OPM Pushes Uniform Rules for Training Future Federal Leaders
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The government wants to make sure its top leaders get the best training possible by updating the rules for Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Programs. These changes affect federal agencies that prepare future leaders, making training more consistent and tougher. If you have thoughts, speak up by February 17, 2026—no extra costs, just smarter leadership ahead!
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Estimated Agency Costs and Per-Participant Increases
OPM estimates initial policy updates will take about 100 hours of staff time at an assumed $154.76/hour cost, or about $15,000 per agency and about $200,000 total for the current agencies; adding 20 more formal training hours raises cost per participant by $3,000, a second assessment adds $350, and external coaching was estimated at about $1,000 per hour. OPM estimates combined new training and development costs of about $152,000 per agency if agencies use internal coaches, or about $402,000 per agency if they use external services, totaling about $2.2 million or $5.4 million across participating agencies respectively.
Must Use OPM Policy Template
If your department or agency wants to run an SES Candidate Development Program, you must submit a single, agency-wide policy using an OPM-provided SESCDP policy template and obtain OPM approval before implementing the program. OPM directed agencies to submit updated policies no later than October 31, 2025, and OPM said approvals will occur within 30 days after the final rule date.
Triennial OPM Re-Approval Requirement
Agencies must seek OPM re-approval of their OPM-approved SESCDP policy every three years and must consult OPM before making changes that substantially alter compliance. OPM re-approval is required before an agency initiates a new SESCDP.
SESCDP Cohorts Shortened to 9–12 Months
SESCDP cohorts must now last at least 9 months but not more than 12 months; OPM may grant extensions up to 15 months for extenuating circumstances. This replaces the prior minimum of 12 months and prior maximums up to 24 months.
Formal Training Increased to 100 Hours
SESCDPs must provide at least 100 hours of formal interagency or multi-sector training (up from at least 80 hours). The training must include topics such as strategic planning, financial management, human capital/human resource management, government efficiency, management and supervision, and accountability.
Mentoring and Certified Coaching Requirements
SESCDP participants must receive at least 10 hours of mentoring and at least 10 hours of coaching during the program. Coaches must be certified with an accredited coaching organization and mentors must be SES members or approved by the agency ERB.
120-Day Developmental Assignment Required
Each SESCDP participant must complete a developmental assignment of at least 120 continuous days in a full-time role other than their position of record, with executive-level responsibility. Assignments may be outside the agency or Federal Government if they comply with law and ethics rules.
Evaluation Templates and Placement-Rate Requirement
Agencies must use OPM-developed evaluation templates to collect cohort and annual program data, and to seek OPM re-approval must submit an overarching program evaluation showing initial SES placement rates for QRB-certified graduates and that the agency maintains a minimum placement rate as required by OPM policy.
Two Validated Executive Assessments Required
Each SESCDP applicant must complete one validated executive assessment at selection, and each SESCDP participant must complete a second validated executive assessment during the program. Agencies must use the selection assessment results to choose candidates and use the in-program assessment to guide development.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in