Accredited professional development programs designed for government employees at all career levels. Select in-person training in Washington, DC or live online courses taught by experienced instructors.
Gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities classifiers need to do their work successfully. The focus of this course is on helping participants develop competence in applying various classification standards. It also provides participants with exposure to other topics important to federal classification programs, such as writing position descriptions and the Fair Labor Standards Act.
This course provides federal HR professionals with a foundational understanding of federal staffing and placement laws, regulations, and processes, from recruitment through merit promotion and in-service placement.
Learn to accurately prepare, process, and approve federal personnel actions using the Guide to Processing Personnel Actions, including SF-52 and SF-50 forms.
This course teaches HR practitioners how to evaluate federal job applicants by applying OPM's Qualifications Standards, including eligibility, minimum qualifications, and specialized experience requirements.
This course provides HR practitioners with the knowledge to advise employees on federal benefits, including health insurance, retirement systems, and the Thrift Savings Plan.
This course provides federal personnel with the knowledge to set and administer pay for General Schedule (GS) employees, covering a wide range of pay-setting rules and scenarios.
The New Leader Program (NLP) is a six-month program designed to prepare employees at the GS 7-11 levels for management and leadership positions. The program theme is "Leading Self." The program objectives are to give motivated individuals the confidence and training they need to set and meet personal and professional goals, expand their network, and broaden their experience.
The Executive Potential Program (EPP) is a 12-month competency-based leadership development program that provides training and developmental experiences for high-potential executives at the GS 13-15 levels or equivalent.
Develop essential leadership skills to resolve conflict and build stronger, more effective teams.
Build foundational supervisory skills aligned with OPM’s Federal Supervisory Training Framework, focusing on leadership, communication, and conflict management.
Prepare to lead teams through change by understanding reactions, navigating resistance, and using a structured six-step approach to support adaptation and growth.
Build leadership skills to guide teams through change, foster collaboration, and drive results. Best suited for federal professionals stepping into leadership roles.
Master AI technologies for business, marketing, design, data analytics, and more in this cutting-edge certificate program. In this program, you'll learn how to optimize Excel workflows, create stunning video content, create captivating graphics, analyze data efficiently, boost workplace productivity, and more with the power of generative AI.
Learn Python, SQL, automation, and machine learning to become a Data Scientist. Gain Python programming, data analysis, SQL querying, and predictive modeling skills. Perfect for beginners, this program prepares you for entry-level data science and Python engineering roles. Unlock high-paying job opportunities in the field of data science.
Transform your skills with ChatGPT in this hands-on program. Gain practical skills to leverage AI for many of your daily tasks, transforming how you work across communication (email, meetings, and chat), writing, data analysis, decision-making, and more. You'll start by learning prompt engineering with ChatGPT, then advance to customizing workflows, using advanced research tools, and exploring voice and image capabilities with ChatGPT’s latest features.
As AI tools become more common in government environments, knowing how to communicate clearly and responsibly with AI systems is an essential skill. This course equips participants with foundational prompt engineering techniques that help improve productivity, enhance clarity, and reduce risk when using AI to support government work.
Use AI tools to analyze, draft, refine, and verify federal position classification work while applying human judgment, ethical safeguards, and OPM compliance standards throughout the process.
Learn how to incorporate AI in your marketing strategy with this in-depth course. Explore how to use AI-driven tools to help your SEO, SEM, social media marketing, analytics tracking, paid advertising, and more.
Learn to correctly interpret and apply federal appropriations law to the use of appropriated funds, using the GAO Red Book as the authoritative text.
Gain a foundational understanding of the federal budget process, including budget preparation, appropriation types, and performance measurement.
Build a strong foundation in federal accounting by mastering key concepts, financial management practices, and reporting standards.
Master the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) for temporary duty (TDY) travel, including allowances, reimbursements, and compliance for Department of Defense personnel.
Gain a comprehensive understanding of financial management principles, federal budgeting, and performance measurement.
Students will review current budget execution policy and guidance published in OMB’s Circular A-11; learn about the principles of purpose, time, and amount that govern how federal agencies can properly use appropriated funds, ensuring compliance with legal and budgetary constraints; and the relationship between performance plans/goals and operating budgets.
Develop the knowledge and skills required to effectively perform the responsibilities of a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR).
Enhance your skills as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) by mastering acquisition planning, contract management, and performance evaluation.
Gain a foundational understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and its application in federal procurement processes.
Learn how to execute streamlined procurement actions within federal simplified acquisition thresholds, including micro‑purchases and GSA schedules.
Gain foundational project and program management abilities aligned with PMI and FAC P/PM Level I competencies.
Master the essentials of managing contracts post‑award, including monitoring performance, resolving issues, and ensuring compliance.
Explore the role of management analysts and gain foundational skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and presenting findings effectively.
Learn practical techniques to collect reliable primary data through observations, interviews, and surveys.
Learn structured analytical methods for decision-making, problem-solving, process modeling, and performance measurement in the federal workplace.
Master data analytics with hands-on training in Power BI, Excel, and SQL. You'll work on real-world projects to create dashboards, analyze data, and gain insights, preparing you for roles in business intelligence. No prior experience is required.
Become proficient in Microsoft Excel and go from beginner to pro with this hands-on bootcamp. Learn functions, Pivot Tables, macros, and time-saving techniques to conquer all the key skills needed to excel in Excel.
Unlock the power of Python for data-driven decision-making as you master Python programming fundamentals and dive into data analysis. Acquire essential skills to clean and manipulate data, create insightful visualizations, and perform statistical analysis, all through hands-on projects with real-world datasets.
Prepare for the PMP® certification exam with PMI-authorized training, expert instruction, and comprehensive exam preparation tools.
Build essential project management skills through hands-on training in planning, execution, and communication.
This one-day course introduces standardized project management principles and best practices, equipping you with practical tools to manage projects efficiently and confidently. Through small group discussions and case study exercises, you’ll learn how to apply foundational project management concepts, analyze project initiation components, evaluate risks, as well as manage project progress and closure effectively. Whether you're new to project management or looking to formalize your skills, this course will help you navigate key project challenges and improve your ability to deliver successful outcomes.
Build a solid foundation in standardized project management using PMI’s PMBOK Guide. Learn to plan, oversee, and close projects using practical tools and core performance domains.
Develop essential leadership skills to effectively guide project teams, navigate challenges, and enhance communication.
A practical overview of how artificial intelligence can be utilized to positively impact project management success by demystifying artificial intelligence and providing practical steps for incorporating AI into project processes.
This course introduces new government auditors to the fundamentals of performance auditing, including standards, evidence collection, and reporting.
Enhance your audit effectiveness by mastering proven interviewing techniques through hands-on exercises and role-playing scenarios.
Build a strong foundation in performance auditing by mastering the principles, methodologies, and techniques outlined in Government Auditing Standards.
Develop the skills to write professional, clear, and compliant audit documents that align with Government Auditing Standards.
Master the skills to develop and present audit findings that effectively communicate results and support audit objectives.
Enhance your skills in managing and executing complex performance audits through hands-on case studies and advanced techniques.
The course was excellent. The material was well organized, the instructor was knowledgeable, and the training was very informative. Ms. Denise was AMAZING!!!! She made the class fun and made me look forward to class every day, and I was sad when it was over. Ms. Denise is highly knowledgeable and well-prepared, and presented the material in a clear and engaging manner. She encouraged participation, answered questions thoroughly, and ensured everyone understood the concepts being taught. Ms. Denise was one of the best instructors I have had in training, and she created an environment where students felt comfortable asking questions and learning the material. I would recommend anyone to take her courses.
I had a great experience in this Basic Classification class and learned a lot of valuable knowledge. The material was clear and well-organized, which made it easy to understand. Ms. Denise was wonderful, supportive, and truly outstanding. Although there were some technical issues with the system, she was very helpful and made everything easy for me to complete. I really appreciate her support and dedication. Overall, this was a great learning experience.
I was very hesitant to take the class because two weeks away from work will result in massive amounts of emails and tasks upon my return. I enjoyed it so much, I will request subsequent training courses - preferably with Denise again. Denise Cairo is extremely knowledgeable. The very extensive experience demonstrates itself through narratives and stories, tying the otherwise "dry" lectures to real life. I found examples from real life very helpful in understanding the concepts, implementations, and anomalies. What could be a bone-dry, extremely boring (and thus very forgettable) class was made alive, engaging, and very instructional.
10/10 recommend classification with Ms. Denise Cairo. Our class learned so much, and we all worked nicely together. Ms. Denise is absolutely fabulous, a great speaker, and makes the material understandable. She went above and beyond to answer our questions.
The overall experience was great! It was a very collaborative environment and helped me see some other views that made me reconsider how I thought of things. The instructor is extremely knowledgeable, and her personal stories helped connect a lot of the content to real-life situations, which really helped when understanding the material.
Overall experience was great, and I like how the class was structured.
Recommend this to anyone new to project management. Class content was easy to follow and understand. The instructor was very detailed and was keen to deliver the information in a manner that was understandable to those of us new to the topic. Very professional and detail-oriented.
I feel like I can accomplish anything that HR has to throw at me. The way Mrs. Judy introduced references, guides, and the law was a first for me! I am so impressed with her knowledge and passion for HR!!
I have learned a lot! I'm leaving with more understanding and knowledge of the subject matter. The instructor explained the material well and frequently asked if we needed support completing knowledge checks. She also made sure to address all questions.
My instructor was very knowledgeable about the course materials and provided a plethora of guidance and resources to make processing much easier. I learned a lot from this course, and it will definitely make me a better HR Specialist in the future!
I am grateful to have taken this course, as it provided me with a lot of knowledge. Judy was very detailed in all of her presentations. She also ensured we understood the material and asked questions!
The instructor was patient and steady. I had an issue at first, but she made herself available to me, and we worked it out.
Overall experience was great. The class contents and materials were very useful.
My overall experience within this course was amazing. The instructor really knows a lot about processing personnel actions. The instructor was extremely knowledgeable and took her time with us.
The experience was great. I would recommend this class to others entering the HR field who are new to HR. It was a pleasure having Ms. Judy as my instructor.
I am new to this position, and this course helped provide a way to navigate my way to finding the answers I need. Great course overall! A ton of very useful resources and tools.
The instructor was very professional. Ms. Judy was great!! Great content for the entire class.
Good class.
Instructors were attentive and thoughtful. Had both Chris Baughman and Steve Westhoff. Both were great instructors and brought their wealth of experience to the 3-day training. This class walked through the audit steps in an explanatory and complete manner. The supplied materials also allow for deeper independent research.
Both instructors were great! Especially the sub that had to step in on the final day.
Very beneficial course. I learned a lot!
Johanne StLeger was very engaging. Overall, I appreciate the class's insights.
Amazing instructor, kept the attendees' attention and ensured we were all up to date on what was being passed in the class. Thank you for the pace of the course, the materials, and the experience. Greatly appreciate that I was able to attend.
Take a chance and take the course. The New Leadership Program is not only an investment in you as an employee, but it is an investment in you as a person, for you grow in unimaginable ways. Of course, you get out of it what you are willing to put into it, so do not shortchange yourself. Set aside this time in your life to allow yourself the space to grow as a leader. Get the leadership tools, knowledge, and strategies needed to make you more effective and competitive. Everyone's experience is unique to them, but opportunity comes to everyone who works the program. I am proof that the program works, for it not only changed the course of my career by opening doors that I could not have opened otherwise, but it also changed the course of my life for I now have a network of professional contacts and friends that makes going to the next level more achievable.
I learned a lot. I really enjoyed the class and learning from the instructor.
Showing 25 of 538 reviews
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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