Online Class: How to Write Effective Policies and Procedures

Our lessons will guide you in the process of developing an effective policy and procedure manual that reflects the high standards and goals of your company.

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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 12
    Lessons
  • 24
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 1,688
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 11
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.1
    CEUs
 
 

Course Description

Embark on a journey to master the art of crafting comprehensive policy and procedure manuals with our engaging course designed for any business size. Whether you're steering a burgeoning startup or managing a sprawling corporation, the creation of a detailed manual not only streamlines operations but also fortifies your organizational structure.

This course delves into the essence of what makes a policy and procedure manual indispensable. From fostering uniform employee behavior to setting clear operational standards, a well-devised manual acts as your company's backbone, ensuring consistency and clarity in everyday operations. It provides vital tools for employee training, decision-making, and even legal protection against potential disputes.

Learn to articulate your company's goals through effective policies that reflect your corporate culture and operational needs. Understand the nuances between policies, which outline what your team should do, and procedures, detailing precisely how those tasks should be completed. Through expert guidance, discover how to communicate these elements effectively, ensuring they are easily accessible and understandable to all employees.

This course will not only teach you how to draft the manual but also to think critically about its structure, content, and presentation. Transform what is often perceived as a mundane document into an empowering tool that enhances corporate governance and employee satisfaction.

By the end of this course, you will have the skills to create a manual that not only meets current legal standards but also aligns with your company’s mission and growth objectives. Prepare to see your policy and procedure manual as a living document, one that evolves with your business and continues to guide it towards efficiency and success.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.7 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,070 votes)

Lesson 1: Introduction to Writing Effective Policy and Procedure Manuals

An effective policy and procedure manual is an essential management tool. As a piece of required reading for all employees, it states business goals and policies, and communicates appropriate standards of action and behavior for all employees. Additional lesson topics: Writing Effective Policies and Procedures: A Step-by-Step Resource for Clear Communication 31 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Complete: Effective Policy Example - Lesson 1 Assignment
  • Assessment: Exam 1

Lesson 2: How to Begin Your Policy and Procedure Manual

A well-written policy and procedure manual can improve your company by establishing clear guidelines, setting goals, and communicating organizational knowledge. Additional lesson topics: How to Write a Mission Statement with Examples; How to Organize Your Policies and Procedures Manual; Answer Several Questions to Get a Great Mission Statement 30 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
  • Assessment: Exam 2

Lesson 3: Working on Policies and Procedures as a Team

Writing your company's policy and procedure manual can be a learning experience for all of you. Make it a team effort by inviting cooperative work on the project. Additional lesson topics: 10 Tips for Better Teamwork 30 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
  • Assessment: Exam 3

Lesson 4: Legal Considerations for Your Policy and Procedure Manual

Now that you have some of the basic content in mind for your policy and procedure manual, it is time to think about legal requirements. Additional lesson topics: Free Samples of Policies and Procedures; What to Include In an Employee Handbook 29 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment
  • Assessment: Exam 4

Lesson 5: Digging Deeper - Other Legal Considerations for Your Manual

Clearly defined policies and procedures help your company run more efficiently, and help you make fair decisions. Additional lesson topics: HOW TO CREATE AN EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK PEOPLE WILL ACTUALLY WANT TO READ 29 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
  • Assessment: Exam 5

Lesson 6 Secrets to Creating Effective Policy and Procedures

Remember that a written policy creates a rule or standard to be followed consistently. As such, it can reduce management's flexibility to treat each situation as unique. 9 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Exam 6

Lesson 7: Doing the Writing for an Effective Policy and Procedure Manual

Writing an effective policy and procedure manual comes down to brevity and clarity. Aim to develop a friendly, to-the-point style. Additional lesson topics: AP STYLEBOOK; The Chicago Manual of Style Online 30 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
  • Assessment: Exam 7

Lesson 8: Hooking Your Reader

Remember that a policy establishes clear rules of what will be done, or not be done, in an organization. Policies range from broad philosophies, to specific rules. Additional lesson topics: How to Write a Standard Operating Procedure; Writing a Procedure- Making Sure Things are Done Without Mistakes and Omissions 30 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
  • Assessment: Exam 8

Lesson 9: Making Your Manual Look Good

In this lesson, we will consider the appearance of your manual. It is critical that you pay attention to how the manual looks to the reader, because its appearance reflects the professionalism of your company. 30 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
  • Assessment: Exam 9

Lesson 10: The Review Process

Although the actual writing of a policy and procedure manual is best left in the hands of one person for consistency�s sake, top members of your organization should review your work. Additional lesson topics: How to Handle Negative Feedback 30 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Complete: Handling Criticism - Lesson 10 Assignment
  • Assessment: Exam 10

Lesson 11 Distributing the New Manual

Most organizations choose to have both a printed version of the manual, as well as an electronic version. 30 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment
  • Assessment: Exam 11

Lesson 12: Revising and Updating Your Policy and Procedure Manual

Changes in employment laws and regulations, and in the size and scope of your company and staff, may make your current policies obsolete. Additional lesson topics: Example 8; Example 2; Example 9; Example 1; Example 6; Example 7; Example 4 69 Total Points
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Course Completion Poll: Your Thoughts; Course Comments; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course)
  • Assessment: Exam 12
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
377
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe what writing effective policy and procedure manuals is.
  • Describe how to begin your policy and procedure manual.
  • Summarize legal considerations for your policy and procedure manual.
  • Summarize secrets to creating effective policy and procedures.
  • Describe the writing process for an effective policy and procedure manual.
  • Describe methods for hooking your reader.
  • Identify the review process.
  • Describe distributing the new manual.
  • Describe revising and updating your policy and procedure manual.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: How to Write Effective Policies and Procedures
Course Number: 9770566
Lessons Rating: 4.7 / 5 Stars (1,070 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is online and available in all 50 states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas.
Last Updated: December 2023
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.1 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Dana Kristan
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "The course was very helpful. I can honestly say that I am able to write a policy and procedure that is effective!" -- Nadine M.
  • "This course was very teachable on guiding me to learn the proper way to set up my policy and manual for the company. In addition I thank the professor for all her support." -- Angela R.
  • "It was helpful to see the difference between policy and procedure. I learned that what I'm writing for my office will just be the procedures. I also learned that the procedures need to include a description of 'why' certain steps are taken." -- Latonya A.
  • "It was very helpful, especially for me as this is the first time I have been charged with updating policies and procedures." -- Amy L.
  • "This was a lot of information, but it was presented well and easy to understand." -- Laura G.
  • "I found this really good and informative." -- Muireann S.
  • "This course was very helpful." -- Kathy R.
  • "This course was very helpful, I learnt a lot." -- Tonylee O.

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