide range of programs in the eastern Fraser Valley
• Mission: delivering programs and services for Mission-area students
• Hope: outreach and programming for the Hope community
• Chandigarh, India (UFV India): UFV's international campus, extending the university's reach to South Asia

Sustainability

UFV has achieved a Gold sustainability rating from AASHE (the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education), recognising its performance across environmental, social, and governance sustainability dimensions. Sustainability is embedded across campus operations, curriculum and community engagement, and UFV's Peace and Reconciliation Centre has earned international recognition for its work in restorative justice and reconciliation.

Open education

UFV is a leader in open education in British Columbia, committed to making learning more affordable and accessible through open textbooks, open educational resources and flexible learning models. Students who take courses using open textbooks save significantly on the cost of materials, reflecting UFV's belief that quality education should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial means.

Indigenous UFV

Indigenous affairs and reconciliation are woven through UFV's institutional identity. The Indigenous Affairs office, the Indigenous Student Centre, and dedicated programs in Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies reflect a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous students, honouring Indigenous knowledge and advancing reconciliation with the Stó:lō peoples on whose territory the university stands. UFV is actively engaged in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action in its academic programs and institutional culture.

Research

UFV is an active research university, with faculty engaged in applied and community-focused research across all disciplines. The Centre for the Social Sciences and Humanities, the Peace and Reconciliation Centre, the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, and multiple research chairs bring structured research activity to the Fraser Valley community. UFV's research approach emphasises community engagement and real-world impact, consistent with its Changemaker Campus identity. Alumni have gone on to achieve notable research and professional milestones, including the development of North America's first mobile, modular soil-washing facility by a UFV alumnus in 2026.

Student life and housing

UFV offers a full range of student services, housing, and co-curricular programming to support student success and wellbeing. The new EverGreen residence on the Abbotsford campus offers modern suites and social spaces. A shuttle bus service connects campuses. Cascades Athletics supports varsity and recreational sport. CIVL Radio gives students a student-run campus radio station. The Academic Advising Centre, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Office, and a dedicated Safe Student Community programme round out UFV's student support offer.

Contact

• Main address: 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada V2S 7M8
• Phone: 1-604-504-7441
• Toll-free: 1-888-504-7441
• Email: info@ufv.ca

Why UFV

1. A fully accredited Canadian public university enrolling approximately 15,000 students, offering more than 100 programs from trades certificates through to master's degrees
2. A designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, preparing graduates who lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to positive social change
3. Small class sizes with accessible, dedicated faculty across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, plus a growing international campus in Chandigarh, India
4. A Gold AASHE sustainability rating and a nationally recognised Peace and Reconciliation Centre, reflecting UFV's commitment to environmental and social responsibility
5. A leader in open education in British Columbia, making learning more affordable through open educational resources across all programs
6. Deep Indigenous roots, with dedicated Indigenous Affairs and Indigenous Student Centre offices, Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies programs, and active reconciliation commitments on Stó:lō territory
7. Located in the Fraser Valley, one of Canada's most scenic and economically dynamic regions, with easy connections to metropolitan Vancouver