Beginning October 1, 2025, new ECQs are in effect (although agencies are encouraged to implement them sooner). Image: ilikeyellow/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffOPM has opened registration for revised executive development programs for SES, GS-15, and GS-14 leaders that have been revised to more closely align them with Trump administration policies and reflecting its changes to the standards for evaluating SES members and candidates to advance into the SES.
“By focusing on these updated standards, OPM is empowering leaders to deliver meaningful results and advance the mission of government agencies nationwide, drive President Trump’s ambitious agenda, and improve performance and accountability across the federal government,” OPM said.
Registration is at www.opm.gov/EDP for the Senior Executive Development Program for SES, GS-15, and GS-14 leaders—an “on-demand video series, including podcast-style discussions with key Trump Administration leaders who share practical insights to enhance leadership effectiveness and impact”—and the Leadership for an Effective and Accountable Government Program for GS-14 and GS-15 employees aspiring to the SES who will “will learn to connect strategic policy with practical implementation while building a powerful professional network.”
OPM previously had announced its intention to recast the SES candidate development program so that it would, among other things, “provide training on President Trump’s Executive Orders.” That was among a number of Trump administration initiatives that in sum seek to more closely align the senior executive cadre, which is about 90 percent career, with the administration’s goals.
For example, it revised the “executive core qualifications” to stress producing results that align with “stated goals from superiors,” ability to “cut wasteful spending” and “when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.” The administration also previously terminated pre-existing boards for hiring and evaluating SES members, told agencies to assign noncareer officials to those boards, and to include in SES performance evaluations whether they “faithfully administered the law and advanced the President’s policy priorities.”
It further closed the Federal Executive Institute, for decades the government’s flagship leadership development program for those in the SES and those in the upper GS levels.
Beginning October 1, 2025, new ECQs are in effect (although agencies are encouraged to implement them sooner):
• Commitment to the Rule of Law & the Principles of the American Founding
• Driving Efficiency
• Merit & Competence
• Leading People
• Achieving Results
Additional changes effective October 1 include:
• The use of executive assessments (USAHIRE, Situational Judgement Test, Accomplishment Record, Work Simulation, or another validated assessment) in the qualifications and selection process
• 80 calendar day timeframe from the close of the posting to send the selectee to OPM (current timeframe is 90 business days)
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See also,
What to Know About the New Federal Application Process
Top 10 Provisions in the Big Beautiful Bill of Interest to Federal Employees
A Pre-RIF Checklist for Every Federal Employee, From a Federal Employment Attorney
Work Longer or Take the FERS Supplement Now: Which is Better?
