Staffing for Support Positions Course (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

This course is self-paced. For live online or in-person instruction, take Staffing for Support Positions.

Staffing for Support Staff provides a comprehensive introduction to the federal recruitment and staffing process. Designed for HR assistants and other administrative professionals who support federal hiring, the course explores the federal Human Resources Management model, the legal and regulatory framework governing hiring, and the key steps involved in filling vacancies within the federal government. Participants learn how merit system principles, equal employment opportunity requirements, and federal regulations shape recruitment and staffing decisions.

Through hands-on exercises and real-world examples, participants gain experience interpreting General Schedule Qualification Standards, researching federal HR policies, supporting vacancy announcements, and assisting with applicant evaluation and selection procedures. The course also introduces job analysis methods, interview techniques, and current federal hiring processes such as category rating and the Rule of Many, helping participants build the knowledge and confidence needed to support effective federal staffing operations.

Full Tuition

$1,049
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

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!

Shareable on

Sample credential for completion of Staffing for Support Positions Course (Self-Paced)

A group of adult learners sits in a classroom, smiling and engaged in a government training session.

A government training instructor in a suit gestures while teaching in front of a whiteboard covered with notes and diagrams.

A person in professional attire holds a Graduate School USA folder, symbolizing participation in government training programs.

Staffing for Support Positions Course (Self-Paced) Curriculum

What You'll Learn at a Glance

Explain the federal HRM model and describe how recruitment and staffing functions support mission-critical hiring.
Differentiate key roles and responsibilities in federal staffing support, including HR Assistant and HR Specialist functions.
Locate and apply governing guidance (e.g., Title 5 CFR, OPM VetGuide, and agency policies) to support compliant recruitment and staffing actions.
Support vacancy-filling activities by interpreting hiring procedures and applying merit system principles and EEO requirements.
Determine candidate eligibility and minimum qualifications using General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Apply merit promotion and in-service placement procedures to help identify and refer qualified candidates.
Use job analysis requirements and steps to support development of job-related assessment tools.
Apply behavioral-based interview concepts to support structured, job-related selection decisions.

Course Syllabus

Download Syllabus PDF

Module 1: Federal Human Resources Management

Overview of the federal Human Resources Management (HRM) model and HR functions
Merit system principles and prohibited personnel practices
Equal employment opportunity laws and diversity requirements
Labor-management relations and federal HR oversight responsibilities

Module 2: Laws, Rules, Regulations, and Policies

Statutory foundations of federal HR management including Title 5 and federal regulations
Using resources such as the Code of Federal Regulations and OPM VetGuide
Understanding the Guide to Processing Personnel Actions
Key concepts including career tenure, probationary periods, and reinstatement eligibility

Module 3: Recruitment and Staffing

Overview of the federal civil service: competitive, excepted, and senior executive services
Strategies for filling federal vacancies
Open competitive examining and merit promotion processes
Veterans’ preference, category rating, and the rule of many

Module 4: Finding the Right Person at the Right Time for the Right Job

Merit promotion programs and internal staffing procedures
Competitive and noncompetitive personnel actions
Special hiring authorities and veterans’ hiring programs
Priority placement and career transition assistance programs

Module 5: Selecting the Right Person at the Right Time for the Right Job

Applying General Schedule Qualification Standards
Conducting job analysis to identify competencies and job requirements
Developing assessment tools and evaluating candidate qualifications
Structured and behavioral-based interview techniques
Final selection procedures and documentation

Module 6: What’s Next?

Emerging trends in federal recruitment and staffing
Updates to hiring policies such as the rule of many
Career development planning for HR professionals
Next steps for professional growth in federal HR management

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.

Complete this form and we’ll get back to you within 1 business hour.

The Fact Is – We’ve Been Government’s Training Partner Since 1921

400+ Courses & Certificates 125+ Federal Agencies Served 200+ Subject-Matter Experts

Installments
	10% non-refundable deposit
$1,049.00	Total You Pay