Open Access

Virtual reality (VR) is starting to realize some of its promise as a tool to improve training effectiveness. However, research on VR for training and development is limited. Existing theories and models relating to organizational training and learning are infrequently used in the VR literature. A greater understanding of why VR works in the training context would help training designers create effective programs that leverage this continuously developing technology. This paper provides a typology of VR technologies specifically relevant to HR and integrates HR training frameworks and theory into findings on VR training from these other literatures. We specifically focus on immersive VR technology and seek to better understand reasons for the effectiveness of VR technologies for both training and assessment. We review findings, integrate related streams of research, and offer guideposts for those contemplating VR implementation in four important areas: training reactions in a VR context, VR-specific learning outcomes, opportunities for assessment using VR, and the effect of VR on training transfer. We conclude the paper by identifying a VR-training agenda for HR researchers.