The NIH Training Center's career development programs offer participants an opportunity for professional growth and self-improvement. They range from short-term programs designed to help with a specific skill to longer-term programs designed to develop multiple competencies, support career planning, foster knowledge transfer within NIH, and provide tools for succession planning.

Employees who wish to participate in an NIH career development program must meet basic eligibility requirements and, in some cases, compete in a rigorous selection process. Successful candidates are then expected to meet all of the requirements of the program.