OPM's new executive development programs are closely aligned with the new Executive Core Qualifications, ensuring participants develop the critical competencies needed for today’s federal leadership roles. By focusing on these updated standards, OPM is empowering leaders to drive meaningful results and advance the mission of government agencies nationwide. These are not considered formal candidate development programs. Leaders interested in candidate development programs should visit the SES policy section of the OPM webpage. 

Senior Executive Development Program (SEDP)

For SES, Senior Professional (SL and ST), GS-15, and GS-14 leaders, SEDP features a dynamic on-demand video series, including podcast-style discussions with accomplished leaders who share practical insights to enhance leadership effectiveness and impact. The program delivers transformative learning experiences that inspire action and sharpen strategic thinking. Explore topics at your own convenience and validate your understanding of key concepts through thoughtfully-crafted assessments.

Tuition: $1,500  |  Register*  |  Learn more  |  Download fact sheet

Leadership for an Efficient and Accountable Government (LEAG)

Tailored for high-potential GS-14 and GS-15 employees aspiring to SES roles, LEAG provides a strong foundation for advancement. The curriculum equips participants with essential leadership, strategic thinking, and program management skills, blending virtual and in-person sessions with interactive modules. LEAG participants will learn to connect strategic policy with practical implementation while building a powerful professional network.

Tuition: $8,500  |  Register*  |  Learn more  |  Download fact sheet

Senior Executive Orientation Briefing and bi-monthly SES Leading Edge Programs

Registration will open soon for these programs, which offer continued development of SES, aligning with the new Executive Core Qualifications and the Presidents Management Agenda. To learn more or to be notified of when they are are open for registration, sign up to receive email updates or contact leadersolutions@opm.gov.

*Submitting the registration form does not complete your enrollment. You will receive payment instructions by email, and your registration will be finalized once tuition payment is processed through Pay.gov.

OPM’s Senior Executive Development Program (SEDP) equips Senior Executive Service (SES), Senior Professional (SL and ST), GS-15, and GS-14 leaders with the essential skills and knowledge to champion the priorities of the administration. Engage in a transformative learning experience that inspires action, sharpens leadership capabilities, fosters strategic thinking, and strengthens accountability within the federal government. 

Curriculum

With focused content tailored to senior executives in the federal government, you’ll be equipped to advance your agency’s mission and objectives in critical areas such as rulemaking, appropriations, budget, human capital, technology, and policy. You’ll deepen your expertise, learn from fellow executives, and embrace the exciting challenges of your role with renewed confidence and enthusiasm. The 40-hour curriculum must be completed within six months to earn a certificate of completion. 

Program Benefits 

High-quality, on-demand videos and podcast-style discussions delivered by experienced officials allow you to explore essential topics at your convenience. Explore topics at your own convenience and validate your understanding of key concepts through thoughtfully-crafted assessments. 

Note: This is not considered a formal candidate development program. Leaders interested in candidate development programs should visit the SES policy section of the OPM webpage. 

*Aspiring executives in grades GS-14 and GS-15 are eligible to apply. 

Overview

Your journey to executive leadership begins with OPM’s Leadership for an Efficient and Accountable Government (LEAG) program. Designed for high-potential, high-performing GS-14 and GS-15 federal employees, this program builds a strong foundation for advancement to Senior Executive Service (SES) roles.

Curriculum

The curriculum aligns with new Executive Core Qualifications, guiding you from foundational knowledge of the Constitution to advanced topics like crisis leadership and executive communication. You’ll gain essential skills to bridge policy and implementation, drive efficiency, uphold accountability, and expand your impact as a senior leader serving the American people.

Program Benefits

Experience a flexible blend of virtual and in-person instruction, coaching, assessments, and interactive modules designed to strengthen your leadership, strategic thinking, program management, and decision-making abilities. You’ll seamlessly connect strategic policy through practical application while building professional peer networks.

Schedule

LEAG consists of 80 hours of blended learning delivered over 14 weeks, with the exception of the pilot cohort, which is 10 weeks. Each cohort begins and ends with a two-day, in-person session at the Theodore Roosevelt Building in Washington, DC. During the intervening 12 weeks, participants engage in 4–5 hours of coursework per week, which includes both synchronous, facilitated cohort meetings and asynchronous assignments to be completed independently.

Note: This is not considered a formal candidate development program. Leaders interested in candidate development programs should visit the SES policy section of the OPM webpage.