SES Candidate Development Program Page

We talked about the SES Hiring Process and touched upon non-competitive entrance into SES positions where candidates are appointed to Senior Executive positions "from within."

SES The SES Candidate Development Program or CDP is an 18 to 24 month program that develops pools of SES candidates for future assignments, typically non-competitive appointments. These programs are generally available to existing GS-14 and GS-15 employees or their counterparts outside the Federal Government. So one avenue to the SES could be to obtain employment at the GS-14 or GS-15 level, and then apply for a CDP in the agency desired. We can absolutely help you develop a Federal Government job application program targeting this level, if you are not quite ready for the Senior Executive Service. If you are already a GS-14 or GS-15, we will help you develop your SES strategy. Remember, since SES position announcements are usually open only two weeks, you need to be ready to move fast when the right position comes along. We can get your package 80% ready, so that it can be rushed to completion for a particular vacancy, as necessary, and still provide you with the best possible presentation. The same is true for SES candidates applying from outside the Federal Government. It makes sense to be ready to move quickly when opportunity knocks.

The CDP programs involve a range of activities that prepare candidates for future success by focusing on the dynamics of the five Executive Core Qualifications. These intertwine the leadership skills and achievements necessary to succeed in the SES with skill sets that would apply to any SES position. This creates a valuable pool of talent for the Federal Government. In addition, the technical skills required in a particular agency are addressed, along with related behaviors that are associated with ECQ concepts.

Candidates in the SES Candidate Development Program will gain a leadership perspective suitable to positions throughout the Federal Government, making these candidates valuable assets for future placements in critical government roles. For the most part, CDP vacancies are Government-wide announcements. CDP graduates are certified by a Qualifications Review Board administered by the OPM and those candidates who competed government-wide may be considered for non-competitive SES position appointments providing that they meet the professional and technical requirements. Although the review board certification is an important and necessary component of the SES candidate's career process, the program completion and certification does not guarantee a SES position.

If you are selected for a Candidate Development Program, you will work with an individual development plan based on your competencies and needs and will receive 80 or more hours of ECQ based training. There will be external developmental assignments (outside of your agency) that last four months or longer and you will work with a SES mentor.

Please call us to discuss your options as they pertain to this exciting career development path.



Fill out our > > > Quick Quote < < < or Call 800-471-9201 for an SES consult.