Advance your career with

Human Resources+

Prepare for your Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) certification and gain Google Project Management skills in 22 weeks. Pay $0 upfront.

  • 22 weeks
  • 20 hours/week
A woman sits and stares into the screen.
Retail Associate     People Support Specialist
Why Human Resources

Why Human Resources?

Ready to launch your HR career with a competitive edge? Human Resources+ is a dynamic, people-focused field where you help build stronger workplaces while managing the projects that make it happen. No HR experience required.

Competitive Compensation HR professionals with project management skills are in high demand across industries, with entry-level salaries starting at $54,100.
In-Demand Careers With dual preparation for the aPHR certification and Google Project Management Certificate, you’ll qualify for more than 120,000+ U.S. job openings.
Fulfilling Work Combine people support with project leadership, helping employees while driving workplace improvements. Alumni are prepared for roles such as:
HR Coordinator
HR Generalist
Recruiting Coordinator
Project Coordinator
Employee Relations Coordinator
Benefits Coordinator
Human resources professionals collaborating in an office

Merit America is an Official Certification Preparation Provider with HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®)!

Our program prepares you for the Associate Professional in Human Resources® (aPHR®) certification exam. Earning this industry-recognized credential not only boosts your resume, but also demonstrates that your skills meet globally recognized HR standards.

Disclaimer: The HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®) does not endorse any particular preparation program or offering. We encourage prospective certification holders to use a variety of resources that reflect their learning styles and needs. Purchasing a certification product is NOT required and HRCI does not guarantee that an individual will pass based on the purchase of a certification preparation product.

The red-and-purple HR design, HR CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE, aPHR, aPHRi, PHR, PHRca, PHRi, SPHR, SPHRi and GPHR are trademarks of registered trademarks of Human Resource Certification Institute, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Used Under License.

aPHR®

Your 22-Week Roadmap to an HR Career

Our program structure is designed to fit your life while giving you the rigorous skills employers expect. We combine flexible online learning with high-touch coaching.

Getting Oriented

In your first month, you’ll establish the foundational principles of both Human Resources and Project Management. You will meet your coach and begin identifying how your past experiences translate into tech.

By the end of Week 4, you will understand the lifecycle of talent acquisition and stakeholder management.

20 Hours / WeekExpected Commitment

Technical Skills

HR & PM FoundationsUnderstand core HR roles and the fundamentals of project initiation.
Talent AcquisitionLearn the complete talent acquisition lifecycle from sourcing to hiring.
Stakeholder ManagementDevelop strategies to manage relationships and expectations across a business.

Professional Skills

Transferable SkillsLearn how to identify and articulate your past skills for HR and PM roles.
Workplace CommunicationMaster digital workplace platforms like Google Workspace and craft effective emails.
Resume DraftingBegin building your specialized HR+ resume using AI job search tools.
Nathan Merit America Alumni Story
Alumni Spotlight

“Be it until you become it.”

BEFORE Airport Lead
NOW HR & Staffing Coordinator

Our alums work for the world’s top companies

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$0 Upfront

$0 upfront

Build a career based on your potential, not your bank account. You won’t pay anything until at least three months after you complete or exit your program.

A Merit America learner receiving one-on-one career coaching and job placement support.
  1. Learn in-demand skills
  2. Land a great job
  3. Pay only after the program
  4. Support the next cohort
Flexible Schedule

Learn on your time, from anywhere, while keeping your day job

Our programs are built for people with busy lives. Your coursework and meetings are online, and live meetings are only 3-5 hours per week. You can complete the technical coursework (through providers like Google) in-between shifts, on weekends – whatever works for your life.

A woman sits on the floor, working her remote job in tech.

My Calendar

Monday, January 10

Merit America Program

  • At Work  8am – 3pm
  • Online Coursework  3pm – 5pm
  • Daycare pick-up  5:15pm
  • Family Dinner  6pm
  • 1:1 Career Coaching  8pm
Supported Learning

Work with a coach dedicated to your success

Meet regularly with a career coach and join live, topic based workshops that fit your schedule. After you finish, you’ll join a network of thousands of Merit America alumni.

Chat

  • Michael, Career Coach

    How’s your week so far?

  • Cora

    I’m really struggling with my resume…

  • Michael, Career Coach

    That makes sense. A lot of people get stuck here, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

    We’ll work through your resume together and translate what you’ve been doing into skills employers actually look for. And the timing’s good — you’re only a week away from earning your Google IT Support Certificate.

How does Merit America Compare? →

Merit AmericaTech BootcampCommunity College
Course Length22 weeks20-24 weeks50-100 weeks
In person/RemoteRemoteRemoteIn-person/Remote
Part-time? 20 Hours Varies Varies
Maximum Payment/Tuition$5700 $16,000 – $19,000$5000 – $10,000
Certificate Prepared to sit for the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) Certification Exam from HRCI Yes
Yes
Organization TypeNon-profit For-profitFor-profit or Non-profit
Coaching and Job Search Support Yes Yes Varies
Downside Protection Yes No No
Curriculum FAQ
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Two career changers view Merit America's curriculum

Frequently Asked Questions

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