---
title: "Group Cohorts"
source: "https://docs.nexcess.com/software/learndash/group-cohorts/"
description: "LearnDash allows course creators to run cohorts using Group Start and End Dates. This is helpful when offering the same course to different sets of users at dif…"
vertical: "Software"
area: "LearnDash"
date: "2023-08-15"
last_modified: "2026-07-02"
---

# Group Cohorts

LearnDash allows course creators to run cohorts using **Group Start** and **End Dates**. This is helpful when offering the same course to different sets of users at different times, such as seasonal sessions for Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

## How to Enable Group Cohorts

1. Go to LearnDash LMS > Groups
2. Edit any Group
3. Select Settings tab
4. Enter **Start Date** and **End Date** under **Group Access Settings**

![Group Cohorts](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Group-Cohorts-800x471-1.png)## **FAQ**

**Why can’t I add a course to multiple Groups?**If you utilize the Start/End Date feature for a group, you cannot add the same course to multiple groups. You will see one of these two error messages:

![Can not add Course to a Group Error Message](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screen-Shot-2023-08-16-at-1.57.36-PM-scaled.png)![Can not add Group to a Course Error Message](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screen-Shot-2023-08-16-at-1.58.26-PM-scaled.png)Instead, you can [Clone](https://docs.nexcess.com/software/learndash/cloning/) the course and add it to the new group.

DetailsIf you use a course in multiple groups, you cannot set a Start/End Date for that group.

When you go to the Group > Settings, you will see the Start and End Date are grayed out, and there will be a message stating (click the question mark):

![Start & End Date Settings](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screen-Shot-2023-08-16-at-8.31.23-AM.png)Instead, you can [Clone](https://docs.nexcess.com/software/learndash/cloning/) the course and add it to the new group. Then set the Start/End Date for the new group.

****Why can’t I set the Start and End Date for my Group?****If you use a course in multiple groups, you cannot set a Start/End Date for that group.

When you go to the Group > Settings, you will see the Start and End Date are grayed out, and there will be a message stating (click the question mark):

![Start & End Date Settings](https://docs.nexcess.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screen-Shot-2023-08-16-at-8.31.23-AM.png)Instead, you can [Clone](https://docs.nexcess.com/software/learndash/cloning/) the course and add it to the new group. Then set the Start/End Date for the new group.

Details

******Can I extend access for users who are enrolled in a Group Cohort?******Yes, however, there are limitations.

**Groups without an End Date** – The extension will override the expiry date (if any), and the user can access the course normally

**Groups with an End Date** – The extension will override the expiry date (if any) but not the end Date. So, the user will be able to access the course only if the group is still ongoing.

**Additionally:  
Course with or without an End Date** – The extension will override the expiry date (if any) and the end date. So, the user can access the course after expiration, even if the course has ended.

Details