Advance your career with

Human Resources+

Gain skills and a Google Certificate in 22 weeks without quitting your day job. Pay $0 upfront.

  • 22 weeks
  • 18 hours/week
A woman looks at her computer.
Retail Associate     Human Resources
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 CompensationHR professionals with project management skills are in high demand across industries, with entry-level salaries starting at $52,100.
In-Demand CareersWith 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
Salary Trajectory · U.S. Median
Entry
$52K
Mid
$69K
Senior
$98K
Source: Lightcast, 2025
Human Resources+ is full for 2026.

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 Tracks

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 — it 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 or registered trademarks of Human Resource Certification Institute, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Used Under License.

aPHR Associate Professional in Human Resources certification badge from HRCI
The Career Track

Coursework 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.

The Path — Start to Hired
1

Get connected

We meet learners where they are and connect their prior experience to where they want to go — no degree required.

2

Learn with tech & “touch”

Complete Google Project Management coursework through Coursera while receiving Merit America coaching, peer support, and 1:1 guidance.

3

Get hired

We help learners identify tailored opportunities across a network of 500+ employers hiring for entry-level HR roles.

4

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.

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.

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.

20 Hours / WeekPeak Intensity
Outcome:aPHR & Google PM Certificate

Technical Curriculum

Total Rewards & RelationsMaster compensation strategy, benefits administration, and employee relations.
Agile & Project ExecutionImplement Scrum methodologies, quality control, and work breakdown structures.
Systems & ComplianceGain hands-on expertise with Asana, comprehensive legal compliance, and Workday basics.

Career Preparation

Conflict & FeedbackMap conflict scenarios and practice the SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) feedback model.
Advanced InterviewingComplete basic, behavioral, and technical interview round-robins.
Dual Portfolio CreationFinalize work samples that prove you possess both HR strategy and PM execution skills.

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.

Goal: Hired

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 It Works

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
And if it doesn’t work out — you don’t pay. If you don’t earn at least $40k within the two years after the Immersion end date of your chosen Merit America program, you don’t have to pay. Learn how it works.
A Merit America learner receiving one-on-one career coaching
  1. 1 Learn in-demand skills
  2. 2 Land a great job
  3. 3 Pay only after the program
  4. 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
A woman sits on the floor, working her remote job in tech

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 coaches

Hear 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.”

Stephanie|Program Assistant
Stephanie, Program Assistant

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

Brittney|Financial Analyst
Brittney, Financial Analyst

“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.”

Michael|Director of Communications
Michael, Director of Communications

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

Justine|Merit America Alum
Justine, Merit America alum

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

Mac|Merit America Alum
Mac, Merit America alum
Partners & employers in the Merit America network
Google
Amazon
JPMorgan Chase
Accenture
Infosys
Lyft
DoorDash
Intact Technology
CareerCircle
Instacart
OneTen
Opportunity@Work

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.

CompareMerit AmericaFull-Time ProgramsCommunity College
Course Length22 weeks20–24 weeks50–100 weeks
In-Person or RemoteRemoteRemoteIn-person / Remote
Part-Time?20 hoursVariesVaries
Program Cost$5,700$16,000–$19,000$5,000–$10,000
Certificate EarnedGoogle Project Management Certificate + prepared to sit for the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) Certification Exam from HRCIYesYes
Organization TypeNon-profitFor-profitFor-profit or Non-profit
Coaching & Job Search SupportYesYesVaries
Downside ProtectionMerit America GuaranteeNoNo

The Merit America Guarantee

We’re so confident in our program that we promise that if you don’t earn at least $40k within the two years after the Immersion end date of your chosen Merit America program, you don’t have to pay.

Learn how it works
Common Questions

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.

You can view the full program syllabus here.

A Merit America learner ready to start their HR career
This program is full

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.

20,000+Learners since 2018
75%Alumni success rate
$21KAvg wage increase
Human Resources+ is full for 2026 · Other tracks have open cohorts now
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