The Defense Authorization Act for FY 2002, P.L. 107-107 codified in 5 U.S.C. § 5757,
allows agencies to use appropriated funds or funds otherwise available to the agency to
pay for the expenses of employees to obtain professional credentials, including expenses
for professional certification. Since its enactment, the U.S. Office of Personnel
Management (OPM) has received numerous inquiries about this legislation specifically
regarding the development and implementation of certification programs. The purpose of
this fact sheet is to assist agencies with the planning, implementation, evaluation and reevaluation
of certification programs.

Any questions regarding this information can be sent to the aPM Human Resources
Development mailbox at hrdleadership@opm.gov.

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