Senior Executive Service Senior Executive Service FAQs

Executive Development

• How long do I have to be in the SES before I’m eligible for a sabbatical? View more
  In order to be eligible for a sabbatical, SES Career appointees must complete seven years of service in SES position(s) or SES equivalent civil service position(s) (grade level above a GS-15 or equivalent), and at least two of the seven years specifically must be in the SES.  SES members may not be eligible for voluntary retirement at the time the sabbatical begins.  A sabbatical may not be granted to the same individual more than once in a 10-year period.
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• Am I required to take training? View more
  Training is delegated to the agencies (5 U.S.C. 4103(a)).  Each agency is responsible for developing its own programs.  You should check with your agency to obtain information on training your agency specifically requires for SES members.  Agencies are required to develop learning programs and opportunities for the continued development of their executives. All Federal employees are required to take a set of Federal Mandatory training courses including IT Security Awareness, No Fear Act, and EEO training.  Executives are required to take Ethics Awareness training as well.  Check with your Executive Resources office for a schedule of these mandatory courses at your agency.
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• Is there any program that will help me prepare to become an SES member? View more
  Yes.  SES Candidate Development Programs are competitive programs designed to develop the executive qualifications of employees with strong executive potential.  Participation in an SESCDP is not a prerequisite for obtaining an SES appointment
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• Where can I get information about SES Candidate Development Programs (SESCDPs)? View more
  Visit http://www.opm.gov/ses/recruitment/candevprg.asp for information about SES Candidate Development Programs.  Agencies and departments that recruit for SESCDP participants must advertise on OPM's website USAJOBS.
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• What’s an Executive Development Plan? View more
  An Executive Development Plan is a document completed by an executive to plan developmental activities over a period of time.  Developmental activities may include classroom and online training, developmental assignments, action learning, collaborative team projects, and reading.  An EDP template is available on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) website (www.opm.gov/ses), but first check with your agency – your agency may have a specific version for you to use.
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