OPM's new executive development programs are closely aligned with the new Executive Core Qualifications and Leadership Framework, 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

SES Leading Edge (SESLE)

The SES Leading Edge program offers continued development of SES, aligning with the new Executive Core Qualifications and the Presidents Management Agenda. Sessions include the SES Orientation Briefing and bi-monthly developmental sessions. 

Tuition: $995  |  Register* |  Learn more

*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. 
**Tuition payment must be received three weeks prior to event date. 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.

Register
View program schedule below or download fact sheet.

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 four to five 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. 

The federal workforce looks to members of the Senior Executive Service (SES) and Senior Professionals (SL/ST) to lead strategic change, advance agency missions, and bring continual value to the American people. The SES Leading Edge program strengthens this leadership capacity through a series of high‑value, dialogue‑driven sessions designed to inspire strategic thinking, encourage innovation, and reinforce the critical role senior leaders play in driving efficiency, accountability, and organizational excellence.

Through periodic sessions, you’ll stay current on evolving federal priorities—gaining timely insights into policy, human capital trends, organizational performance, and priorities that shape today’s federal enterprise. Each session serves as a targeted development opportunity, equipping executives with the foresight, tools, and connections needed to navigate complex challenges and deliver results.

Curriculum

Each session features a distinct curriculum aligned to Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), SES competencies, or Administration priorities. Participants engage in focused discussions on federal HR priorities, emerging human capital trends, and the shifting dynamics affecting the government workforce.

Session content is tailored to the needs of senior federal leaders, featuring high-level speakers who share perspectives on ECQs, performance management, executive expectations, and the future of federal leadership. You’ll strengthen mission delivery in critical areas such as efficiency, human capital, technology, strategic planning, budget, policy, and more.

Program Benefits 

Through skill‑building, relational, and experiential content, these sessions deepen learning and strengthen the SES community. During these sessions, you will:

• Hear directly from seasoned SES leaders and subject matter experts, gaining practical insights, leadership strategies, and lessons learned from those shaping federal leadership today.
• Expand your network across government, connecting with SES and senior professionals from multiple agencies to foster collaboration, shared learning, and mission alignment.
• Stay ahead of workforce and policy shifts through timely briefings on federal HR priorities, human capital challenges, and strategic considerations influencing agencies nationwide.
• Strengthen leadership capacity through ongoing engagement that reinforces strategic thinking, innovation, and adaptability—core attributes essential to thriving as a senior leader.
• Build continuity in executive development, returning to sessions throughout the year to refine skills, broaden perspectives, and maintain momentum in personal and organizational growth.

Schedule