Hacking HR offers a range of learning experiences designed to help HR and people leaders build practical, real-world capabilities. This article explains the different types of programs available, how they work, and what's expected of participants.
If you're enrolled in a program—or considering one—this guide will help you understand what to expect.
Hacking HR offers several learning formats, each designed for different goals and schedules.
Live Certificate Programs
Live Certificate Programs are cohort-based, instructor-led programs focused on practical application.
They typically include:
- Live virtual classes led by facilitators and expert faculty
- In-class discussions and collaborative exercises
- Post-class activities and reflections
- Mid-program and final assessments
- A certificate diploma, Credly badge, and eligible HR credits upon completion
Live programs follow a structured schedule and require active participation.
On-Demand Certificate Programs
On-Demand Certificate Programs allow you to learn at your own pace.
They include:
- Pre-recorded sessions
- Supporting materials and resources
- Completion requirements similar to live programs (where applicable)
On-demand programs are ideal if you need flexibility or cannot attend live sessions.
Guest Lecture Sessions
Guest Lectures are optional, live virtual sessions featuring HR practitioners and subject-matter experts.
Key points:
- Open to participants across multiple programs
- Focused on specialized or emerging topics
- Typically 60 minutes
- Recordings are available on demand
- Attendance is encouraged but not always required
Guest lectures are designed to enhance, not replace, core program learning.
Most certificate programs follow a consistent structure to support learning and accountability.
Live Sessions
- Programs typically include 8 live sessions
- Each session lasts approximately 2 hours
- Less than half the time is lecture-based
The majority of time is spent in:
- Breakout discussions
- Hands-on activities
- Group reflection and application
Live attendance is strongly encouraged. If you miss a session, you're expected to watch the recording.
Post-Class Activities
After each session, you'll complete activities such as:
- Reflections
- Action plans
- Deeper-dive discussions
- Watching session recordings (if you missed the live class)
All activities must be:
- Completed by the listed deadline
- Marked as "Completed" in your dashboard
Activities not marked as completed by the deadline are automatically marked as missing and cannot be reopened.
Hacking HR programs are designed to be interactive and participatory.
You're expected to:
- Attend live sessions or watch recordings if absent
- Actively engage in discussions and breakout rooms
- Complete required activities on time
- Treat sessions as professional learning environments
Programs are not designed for passive consumption. Active participation is essential to getting full value from the experience.
Assessments
Most certificate programs include:
- A Mid-Program Assessment
- A Final Assessment
Assessment details:
- Multiple-choice format
- 30 questions each
- Passing score: 80% or higher
- Unlimited retakes are allowed until you pass
You do not need to submit assessment results. Simply save your results and mark the assessment as completed in your dashboard.
Program Completion Requirements
To successfully complete a certificate program, you must:
- Complete at least 80% of required activities
- Pass both the mid-program and final assessments
- Meet all deadlines listed in the dashboard
Deadlines are firm and follow Pacific Time.
If you miss a live session:
- The faculty-led portion of the class is recorded
- Recordings are typically available within 24 hours
- Recordings can be found in the Videos & Resources section of your dashboard
What's recorded:
- Faculty presentations
What's not recorded:
- Breakout rooms
- Group discussions
- Interactive exercises
Even if you miss a class, completing post-class activities is still required.
Hacking HR is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment.
Support may include:
- Captioning for recorded sessions
- Reasonable accommodations for accessibility needs
- Flexibility in exceptional circumstances (evaluated case by case)
If you need accommodations, contact the program team as early as possible so support can be arranged.
To protect the learning environment and faculty intellectual property:
- Program content may not be shared outside the cohort
- Recordings and materials are for enrolled participants only
- Respectful, professional conduct is required at all times
Violations of these guidelines may result in removal from the program without reimbursement.
- Withdrawals during the first week may be allowed without penalty
Withdrawals after the first week may:
- Prevent re-enrollment in the same program
- Require review before joining future cohorts
Exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies) are reviewed individually.
For help during your program:
Use the Discussion Board in your dashboard for learning-related questions.
Contact the program team for academic or participation concerns.
Contact technical support for dashboard or access issues.
Common Questions
Yes. Faculty-led portions are recorded and typically posted in your dashboard within about 24 hours. Breakouts and group activities are not recorded.
Watch the recording once it's posted and complete any required activities in your To-Do list by the deadline.
Go to your To-Do list and toggle each activity from Pending to Completed before the deadline (midnight PT).
Yes. You can retake mid-program and final assessments as many times as needed until you score 80% or higher.
Deadlines are firm and shown in Pacific Time. Activities missed by the deadline are marked missing and can't be reopened.
