Many agencies use Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) as one tool to identify and prepare aspiring senior executive leaders. SESCDPs are highly competitive programs designed to further develop SES candidates’ competencies in each of the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). Most agencies receive 500-1,000 applications in response to their SESCDP postings.
Graduates of SESCDPs who are certified by the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM’s) Qualifications Review Board (QRB) may receive an initial career SES appointment without further competition. It should be noted that if successful SESCDP graduates apply for SES-posted positions, they are required to submit a resume and any technical qualifications (TQ) as part of their application.
Many agencies limit SESCDP applicants to those who are currently at the GS-15 level, or equivalent. However, some agencies open their SESCDPs to individuals at the GS-14 level, or equivalent. Some agencies even allow individuals not currently in the government to apply for a SESCDP; you’ll need to read the job announcement carefully. QRB certification does not guarantee placement in the SES, and SESCDP participation is not required for selection into the SES.
Each agency’s SESCDP is different but there are some overarching Office of Personnel Management (OPM) requirements. An SESCDP must last a minimum of 12 months and include the following as mandated by 5 CFR 412.302(c):
- an Individual Development Plan (IDP), based on individual needs and competencies;
- at least 80 hours of formal training that addresses the ECQs and includes individuals from outside the candidate’s agency;
- at least 4 months of developmental assignments outside the candidate’s position of record; and
- an SES mentor.
SESCDPs provide SES candidates with Government-wide leadership challenges, interactions with senior employees outside their department and/or agency, interagency training experiences, executive level development assignments, and mentoring. In addition, SESCDPs promote the goal of a “corporate SES,” a diverse corps of career executives who share a Government-wide perspective. They are well positioned to lead change both within their agencies and throughout Government.
Some organizations and agencies offer CDP-like programs. For your ECQs to be approved by a QRB, your agency’s SESCDP must be approved by OPM.
If you are interested in applying for a SESCDP, set a search on USAJOBS.gov. To create a saved search:
- Login to USAJOBS.gov
- Go to My Account/Saved Searches/Create New Search
- Enter Candidate Development Program in the Title Search field
- Select the appropriate Yes or No response under the Applicant Eligibility field
- Enter a name for your saved search in the Name Your Saved Search field
- Select how often you want to receive email notifications (i.e., daily or weekly)
