Human Resources+
Gain skills and a Google Certificate in 22 weeks without quitting your day job. Pay $0 upfront.
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.
We appreciate your interest and encourage you to explore our other available Career Tracks — many have open cohorts starting in the next two weeks.
Browse Open TracksCoursework plus a coach who gets you hired
A Career Track is a guided pathway that pairs industry-recognized coursework with real human coaching — together, they turn a certificate into an actual career change.
The coursework
Industry-recognized coursework in HR (aPHR certification prep) plus the Google Project Management Certificate — two credentials in one program, built for career changers with no experience required.
The coach
Merit America career coaching — workshops, peer support, and 1:1 guidance that keep you on track and help you get hired.
Get connected
We meet learners where they are and connect their prior experience to where they want to go — no degree required.
Learn with tech & “touch”
Complete Google Project Management coursework through Coursera while receiving Merit America coaching, peer support, and 1:1 guidance.
Get hired
We help learners identify tailored opportunities across a network of 500+ employers hiring for entry-level HR roles.
Keep growing
Lifetime Coursera access, ongoing alumni support, and continuing education — long after you complete the program.
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 provide a blended learning environment where you’ll participate in live virtual meetings and complete coursework independently online.
Getting Oriented
In your first month, you’ll establish the foundational principles of both Human Resources and Project Management. You’ll meet your coach and begin identifying how your past experiences translate into tech.
By the end of Week 4, you’ll understand the lifecycle of talent acquisition and stakeholder management. You’ll have through the end of Week 5 to explore and receive a full refund if you decide not to continue.
Technical Skills
Professional Skills
Dual Certification Training
This phase integrates HR compliance with Agile project management. Instead of two separate tracks, you’ll execute blended projects that combine both disciplines.
You’ll select a “Choose Your Own Adventure” scenario (such as a Performance Management Overhaul) and build it using the full PM lifecycle — a portfolio-ready proof point that shows you can both strategize and execute.
Technical Curriculum
Career Preparation
Job Search Your Way
Once you complete the program, you’re in control of how you engage in your job search, with no single required path. Some learners choose a more structured, focused job search through our Alumni Career Accelerator program, while others take advantage of on-demand tools and resources.
Regardless of your path, you’ll retain full access to our Perspectives Wellness Program, lifetime Coursera access, continuing education opportunities, and ongoing alumni support.
Option A: Alumni Career Accelerator
A structured job-search sprint with weekly 1:1 coaching, strict accountability targets, and select employer partner opportunities.
Option B: Flex Support
On-demand access to our Career Services team for mock interviews, resume refinement, career coaching, and job boards.
How Merit America fits around your real life
$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.
Learn about the costs
- 1 Learn in-demand skills
- 2 Land a great job
- 3 Pay only after the program
- 4 Support future learners
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 certificate coursework through industry-recognized partners like Google in-between shifts, on weekends — whatever works for your life.
Explore career options
Work with a coach who gets you hired
Your coach is in your corner from day one — helping you build the job search skills, confidence, and strategy to land a role you actually want. Sessions are 1:1, scheduled around your life, and the support continues after you complete the program.
Meet our coachesHear what our alumni have to say
“I researched multiple tech programs, but none of them felt right. Then I came across Merit America and it was a perfect fit.”

“Merit provides the resources and support I wouldn’t have alone. It’s truly a safety net for career growth.”

“Merit America showed me I don’t need a 4-year degree. I have the skills and know how to prove it and present myself.”

“Merit America changed my life. I now have a clear plan for the next 5–10 years, all thanks to this program.”

“Merit America changed my career for the better. My life has transformed in the best way possible.”












How does Merit America compare?
If you’re considering a career change into Human Resources, here’s an honest, side-by-side look at how we stack up against full-time programs and community college programs.
| Compare | Merit America | Full-Time Programs | Community College |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Length | 22 weeks | 20–24 weeks | 50–100 weeks |
| In-Person or Remote | Remote | Remote | In-person / Remote |
| Part-Time? | |||
| Program Cost | $5,700 | $16,000–$19,000 | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Certificate Earned | |||
| Organization Type | Non-profit | For-profit | For-profit or Non-profit |
| Coaching & Job Search Support | |||
| Downside Protection |
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Human Resources program and how Merit America works.
When does the program start? Are there fixed cohort dates?
Merit America uses dynamic enrollment, which means new cohorts begin every two weeks — you don’t have to wait months for a single fixed start date. Once admitted, you’ll choose the cohort that fits your life, and if the timing isn’t right, you can defer to a later one.
Here’s how it works:
- Apply when you’re ready. No application deadlines.
- Once admitted, claim a spot in an upcoming cohort. Spots fill on a first-come, first-served basis — completing your onboarding steps early gives you the most flexibility.
- Or defer to a later cohort if the timing isn’t right.
- Complete onboarding steps like coach selection and device setup.
- Begin your program when your cohort opens.
This structure ensures every learner starts when they’re ready — supported from day one.
Is the training in-person, online or both?
Merit America provides a blended online learning environment where you will participate in live virtual meetings and complete coursework independently online from industry-recognized partners, like Google.
We leverage learning tools such as the widely used digital workplace platforms and software, including: Zoom, Slack, Google Suite, and our customized Merit America Learner Portal.
What are the admission requirements?
To be eligible for any of Merit America’s programs, the following must be true:
- You have a high school diploma or GED.
- Associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree holders are welcome.
- You are a resident of the U.S. and authorized to work in the U.S.
- DACA and Temporary Residents must have a status/visa that does not expire within six months of the Immersion start date.
- Residents of U.S. territories are eligible for our program.
- You are 18 years of age or older.
- You will be seeking full-time employment upon completion of the program.
What does a typical week look like at Merit America?
Merit America’s Human Resources program is designed to fit into your busy schedule with a commitment of approximately 20 hours per week — a mix of self-paced online coursework and live, topic-based workshops focused on career coaching and skills practice. Technical advisors are available to help talk through coursework questions as needed.
Live workshops typically take place outside of standard business hours, and while you can complete coursework on your own time, there are required assignments and deadlines that must be met to move forward in the program.
Live workshops typically take place outside of standard business hours, and while you can complete coursework on your own time, there are required assignments and deadlines that must be met to move forward in the program.
What kind of support will I receive during the course?
When you join Merit America, there’s a team dedicated to your success.
Your coach helps you build the professional and job search skills you need to succeed in today’s market — from refining your resume and preparing for interviews to networking effectively and navigating job offers. They’ll also work with you to chart a clear career path aligned with your goals, and the support continues after you complete the program.
You’ll also join live, topic-based workshops alongside other learners on the same journey. You can pick the sessions that fit your schedule and the skills you want to focus on, like interviewing, resumes, or LinkedIn.
Your technical advisor is available to direct you to appropriate resources if you’re struggling with your aPHR certification prep or Google Project Management Certificate coursework.
And our Career Services team provides on-demand support, with optional structured programs like the Alumni Career Accelerator if you want a focused job-search sprint.
Can you guarantee me a job?
We can’t guarantee job placement or salaries, but we do provide you with a structured training curriculum, professional career development, and dedicated job-placement support. Because of this, the majority of job-seeking alumni are placed in new jobs within three months of completion.
But under the Merit America Guarantee, if you qualify by fulfilling the requirements, and don’t earn at least $40k a year within two years of the Immersion end date of your program, you may be eligible for a full refund.
What does the Human Resources program cover?
Merit America’s Human Resources+ Career Track provides a comprehensive blend of HR training and project management expertise, plus professional skills development. You’ll gain hands-on experience through both the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) certification training program and the Google Project Management Certificate, acquiring essential skills while receiving personalized guidance from Merit America coaches.
The aPHR certification training prepares you for key HR functions, such as hiring processes, employee support, workplace policies, and pay and benefits. The Google Project Management Certificate equips you to manage both traditional and agile projects, with a focus on planning, teamwork, and getting results. You’ll also gain expertise in HR and project tools like Workday, Asana, and Google Workspace, streamlining processes and improving workplace efficiency.
You’ll work on real-world scenarios, such as planning employee programs, coordinating hiring projects, managing workplace improvements, and creating project timelines. You’ll master tools like project plans, communication strategies, and team coordination methods, while building key professional skills like communication, problem-solving, and leadership.
With the support of a dedicated career coach, you’ll refine your job search skills — from resume writing to interview preparation — ensuring you’re ready for roles such as HR Coordinator, HR Generalist, Recruiting Coordinator, Project Coordinator, and more.

This program is full — but your next career move isn’t.
Human Resources+ is full for 2026. We appreciate your interest — explore our other Career Tracks, many of which have open cohorts starting in the next two weeks. A dedicated coach and the same rigorous program experience await you.

