Preparing for the SES

Prior to your appointment to an SES position, an independent Qualifications Review Board (QRB) must certify your qualifications.  QRBs are administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).  If your agency Executive Resources Board (ERB) recommends your appointment to an SES position, your case will be forwarded for QRB certification.  The QRB will review your Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) to certify that you possess the leadership skills needed to succeed in the SES.  All candidates for the SES are required to submit, along with their resume, an ECQ statement addressing each of the five ECQs.

Available Resources to Help You Prepare Your SES Application

This page is designed to assist you in the preparation of your SES application.  Of particular interest is the OPM Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications.  Inside this document, you will find a detailed description of the SES merit staffing process and the QRB process.  The Guide also contains a detailed discussion of executive qualifications, including key characteristics of the qualifications, and definitions of leadership competencies that make up the qualifications. 

Once you understand the SES merit staffing process, the ECQs, and the ERB process, you should identify positions you are qualified for and begin writing the Executive Core Qualifications Statements.  The Guide provides an overview of writing Executive Core Qualifications Statements, including examples of successful statements written using the C-CAR method.  In this section, you will also find helpful tips for writing effective Executive Core Qualifications Statements. 

If you find yourself in need of professional development in order to meet the ECQs, both the Federal Executive Institute and the Management Development Centers have information on developmental programs designed to enhance the leadership capabilities of government executives and managers.  Also, visit our web site on executive training and development by clicking here.