Pre-Retirement Planning Course (FERS Participants Only) (Self-Paced)

This course includes

12 hours of project-based training from experts
Answers from real instructors
Proprietary workbook included
Retake for free within 1 year
Verified digital certificate of completion
Learn at an accredited institution
Credits: 1.2 CEUs

This course is self-paced. For live online or in-person instruction, take Pre-Retirement Planning Course (FERS Participants Only) course.

Obtain the information you need to make fully informed decisions about retirement. Gain valuable retirement planning information related to the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS). Learn how Social Security benefits are calculated, and how your health and life insurance benefits carry over into retirement. Learn about Medicare and Thrift Savings Plan withdrawal options. Receive an overview of financial and estate planning.

Full Tuition

$899
Due before the class starts

This course includes

12 hours of project-based training from experts
Answers from real instructors
Proprietary workbook included
Retake for free within 1 year
Verified digital certificate of completion
Learn at an accredited institution
Credits: 1.2 CEUs

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

Three professionals sit in black chairs with laptops and notebooks, engaged in conversation against a red wall.

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.

100% Online. Start Anytime

24/7 access to our premium course videos and projects.
Industry experts are assigned as your course instructor. Message your instructor with any questions.
Participate in GSUSA online discussion forums — share ideas and receive additional support.
Hands-on quizzes and mini projects to test and reinforce concepts.

Earn a Certificate of Completion

Upon completion of this course, you’ll receive an official certificate testifying to your mastery of the curriculum. We’ll send you a link where you can download your certificate, share it online with your friends, post it to your professional network on LinkedIn, and view all your earned certificates. Congratulations on your achievement!

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Sample credential for completion of Pre-Retirement Planning Course (FERS Participants Only) (Self-Paced)

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Pre-Retirement Planning Course (FERS Participants Only) (Self-Paced) Curriculum

What You'll Learn at a Glance

Determine when you are able to retire and explain the major steps involved in the retirement application process.
Understand how your basic annuity will be computed and what benefits will be payable to your survivors.
Identify your federal health and life insurance benefits after retirement, as well as your entitlement to Social Security benefits, including Medicare, and how/whether your Social Security benefit will be affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision.
Identify your retirement income needs.

Course Syllabus

Download Syllabus PDF

Module 1: Introduction to Federal Benefits

Understand the purpose and scope of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Identify the three tiers of the FERS retirement system: Defined Benefit, Thrift Savings Plan, and Social Security.
Recognize the importance of early and proactive retirement planning.
Learn strategies to organize personal and financial records for retirement.

Module 2: Retirement Eligibility

Determine retirement eligibility based on age, service, and special provisions.
Use the Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) chart to identify personal MRA.
Understand voluntary, involuntary, early, and deferred retirement options.
Evaluate the impact of postponing retirement to reduce annuity reductions.

Module 3: Annuity Computations

Define creditable service and the “high-three average salary.”
Apply FERS formulas to calculate annual annuity benefits.
Incorporate unused sick leave into annuity computations.
Understand eligibility and calculation for the FERS Special Retirement Supplement.

Module 4: Processing the Retirement Application

Identify the steps involved in completing and submitting retirement applications.
Understand required forms and supporting documentation.
Recognize timelines and agency responsibilities in processing retirement.
Know where to find post-retirement resources and assistance.

Module 5: Survivor Benefits

Learn about survivor annuity options for spouses and dependents.
Understand election requirements and costs for survivor benefits.
Evaluate scenarios to determine appropriate survivor coverage.

Module 6: Health Benefits (FEHB), Long Term Care Insurance (FLTCIP), and Life Insurance (FEGLI)

Determine eligibility to continue FEHB and FEGLI into retirement.
Understand covera

Installments
	10% non-refundable deposit
$899.00	Total You Pay