This program includes
- Live, project-based training from experts
- Additional 1-on-1 mentoring outside of class
- Proprietary workbooks included
- Retake for free within 1 year
- Verified digital certificate of completion
- Learn at an accredited institution
This certification program is a customized learning path designed in partnership with GSUSA to meet the immediate training needs of HR professionals working under the Federal Merit Hiring Plan, Presidential mandates, and OPM federal guidance. This certification equips HR specialists with the critical skills needed to support federal staffing, job analysis, qualification determinations, and pay setting processes. With practical, applied learning, participants will be prepared to implement knowledge directly into their HR practices. This program builds upon recent classification training to provide a comprehensive foundation in federal HR policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with current government standards and best practices.
Courses in this Certificate Program
This is the recommended order, but some courses may be taken in a different order.
Unit 1 5 Days
Federal Staffing and Placement Course
Federal Staffing and Placement Course
This course equips HR practitioners with the expertise to manage federal staffing and placement processes effectively. Participants will gain a deep understanding of recruitment strategies, hiring procedures, and federal regulations to support their agency's workforce needs.
- The role of HR practitioners in federal staffing and placement.
- Recruitment methods, hiring procedures, and appointment authorities.
- Evaluating candidates' qualifications, knowledge, skills, and competencies.
- Applying merit promotion and in-service placement procedures.
- Understanding time-in-grade and time-after-competitive-appointment restrictions.
- Downsizing approaches, including reduction in force (RIF) principles and outplacement assistance.
- Informing applicants and employees about the civil service employment system.
Unit 2 2 Days
Job Analysis for Federal Hiring Course
Job Analysis for Federal Hiring Course
Gain the skills to create job-related selection practices that comply with federal regulations and result in higher-quality candidates. This course focuses on job analysis techniques, assessment tool development, and documentation to support hiring decisions.
- Conducting job analyses that meet OPM and UGESP regulatory requirements.
- Defining and differentiating knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies.
- Developing effective applicant assessment tools to improve candidate quality.
- Identifying and addressing issues in existing assessment tools.
- Creating documentation to justify rating criteria and support hiring decisions.
Unit 3 3 Days
Qualifications Analysis Course
Qualifications Analysis Course
This course provides HR professionals with the tools to assess applicant qualifications effectively for federal positions. Participants will learn to apply OPM's standards and analyze experience, education, and eligibility to make informed hiring decisions.
- The role of qualifications analysis in the federal staffing process.
- Evaluating general and specialized experience using OPM's Qualifications Standards.
- Crediting education and combining it with experience to determine minimum qualifications.
- Understanding selective placement factors and quality ranking factors.
- Applying legal and regulatory requirements for eligibility determinations.
- Assessing minimum qualifications and eligibility for federal job applicants.
Unit 4 3 Days
Pay Setting: General Schedule Course
Pay Setting: General Schedule Course
This course equips federal HR professionals with the skills to implement and apply complex pay administration rules for General Schedule employees. Participants will learn to handle various personnel actions, including promotions, reassignments, and pay changes, while ensuring compliance with federal policies.
- Overview of the General Schedule system and pay-setting policies.
- Setting pay for new appointments, reinstatements, and transfers.
- Managing reassignments, promotions, and changes to lower grades.
- Applying grade and pay retention rules.
- Handling pay changes, severance pay, and movement between pay systems.
- Administering allowances, hiring incentives, and back pay.
Unit 5 3 Days
Federal Human Resources Management Course
Federal Human Resources Management Course
This course introduces participants to the principles and processes of federal human resources management (HRM) within the unique merit system environment. Through expert instruction, participants will explore key HRM functions and their interrelationships to effectively manage federal employees.
- Principles of federal HRM and their impact on decision-making.
- Compensation processes, including classification, pay, and benefits.
- Federal hiring processes and equal pay for equal work.
- Strategies to improve employee engagement and workforce satisfaction.
- Performance management, including employee development and appraisals.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), employee relations, and labor relations programs.
Certificate Reviews
Our alumni consistently commend the expertise of our instructors and the real-world relevance of our programs. Their feedback highlights how Graduate School USA training has advanced their skills, supported their agencies’ missions, and fostered long-term professional growth.
SSA OIG Federal Merit Hiring Certificate is rated 4.7 stars by 424 students
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Joseph Packett Jun 23, 2026Pay Setting: General Schedule Course
I can't say it enough, Ms. T was fantastic.
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Eliana V. Jun 18, 2026Federal Human Resources Management Course
Overall, I was very pleased with the opportunity to attend this class and meet and engage with new faces and new backgrounds. It made the content feel very alive throughout the days, and we all had some important perspectives to share with one another. This course helped me gain some confidence in my day-to-day HR responsibilities, as well as helped me prepare for the responsibilities that may come as I advance in my career.
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Jiya B. Jun 18, 2026Federal Human Resources Management Course
The class was amazing, as was the instructor. I came out with more knowledge than I went in with.
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Trey H. Jun 18, 2026Federal Human Resources Management Course
The instructor kept the class moving at a great pace and was engaging the whole time.
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Anthony Range Jun 18, 2026Federal Human Resources Management Course
I recommend this course to any new hire in HR in the federal government.
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Sandra Portillo Jun 18, 2026Pay Setting: General Schedule Course
Arlene, you are the BEST. Thank you for all your knowledge.
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Daniel L. Jun 18, 2026Federal Human Resources Management Course
I enjoyed the way the instructor kept the class engaged and used real-world examples to tie the information together. That helped keep my focus and understand what we were going through better. Being new to HR, I learned many new topics that I can take with me as I continue to pursue a career within the Federal Government.
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Mikell Varnes Jun 18, 2026Federal Human Resources Management Course
This class was awesome. As an employee that has worked for the government for years, there was still a lot of information that was new to me and knowledge for me to gain.
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Reina Pollock Jun 18, 2026Federal Human Resources Management Course
This class is engaging and educational for all levels of HR.
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Brian G. Jun 18, 2026Federal Human Resources Management Course
Overall, the course was very beneficial and introduced information that will help me improve my career. The instructor was very thorough and provided real-world scenarios and outcomes.
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Meredith D. Jun 18, 2026Federal Human Resources Management Course
I felt the instructor was very easy to follow, and I appreciate him engaging with us and trying to challenge us through questions. As an employee who is very new to the Civil Service, this class provided adequate information about the basics of HR and gave me a better understanding of the overall scope of how HR works for the Federal Government. It was also interesting to learn about the many different avenues of HR.
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Chastity H. Jun 18, 2026Federal Human Resources Management Course
I enjoyed this course. Mr. C was very informative; I like that he brought in personal experiences. Using real-life scenarios helps put things in perspective. Thank you, Mr. C!
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Brent K. Jun 18, 2026Federal Human Resources Management Course
Mr. C was absolutely incredible, engaging, thought-provoking, and a master of the information. I would absolutely advise all individuals who work remotely close to HR to take this class.
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Jessica W. Jun 18, 2026Federal Human Resources Management Course
I enjoyed how the instructor encouraged the use of cameras and called on all classmates randomly. It proves that both the instructor and students are staying engaged with the topic.
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Matthew G. Jun 18, 2026Federal Human Resources Management Course
Great instruction and ways to get everyone involved.
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Robert C. Jun 18, 2026Pay Setting: General Schedule Course
The instructor was very helpful with cases. Very interactive and very informative.
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Latoya S. Jun 17, 2026Pay Setting: General Schedule Course
Mrs. T was excellent. She is very knowledgeable and was patient with us.
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Regina M. Jun 17, 2026Pay Setting: General Schedule Course
Very good class, thanks to the instructor's knowledge and presentation skills. She was extremely knowledgeable and really helped explain the information and took time to ensure we understood the concepts. Totally recommend this instructor.
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Anthony M. Jun 17, 2026Pay Setting: General Schedule Course
Ms. T has been an incredible instructor since the moment training started. She's been professional and extremely knowledgeable about pay setting. I'm new to the topic, so the materials and workbooks provided were not only helpful in class but will also provide guidance moving forward.
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Laura D. Jun 11, 2026Federal Human Resources Management Course
Outstanding training! The course materials were comprehensive and up-to-date. Adrianna was an excellent instructor, engaging and clear!
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Andrea C. Jun 11, 2026Federal Human Resources Management Course
Extremely qualified instructor, clear communication, and great practical examples, which help to clearly understand Federal HR concepts.
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Ryan Martin Jun 11, 2026Federal Human Resources Management Course
Highly recommend this course for new Administrative Officers.
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Kelvin H. Jun 11, 2026Federal Human Resources Management Course
Adrianna was amazing, knowledgeable, and greatly appreciated!
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Tiffany P. Jun 11, 2026Federal Human Resources Management Course
Great instructor & extremely interactive.
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Jose F. Jun 11, 2026Federal Human Resources Management Course
Great instructor! Very knowledgeable and creates a safe space for learning regardless of your experience level. Great content for foundational HR knowledge.
Showing 25 of 262 reviews
Tuition
Full Tuition
Price before discounts: $7,045Full tuition: $6,399
Due before the class starts
This program includes
- Live, project-based training from experts
- Additional 1-on-1 mentoring outside of class
- Proprietary workbooks included
- Retake for free within 1 year
- Verified digital certificate of completion
- Learn at an accredited institution
Learning Experience Highlights
Training from government‑experienced instructors
Receive instruction from subject‑matter experts who bring proven government experience.
Specialized for government & DoD
Courses that are regularly updated based on feedback and industry developments, ensuring versions are mapped to federal competencies.
The instructor was wonderful and so knowledgeable. The course materials were extremely relevant to what my job is. I feel like I can be better because of this class.
— 2025 student
Real-world solutions
Directly addressing the day-to-day challenges of federal employees.
125+ departments & agencies served
Your trusted training partner, equipping public service professionals with the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles and drive meaningful impact.
Interactive Training
Attend this certificate program live online or as self-paced training. Engage with expert instructors, ask questions, and get feedback on your exercises and projects.
Live Online Remote, from anywhere
Get the same interactivity and access to the instructor as in-person students. There are no extra fees and we’ll work with you to ensure your remote setup is perfect.
- Live, interactive class
- Experienced instructor teaching live online
- Remote setup assistance provided
Self-Paced Remote, from anywhere
Learn at your own pace with pre-recorded video lessons and hands-on exercises. Work through the material on your schedule with access to course content and resources.
- Learn on your own with access to an instructor for questions
- 24/7 access to premium course videos
- Hands-on exercises and projects
Expert Instructors
Our instructors are industry experts and experienced educators, driven to help you succeed.
Francis Connor
Instructor
Judy Mintze
Instructor
Rhonda Coachman-Steward
Instructor
Christina Pacunas
Instructor
Michele Proctor
Instructor
1-on-1 Mentoring Sessions Included
We want you to succeed in your career goals. In addition to of hands-on, interactive training, you’ll also receive ten 1-on-1 mentoring sessions where you can:
- Review your portfolio work with an expert
- Drill down on challenging concepts
- Polish your resume and LinkedIn profile
- Receive professional advice for applying to jobs
- Ensure you’re on track with your learning goals
Free Retake
Missed a session or need a refresher? We have you covered!
Free Retake
We offer a single free retake of any module or the whole program within a year.