Starting a new job is a big deal – for both the employee and the employer. That’s why getting probation periods right is so important.

  • Human Resources
  • 40 languages
  • 20m

Learning outcomes

  • Know what a probationary period is

  • Understand the essential elements of a probationary period

  • Know how to actively manage an employee (and potentially terminate the employment) during the probationary period

Covered in this course

Course contents

This training course is broken down into 1 section

  1. 1
    What is a probationary period?

About this course

A probationary period is one of the most important phases in the employment lifecycle. It’s an opportunity for employers to assess a new hire’s suitability for a role – and for the employee to determine whether your business is the right fit for them.

Handled well, probation periods can lead to strong working relationships, higher retention rates, and better overall performance. But without clear communication and proper structure, they can result in uncertainty, frustration, or even costly legal missteps.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of how to effectively implement and manage probationary periods within your business. From understanding the legal and contractual requirements, to learning how to monitor progress, conduct reviews, and address any concerns early on – this training walks learners through each step of the process.

You’ll also explore best practices for documentation, guidance on extending or ending probation periods fairly, and tips for supporting staff so they can succeed during this critical phase. Whether you’re managing new starters or promoting existing team members, this course gives you the confidence and knowledge to handle probation periods with clarity and care.

The importance of Probationary Periods Training

It's important that you comply with the law and understand the positive impact this training course can have on your organisation and employees.

Find out more

Available in 43 languages

All inclusive

Machine translated* content is included for free with all our popular courses

It covers LMS navigation, course transcripts and test questions. If you don’t see a course listed in the language you require, just let us know.

*Content which is not English may be machine translated and is for assistive purposes only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of translations.

Our most popular languages

Italian
German
Romanian
French
Polish
Lithuanian

Probationary Periods (text-based) Training certificate

Download and print

Each of our courses ends with a multiple-choice test to measure your knowledge of the material.

This Probationary Periods Training course concludes with a 20 question multiple choice test with a printable certificate. In addition, brief in-course questionnaires guide the user through the sections of the training and are designed to reinforce learning and ensure maximum user engagement throughout.

As well as printable user certificates, training progress and results are all stored centrally in your LMS (Learning Management System) and can be accessed any time to reprint certificates, check and set pass marks and act as proof of a commitment to ongoing legal compliance.

What does my certificate include?

Your Probationary Periods Training Certificate includes your name, company name (if applicable), name of course taken, pass percentage, date of completion, expiry date and stamps of approval or accreditations by recognised authorities.

Please note if you are using our course content via SCORM in a third party LMS then we are unable to provide certificates and you will need to generate these in your host LMS yourself.

Why is this training important?

Managing probationary periods effectively is essential for building strong teams, protecting your business, and making sure your new employees have a fair and supportive start.

Employers must comply with statutory rights from day one of employment, including the right to a written statement of employment particulars under the Employment Rights Act 1996. Even during probation, employees are protected against unlawful discrimination and breach of contract.

This training is important because it helps managers and employers navigate the probationary period with confidence and legal awareness. It explains how to set clear expectations, assess performance fairly, and document progress in a way that protects both the employee and the organisation. It also allows any decisions to extend or terminate employment to be handled lawfully and with proper evidence.

In addition, this course supports a proactive approach to employee onboarding and development. By holding regular check-ins and providing timely feedback, employers can create a positive experience that increases engagement, reduces turnover, and encourages long-term success.

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