"The Federal Candidate Development Program is designed to groom high potential individuals for immediate entry into the Senior Executive Service upon successful completion of the program and certification by the Qualifications Review Board," said OPM Director Linda Springer.

Fed CPD was previously offered in July 2005 and January 2008 but was suspended in April to ensure fairness in the processing of all applications. The focus of this year's program offering is to provide training and developmental opportunities to outstanding Federal employees to prepare them for entry into the Senior Executive Service (SES). Unlike the first Fed CDP, this year's program is only open to Federal employees with one or more years of leadership experience at the GS-15 level (or equivalent).

Those applying to the program undergo a rigorous assessment/selection process, which includes an initial screening of qualifications and evaluation of written narratives describing key accomplishments, followed by an assessment center review and a structured interview. Applicants apply for occupational specialties identified by the employing agency and are required to submit extensive documentation to demonstrate their qualifications, including a resume, occupational questionnaire, accomplishment record, a copy of a notification of Personnel Action (SF 50), veterans' preference documentation, transcripts (if required) and proof of bar membership (if required).

Once selected, candidates participate in a rigorous 12-month developmental program, which includes: classroom training sessions; developmental assignments; on-the-job learning; leadership forums; mentoring; coaching; field experiences; reading assignments, and Web-based learning.

For further information on the program and application process, please visit http://www.opm.gov/fedcdp/