Current PMFs
Frequently Asked Questions
Search Tip: To search for a specific topic
within this FAQ page, press CTRL + F (Mac users: Command + F) keys
and enter a keyword. You can also search the PMF website for
keywords on all pages.
The following FAQs are directed towards Fellows.
- When will the Job Fair, Orientation, Graduation,
etc., be held?
- How do I develop an Individual Development Plan
(IDP)?
- How do I find a developmental
assignment?
- What do I need to do to graduate from the PMF
Program?
- Is the PMF Orientation and Graduation Ceremony a
requirement for completion of the PMF Program?
- I lost my certificate for the PMF Orientation
Session and I need to include this with my ERB package to complete
the Program. How can I get a duplicate certificate?
1.
When will the Job Fair, Orientation, Graduation, etc., be
held?
The Job Fair is held in the spring, usually 3-4 weeks after
the selection of Finalists. The PMF Orientation
sessions will be held periodically throughout the year for
current Fellows. The Graduation Ceremony is held in late
spring. However, these timelines may change from year to
year. When the PMF Program Office has dates for any of these
and other events, a notice will be posted on the PMF website and an
email will be sent to applicable parties.
2. How do I
develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP)?
You and your supervisor should develop the required
IDP together. The OPM Form 1302, PMF IDP [357 KB], is an
optional Adobe Acrobat fillable PDF form that Fellows may
use. The Training
webpage offers many suggestions to get
you started. You will need to complete 80 hours of
training per year during your fellowship as well as a 4-6
month developmental assignment. You should also consult
with your Agency PMF Coordinator and Mentor.
3. How do
I find a developmental assignment?
You should work with your supervisor to identify
a developmental assignment and it should be included on your
IDP. Not all developmental assignments are located outside of
the employing agency. If a developmental assignment cannot be
identified, there is a list of rotational opportunities on
the Rotational
Opportunities webpage that may meet the
requirements of the developmental assignment. Another option
is to network with other Fellows who may know of assignments within
their agencies. However, the employing agency has the final
approval of whether you may perform the developmental
assignment outside of the employing agency. A developmental
assignment may take place at the Fellow's organization, appointing
agency, or to another Federal Agency. Visit the Training and
Development webpage to learn
more.
4. What do
I need to do to graduate from the PMF Program?
All requirements of the PMF Program must be
satisfactorily completed before you can be certified and
converted. Each agency has an Executive Resources Board (ERB), or
equivalent, that must verify that all requirements of the PMF
Program have been successfully completed. The appointing
agency notifies the PMF Program Office of the results of the
board's decision. Agencies may have specific requirements for their
ERB process and the Agency PMF Coordinator should be aware of
that process. Early on in the fellowship, you should work
with your supervisor, mentor, and Agency PMF Coordinator to
determine the requirements, deadlines, etc., for successful ERB
certification. Successful completion of the PMF Program
requirements and ERB certification is what authorizes you to
non-competitively convert to a permanent or term
position. Once you are ERB certified and
converted, you are eligible to participate in the
Graduation Ceremony and considered graduated.
5. Is the PMF
Orientation and Graduation Ceremony a requirement for completion of
the PMF Program?
No, neither is a requirement. Your
participation in a PMF Orientation session may count
towards your required training hours and should be recorded
on your IDP. Graduating Fellows may choose to participate
in the Graduation Ceremony or have a certificate of completion
mailed to their home address on file; this is done during the
Graduation Ceremony registration process. Certificates may
only be requested up to a year after your class graduation
ceremony.
6. I lost
my certificate for the PMF Orientation session and I need to
include this with my ERB package to complete the Program. How can I
get a duplicate certificate?
Duplicate certificates are not issued. Typically at the
conclusion of PMF Program Office sponsored event, a confirmation of
participation is sent via email; this serves as your certificate.
Agency PMF Coordinators have access to on-line reports that
identify when their Fellows have participated in a PMF Orientation
Session.
It is important that when you attend training
during your fellowship and throughout your Federal career
that you keep documentation of training attended. This is
often used to support future career opportunities! You
are encouraged to keep copies of all training certificates,
send copies to your Agency PMF Coordinator, and maintain a PMF
Program folder to keep track of all program
requirements.
UPDATED: 11-04-2012