Short Course Description
New EEO Counselor Training
Date: View Upcoming Sessions
Duration: 32 Clock Hours
Delivery: Online, Instructor-Led
Student Resources: View Online Attendance Information, Training Preparation Guidance, and FAQs
Course Overview
The New EEO Counselor Training course is designed to provide participants with the foundational knowledge and practical skills required to serve effectively as entry-level Equal Employment Opportunity counselors.
Using the EEOC’s Management Directive 110 framework, the course examines the federal EEO complaint process, counselor responsibilities, applicable discrimination laws, alternative dispute resolution procedures, and the preparation of required counseling documentation.
Participants will learn how to conduct intake interviews, identify and clarify claims, explain available resolution options, manage required timeframes, and prepare accurate EEO Counselor reports.
Key Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of the course, participants should be able to:
- Explain the federal EEO complaint process under 29 C.F.R. Part 1614, including applicable timeframes, class complaints, mixed cases, and fragmentation issues.
- Describe the role, responsibilities, ethical obligations, and professional standards of an EEO Counselor.
- Conduct effective initial interviews and gather relevant information from aggrieved individuals.
- Identify and clarify claims, bases, issues, and requested remedies.
- Explain informal resolution options and applicable procedural rights.
- Prepare accurate counseling documentation and final EEO Counselor reports.
- Recognize when alternative procedures or processing requirements may apply.
- Explain the role of Alternative Dispute Resolution in the informal and formal EEO complaint process.
Federal EEO Laws Covered
The course includes an overview of major federal equal employment opportunity laws enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, including:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- The Equal Pay Act of 1963
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967
- Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008
Theories of Discrimination
Participants will examine major theories of employment discrimination, including:
- Disparate treatment
- Adverse impact
- Harassment and hostile work environment
- Retaliation
- Reasonable accommodation
- Disability discrimination
- Age discrimination
- Equal pay claims
- Class complaints and fragmentation issues
Practical Skills Development
The course incorporates instructor-led exercises, case analysis, and role-playing activities that allow participants to practice essential EEO counseling functions, including:
- Conducting an initial intake session
- Identifying claims and applicable bases
- Explaining procedural rights and responsibilities
- Clarifying the scope of a complaint
- Exploring informal resolution options
- Preparing counseling summaries and reports
- Managing difficult or sensitive conversations
- Maintaining neutrality, confidentiality, and professionalism
Alternative Procedures
Participants will also receive an overview of other procedures that may be available to an aggrieved individual, including:
- Direct court filing options under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act
- Mixed-case processing
- Class complaint procedures
- Negotiated grievance procedures
- Agency Alternative Dispute Resolution programs
Remedies Overview
The course provides a general introduction to remedies that may be available in federal-sector EEO matters, including:
- Compensatory damages
- Back pay and related relief
- Attorney’s fees
- Costs
- Equitable and corrective relief
- Other remedies authorized by law
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Participants will explore the agency’s informal and formal Alternative Dispute Resolution processes and the EEO Counselor’s role in explaining ADR options to aggrieved individuals.
The course also addresses neutrality, voluntary participation, confidentiality, settlement considerations, and the relationship between ADR and the federal EEO complaint process.



