The Federal HR Processing Certificate Program focuses on real issues and consists of courses that are practical, job-related, and federal specific. Courses required for this certificate cover the legal, technical, and procedural knowledge needed by those who work in the HR processing arena. Since errors in personnel action processing have significant impact on employee careers, finances, rights, retirement, and benefits, it is essential that HR practitioners doing processing work learn what to do and how to do it right. Because the work done by these practitioners impacts government wide HR data, a misunderstanding of these specialized requirements can result in inaccurate information being used to make management and mission decisions.
This is the recommended order, but some courses may be taken in a different order.
Unit 1 3 Days
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.
Unit 2 5 Days
Gain the expertise to document and process federal personnel actions with precision and compliance. This course covers essential forms, terminology, and procedures to ensure accurate and efficient HR operations.
Unit 3 1 Day
Gain a comprehensive understanding of veterans' preference laws, including who qualifies and when preferences apply. This course covers adjudication processes, special appointing authorities, and practical applications in competitive and excepted services.
Unit 4 5 Days
This course equips HR professionals with the expertise to analyze and explain federal employee benefits to new, current, and separating employees. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of federal health, life insurance, retirement, and savings programs to address employee inquiries effectively.
Unit 5 1 Day
Learn to determine creditable service and compute all types of Service Computation Dates accurately. This course emphasizes hands-on exercises to verify service, apply SCD rules, and make necessary updates.
Receive instruction from subject‑matter experts who bring proven government experience.
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
Directly addressing the day-to-day challenges of federal employees.
Your trusted training partner, equipping public service professionals with the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles and drive meaningful impact.
Attend this certificate program Live Online. Engage with expert instructors, ask questions, and get feedback on your exercises and projects.
At Graduate School USA, you’ll learn in small groups and receive personalized attention.
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.
Our instructors are industry experts and experienced educators, driven to help you succeed.
Since 1921, Graduate School USA has partnered with over 125 federal agencies and trained more than one million federal employees. Led by instructors with deep, real-world knowledge of federal regulations, policies, and practices, our private group programs are practical, mission-driven, and tailored to your agency’s objectives. We offer expertise across key federal domains—including human resources, financial management, acquisition and contracting, leadership, and more—to deliver training where and how your team needs it.
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