The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has released updated Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) guidance and instructions, which reflects updated requirements of the Ensuring Consistent and Rigorous Standards for the Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Programs final rule, effective July 27, 2026.  This updated guidance supersedes the SESCDP requirements listed in the OPM memorandum Hiring and Talent Development for the Senior Executive Service. 

Overview

A Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) is one succession management tool agencies may use to identify and prepare aspiring senior executive leaders.    An SESCDP is designed to further develop SES candidates’ competencies in each of the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). Graduates of SESCDPs who are certified by OPM’s Qualifications Review Board (QRB) may receive an initial career SES appointment without further competition.  QRB-certified graduates typically start their SESCDP with experiences normally obtained at the GS-15 level, or equivalent.  However, some agencies open their SESCDPs to individuals at the GS-14 level, or equivalent.  Note that QRB certification does not guarantee placement in the SES, and SESCDP participation is not required for selection into the Senior Executive Service.

About the Program

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, coaching, and mentoring.

The combination of these experiences should enhance participants’ executive competencies and increase their understanding of Government-wide programs and issues beyond their individual agency and profession.  SESCDPs address the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) that embody the leadership skills needed to succeed in the SES. 

In addition, SESCDPs advance 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.

Agencies must obtain OPM approval of their SESCDP before they conduct their next SESCDP and whenever there are substantial changes to the program. Agencies must seek re-approval every three years thereafter.

SESCDP Notification

All SESCDPs are announced via USAJOBS.  To be notified of future programs, you can set a search on USAJOBS.gov.
To create a saved search, follow these instructions  https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/search/save.