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Memberships & Communities

Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access

Learn how to manually grant or revoke course access in GHL Customer Care Communities and use Private Courses for exclusive, admin-controlled learning experiences.

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  1. Key Benefits of Member-Specific Course Access and Private Course
  2. Private Course Visibility
  3. How to Add a Private Course to the Learning Tab
  4. How to Grant Course Access to a Member
  5. How to Revoke Course Access for a Member
  6. Frequently Asked Questions
  7. Related Articles

Member-Specific Course Access in Communities allows admins to manually grant or revoke course access for individual members directly from the Members tab. This feature also introduces Private Courses, which are accessible only when an admin grants access. This article shows how to create private courses and grant or revoke course access for specific members.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is Member-Specific Course Access and Private Course?

Member-Specific Course Access enables community admins to control exactly who can access specific courses inside a community. Instead of relying only on automatic unlock criteria (such as level-based, time-based, paid, or public access), admins can now manually grant or revoke access for individual members. Private Courses extend this control by ensuring that access is only possible through direct admin approval.

Key Benefits of Member-Specific Course Access and Private Course

  • Manual Control: Grant or revoke access to any course for a specific member at any time.
  • Private Course Type: Create courses that cannot be unlocked automatically and require admin approval.
  • Instant Access: Unlock courses immediately without changing level, payment, or time-based rules.
  • Preserves Existing Logic: Automatic unlock criteria remain intact and cannot be overridden improperly.

Private Course Visibility

Private Courses are designed for exclusive or controlled learning environments. When a course is set to Private, members cannot unlock it automatically through level progression, purchase, or time delays. Access is granted only by an admin.

Private Courses are ideal for:

  • VIP or premium content

  • Internal team training

  • Invite-only programs

How to Add a Private Course to the Learning Tab

To use Private access, the course must first be added to the Community Learning tab with Private visibility. This ensures the course appears as locked until manually granted.

  1. Click on Memberships from your sub-account.
  2. Go to Communities.
  3. Click on Groups from the dropdown.
    Step 3 of 9: Click on Groups from the dropdown What this shows Step 3 of 9: Click on Groups from the dropdown. What this shows Shows what to choose for step 3 of 9 in the "How to Add a Private Course to the Learning Tab" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 9 in the "How to Add a Private Course to the Learning Tab" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". At this point in the walkthrough you click on Groups from the dropdown. For context, this section explains: To use Private access, the course must first be added to the Community Learning tab with Private visibility. This ensures the course appears as locked until manually granted. The next step is to open/Login to your Group. Step 3 of 9Image 1 of 12 What to chooseClick on Groups from the dropdown.
    Buttons and menus referenced GroupsMembershipsCommunitiesOpen/Login.LearningAdd CourseCourse VisibilityPrivate – Access granted by admin only
    Next stepOpen/Login to your Group.
    All 9 steps in this procedure
    1. Click on Memberships from your sub-account.
    2. Go to Communities.
    3. Click on Groups from the dropdown. this image
    4. Open/Login to your Group.
    5. Click the Learning tab.
    6. Click Add Course.
    7. Select an existing course.
    8. Under Course Visibility, choose Private – Access granted by admin only.
    9. Click Add Course.
  4. Open/Login to your Group.
    Step 4 of 9: Open/Login to your Group What this shows Step 4 of 9: Open/Login to your Group. What this shows Shows where to go for step 4 of 9 in the "How to Add a Private Course to the Learning Tab" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 9 in the "How to Add a Private Course to the Learning Tab" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". At this point in the walkthrough you open/Login to your Group. For context, this section explains: To use Private access, the course must first be added to the Community Learning tab with Private visibility. This ensures the course appears as locked until manually granted. The next step is to click the Learning tab. Step 4 of 9Image 2 of 12 Where to goOpen/Login to your Group.
    Buttons and menus referenced Open/Login.MembershipsCommunitiesGroupsLearningAdd CourseCourse VisibilityPrivate – Access granted by admin only
    Next stepClick the Learning tab.
    All 9 steps in this procedure
    1. Click on Memberships from your sub-account.
    2. Go to Communities.
    3. Click on Groups from the dropdown.
    4. Open/Login to your Group. this image
    5. Click the Learning tab.
    6. Click Add Course.
    7. Select an existing course.
    8. Under Course Visibility, choose Private – Access granted by admin only.
    9. Click Add Course.

  5. Click the Learning tab.

    Step 5 of 9: Click the Learning tab What this shows Step 5 of 9: Click the Learning tab. What this shows Shows what to click for step 5 of 9 in the "How to Add a Private Course to the Learning Tab" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". This screenshot accompanies step 5 of 9 in the "How to Add a Private Course to the Learning Tab" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". At this point in the walkthrough you click the Learning tab. For context, this section explains: To use Private access, the course must first be added to the Community Learning tab with Private visibility. This ensures the course appears as locked until manually granted. The next step is to click Add Course. Step 5 of 9Image 3 of 12 What to clickClick the Learning tab.
    Buttons and menus referenced LearningMembershipsCommunitiesGroupsOpen/Login.Add CourseCourse VisibilityPrivate – Access granted by admin only
    Next stepClick Add Course.
    All 9 steps in this procedure
    1. Click on Memberships from your sub-account.
    2. Go to Communities.
    3. Click on Groups from the dropdown.
    4. Open/Login to your Group.
    5. Click the Learning tab. this image
    6. Click Add Course.
    7. Select an existing course.
    8. Under Course Visibility, choose Private – Access granted by admin only.
    9. Click Add Course.

  6. Click Add Course.

  7. Select an existing course.

  8. Under Course Visibility, choose Private – Access granted by admin only.

  9. Click Add Course.

    Step 9 of 9: Click Add Course What this shows Step 9 of 9: Click Add Course. What this shows Shows what to click for step 9 of 9 in the "How to Add a Private Course to the Learning Tab" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". This animation accompanies step 9 of 9 in the "How to Add a Private Course to the Learning Tab" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". At this point in the walkthrough you click Add Course. For context, this section explains: To use Private access, the course must first be added to the Community Learning tab with Private visibility. This ensures the course appears as locked until manually granted. Step 9 of 9Image 4 of 12 What to clickClick Add Course.
    Buttons and menus referenced Add CourseMembershipsCommunitiesGroupsOpen/Login.LearningCourse VisibilityPrivate – Access granted by admin only
    All 9 steps in this procedure
    1. Click on Memberships from your sub-account.
    2. Go to Communities.
    3. Click on Groups from the dropdown.
    4. Open/Login to your Group.
    5. Click the Learning tab.
    6. Click Add Course.
    7. Select an existing course.
    8. Under Course Visibility, choose Private – Access granted by admin only.
    9. Click Add Course. this image

How to Grant Course Access to a Member

Admins can grant access to any course directly from the Members tab inside a Community. This provides flexibility without modifying the course’s unlock configuration. Members receive an email notification when a course is unlocked.

  1. Go to the Members tab in your group.

    Step 1 of 6: Go to the Members tab in your group What this shows Step 1 of 6: Go to the Members tab in your group. What this shows Shows where to go for step 1 of 6 in the "How to Grant Course Access to a Member" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 6 in the "How to Grant Course Access to a Member" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". At this point in the walkthrough you go to the Members tab in your group. For context, this section explains: Admins can grant access to any course directly from the Members tab inside a Community. This provides flexibility without modifying the course’s unlock configuration. Members receive an email notification when a course is unlocked. The next step is to click the three-dot menu next to the member. Step 1 of 6Image 5 of 12 Where to goGo to the Members tab in your group.
    Buttons and menus referenced Membersthree-dot menuManage CoursesGrant CoursesGrant
    Next stepClick the three-dot menu next to the member.
    All 6 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to the Members tab in your group. this image
    2. Click the three-dot menu next to the member.
    3. Select Manage Courses.
    4. Click Grant Courses button.
    5. Select one or more courses.
    6. Click Grant.

  2. Click the three-dot menu next to the member.

  3. Select Manage Courses.

    Step 3 of 6: Select Manage Courses What this shows Step 3 of 6: Select Manage Courses. What this shows Shows what to choose for step 3 of 6 in the "How to Grant Course Access to a Member" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 6 in the "How to Grant Course Access to a Member" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". At this point in the walkthrough you select Manage Courses. For context, this section explains: Admins can grant access to any course directly from the Members tab inside a Community. This provides flexibility without modifying the course’s unlock configuration. Members receive an email notification when a course is unlocked. The next step is to click Grant Courses button. Step 3 of 6Image 6 of 12 What to chooseSelect Manage Courses.
    Buttons and menus referenced Manage CoursesMembersthree-dot menuGrant CoursesGrant
    Next stepClick Grant Courses button.
    All 6 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to the Members tab in your group.
    2. Click the three-dot menu next to the member.
    3. Select Manage Courses. this image
    4. Click Grant Courses button.
    5. Select one or more courses.
    6. Click Grant.

  4. Click Grant Courses button.

    Step 4 of 6: Click Grant Courses button What this shows Step 4 of 6: Click Grant Courses button. What this shows Shows what to click for step 4 of 6 in the "How to Grant Course Access to a Member" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 6 in the "How to Grant Course Access to a Member" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". At this point in the walkthrough you click Grant Courses button. For context, this section explains: Admins can grant access to any course directly from the Members tab inside a Community. This provides flexibility without modifying the course’s unlock configuration. Members receive an email notification when a course is unlocked. The next step is to select one or more courses. Step 4 of 6Image 7 of 12 What to clickClick Grant Courses button.
    Buttons and menus referenced Grant CoursesMembersthree-dot menuManage CoursesGrant
    Next stepSelect one or more courses.
    All 6 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to the Members tab in your group.
    2. Click the three-dot menu next to the member.
    3. Select Manage Courses.
    4. Click Grant Courses button. this image
    5. Select one or more courses.
    6. Click Grant.

  5. Select one or more courses.

  6. Click Grant.

    Step 6 of 6: Click Grant What this shows Step 6 of 6: Click Grant. What this shows Shows what to click for step 6 of 6 in the "How to Grant Course Access to a Member" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". This screenshot accompanies step 6 of 6 in the "How to Grant Course Access to a Member" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". At this point in the walkthrough you click Grant. For context, this section explains: Admins can grant access to any course directly from the Members tab inside a Community. This provides flexibility without modifying the course’s unlock configuration. Members receive an email notification when a course is unlocked. Step 6 of 6Image 8 of 12 What to clickClick Grant.
    Buttons and menus referenced GrantMembersthree-dot menuManage CoursesGrant Courses
    All 6 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to the Members tab in your group.
    2. Click the three-dot menu next to the member.
    3. Select Manage Courses.
    4. Click Grant Courses button.
    5. Select one or more courses.
    6. Click Grant. this image

How to Revoke Course Access for a Member

Note: Access cannot be revoked if the member already meets the course’s unlock criteria (e.g., All Members, Level Unlock, Paid, or Time Unlock).

Course access can be revoked from the same Manage Courses panel, to revoke access:

  1. Go to the Members tab in your group.
    Step 1 of 5: Go to the Members tab in your group What this shows Step 1 of 5: Go to the Members tab in your group. What this shows Shows where to go for step 1 of 5 in the "How to Revoke Course Access for a Member" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 5 in the "How to Revoke Course Access for a Member" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". At this point in the walkthrough you go to the Members tab in your group. For context, this section explains: Note: Access cannot be revoked if the member already meets the course’s unlock criteria (e.g., All Members, Level Unlock, Paid, or Time Unlock). The next step is to click the three-dot menu next to the member. Step 1 of 5Image 9 of 12 Where to goGo to the Members tab in your group.
    Buttons and menus referenced Membersthree-dot menuManage CoursesRedXConfirm
    Next stepClick the three-dot menu next to the member.
    All 5 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to the Members tab in your group. this image
    2. Click the three-dot menu next to the member.
    3. Select Manage Courses.
    4. Click the Red X icon next to the course.
    5. Click on Confirm.
  2. Click the three-dot menu next to the member.
  3. Select Manage Courses.
    Step 3 of 5: Select Manage Courses What this shows Step 3 of 5: Select Manage Courses. What this shows Shows what to choose for step 3 of 5 in the "How to Revoke Course Access for a Member" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 5 in the "How to Revoke Course Access for a Member" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". At this point in the walkthrough you select Manage Courses. For context, this section explains: Note: Access cannot be revoked if the member already meets the course’s unlock criteria (e.g., All Members, Level Unlock, Paid, or Time Unlock). The next step is to click the Red X icon next to the course. Step 3 of 5Image 10 of 12 What to chooseSelect Manage Courses.
    Buttons and menus referenced Manage CoursesMembersthree-dot menuRedXConfirm
    Next stepClick the Red X icon next to the course.
    All 5 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to the Members tab in your group.
    2. Click the three-dot menu next to the member.
    3. Select Manage Courses. this image
    4. Click the Red X icon next to the course.
    5. Click on Confirm.

  4. Click the Red X icon next to the course.

    Step 4 of 5: Click the Red X icon next to the course What this shows Step 4 of 5: Click the Red X icon next to the course. What this shows Shows what to click for step 4 of 5 in the "How to Revoke Course Access for a Member" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 5 in the "How to Revoke Course Access for a Member" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". At this point in the walkthrough you click the Red X icon next to the course. The next step is to click on Confirm. Step 4 of 5Image 11 of 12 What to clickClick the Red X icon next to the course.
    Buttons and menus referenced RedXMembersthree-dot menuManage CoursesConfirm
    Next stepClick on Confirm.
    All 5 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to the Members tab in your group.
    2. Click the three-dot menu next to the member.
    3. Select Manage Courses.
    4. Click the Red X icon next to the course. this image
    5. Click on Confirm.

  5. Click on Confirm.

    Step 5 of 5: Click on Confirm What this shows Step 5 of 5: Click on Confirm. What this shows Shows how to confirm for step 5 of 5 in the "How to Revoke Course Access for a Member" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". This screenshot accompanies step 5 of 5 in the "How to Revoke Course Access for a Member" section of "Communities - Private Course & Member-Specific Course Access". At this point in the walkthrough you click on Confirm. For context, this section explains: Note: Access cannot be revoked if the member already meets the course’s unlock criteria (e.g., All Members, Level Unlock, Paid, or Time Unlock). Step 5 of 5Image 12 of 12 How to confirmClick on Confirm.
    Buttons and menus referenced ConfirmMembersthree-dot menuManage CoursesRedX
    All 5 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to the Members tab in your group.
    2. Click the three-dot menu next to the member.
    3. Select Manage Courses.
    4. Click the Red X icon next to the course.
    5. Click on Confirm. this image

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can admins grant access to non-private courses?
Yes. Admins can manually grant access to any course type.

Q: Why can’t I revoke access from a member?
If the member already meets the course’s unlock criteria (such as All Members, Level Unlock, Time Unlock, or Paid), access cannot be revoked.

Q: Do members receive a notification when access is granted?
Yes. An email notification is sent when a course is unlocked manually.

Q: Can Private courses be unlocked automatically?
No. Private courses require manual admin approval and cannot be unlocked through automation.

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