Total Rewards Leadership Certification (TRLC®) Course Page

The Total Rewards Leadership Course is an immersive, executive-level learning experience designed for experienced Total Rewards professionals who are ready to lead at a strategic level.

Total Rewards represents the largest investment most organizations make, often accounting for more than 70 percent of total business costs. Yet many organizations struggle to translate that investment into measurable business impact. Elevating Total Rewards from program administration to enterprise strategy requires more than technical expertise. It requires leadership.

This course develops the strategic, analytical, and leadership capabilities needed to guide the Total Rewards function, advise senior leadership, and align rewards strategy with organizational priorities. Through immersive, application-focused learning, learners will strengthen their ability to influence decision-making, communicate value, and deliver measurable results.

The Total Rewards Leadership Course is the recommended preparation for the Total Rewards Leadership Certification (TRLC®) exam [LINK TO TRLC CERTIFICATION PAGE] and is part of the full TRLC pathway.

What You Will Learn:

Participants will develop the skills and judgment required to lead Total Rewards at an executive level, including how to: 

• Align Total Rewards philosophy and strategy with organizational priorities and business performance
• Evaluate existing rewards programs, identify gaps, and develop forward-looking strategies
• Build strong partnerships with executive stakeholders and influence enterprise decision-making
• Establish meaningful KPIs and measure Total Rewards return on investment
• Integrate data, analytics, and dashboards to communicate the value of rewards programs
• Define governance structures, policies, and controls to support equitable and consistent program delivery
• Lead and manage the Total Rewards function, including teams, vendors, and support systems
• Communicate strategy updates and program changes clearly to leadership and the broader organization

The course emphasizes real-world application, strategic alignment, and innovative approaches to leading Total Rewards in modern organizations.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is designed for experienced professionals who are leading — or preparing to lead — the Total Rewards function.

• Aspiring Total Rewards leaders with management experience in compensation, benefits or HR
• Current Total Rewards leaders seeking to validate and strengthen their strategic leadership capabilities
• HR Directors and Chief HR Officers responsible for overseeing Total Rewards strategy
• Compensation and Benefits leaders who want to broaden their enterprise influence

It is ideal for professionals who want to deepen their leadership presence, elevate Total Rewards as a strategic driver and prepare for the TRLC certification.

Course Experience

The Total Rewards Leadership Course is delivered as an immersive virtual live learning experience designed to support deep engagement and practical application.

• 28 hours of live instruction delivered over two weeks
• 2-hour follow-up session a week after the immersion
• Interactive discussions, applied exercises, and strategic case analysis
• Executive-level focus on strategy, governance, analytics, and influence

Total course time: 30 hours

Part of the TRLC Pathway

The Total Rewards Leadership Course is the recommended preparation for the Total Rewards Leadership Certification (TRLC®), a competency-based certification grounded in the Total Rewards Leadership Body of Knowledge.

The course and certification together prepare leaders to translate Total Rewards strategy into measurable organizational impact and to communicate that value effectively to executive stakeholders.

Learners may choose:

• Course + Certification Exam bundle
• Certification Exam only (for experienced leaders who are ready to test)

Policies

• View our Return/Cancellation policies and more here.