This program is built on OPM’s HR Management Competencies Model to ensure real-world applicability across the federal HR landscape. It builds on the foundational cFHRP certification, enhancing your ability to support strategic decision-making. Courses focus on expanding your advisory capabilities and advancing the competencies needed to provide actionable insights to agency leadership.
This is the recommended order, but some courses may be taken in a different order.
Unit 1 3 Days
Explore the impact of legal requirements, OPM policies, and systematic approaches to employee development. This course emphasizes creating a continuous learning environment to build a high-performing workforce.
Unit 2 1 Day
Participants review legal criteria and decision tools to classify positions for FLSA purposes. The course includes case-based practice in applying exemption rules, writing determination statements, and supporting compliance actions.
Unit 3 3 Days
Deepen your understanding of federal employee relations laws, regulations, and procedures to handle disciplinary actions, leave issues, and accommodations. This course equips practitioners with the skills to navigate grievances, appeals, and EEO complaints.
Unit 4 2 Days
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.
Unit 5 3 Days
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.
Unit 6 3 Days
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.
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 in-person in Washington, DC or 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 face-to-face interaction with an instructor and other students when you learn at our DC campus. Courses are hands-on with a computer and software provided.
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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