Processing Federal Personnel Actions Course (Self-Paced)

This course includes

30 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: 3 CEUs

This course is in-person and is not scheduled frequently. This version Processing Federal Personnel Actions runs regularly.

This Course is self-paced. For live online or in-person instructions, take Processing Federal Personnel Actions.

Learn about the Guide to Processing Personnel Actions and how to use the Guide to document personnel actions. Understand how to prepare, process, and approve Requests for Personnel Actions (SF-52) and Notifications of Personnel Actions (SF-50), the essential personnel records for Federal employees. Use the correct and appropriate forms, terminology, codes, remarks, processes, and procedures that affect personnel actions.

Full Tuition

$1,849
Due before the class starts

This course includes

30 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: 3 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

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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.

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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 Processing Federal Personnel Actions Course (Self-Paced)

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Processing Federal Personnel Actions Course (Self-Paced) Curriculum

What You'll Learn at a Glance

Use The Guide to Processing Personnel Actions and related references to complete the SF 52 and SF 50, including selection of the correct nature of action, legal authority, and remarks.
Make determinations on computing service computation dates.
Determine retirement coverage, veterans’ preference, and waiting periods for within-grade increases, probationary periods, and career tenure.

Course Syllabus

Download Syllabus PDF

Module 1: Introduction to the Guide and Establishing Personnel Folders

Understanding the structure and contents of the Guide to Processing Personnel Actions.
Learning how to establish and manage Official Personnel Folders (OPF) for documenting federal employee actions.
How to use decision logic tables to make determinations about personnel actions and ensure accurate documentation.

Module 2: Documenting Personnel Actions – Accessions

Exploring the steps for documenting accessions, including appointment actions, service computation dates, veterans' preference, and career tenure.
Learning how to complete the SF 52 and SF 50 for accession personnel actions and the related legal authorities and remarks.
Understanding the various appointment types: Career, career-conditional, non-status, and excepted service appointments.

Module 3: Processing Actions for Retirees

Understanding the procedures for processing retirements and retirement-related actions in federal HR systems.
How to handle retiree actions, including determining the retirement plan, service computation date, and related benefits.

Module 4: Within-Grade Increases (WGIs)

Exploring the process for processing within-grade increases (WGIs) and understanding the criteria for eligibility.
Determining the correct documentation and coding for within-grade increases in the SF 52 and SF 50.

Module 5: Processing Other Actions for Current Employees

Understanding how to process actions for current employees, such as position changes, promotions, and extended leave without pay (LWOP).
How to manage and document non-pay status actions, including suspension, furlough, and transfer actions.

Module 6: Processing Separation Actions

Learning how to handle separations, including resignations, retirements, and terminations, and their associated documentation.
Understanding the impact of separation actions on employee benefits and entitlements, and ensuring the accurate coding of separation actions on the SF 52 and SF 50.

Module 7: Processing Correction and Cancellation Actions

Understanding how to process corrections and cancellations of personnel actions, ensuring the accuracy of the employee’s personnel records.
How to complete the necessary paperwork for corrections, including the appropriate remarks and codes for adjustments.

Group Training

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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Installments
	10% non-refundable deposit
$1,849.00	Total You Pay