6/6/2025
Read the Memo Here
To implement the President’s directives and ensure “that the Executive Branch will work together in service of the Nation,”OPM is introducing new, enhanced Executive Core Qualifications that will improve SES hiring and provide the basis for continued development of the SES. OPM is reforming the SES application process to streamline the previous paperwork heavy, consultant-driven process. OPM is creating SES training programs to ensure that current and aspiring SES are equipped to deliver on key administration priorities.6 And OPM is strengthening agency Executive Resources Board oversight of the SES to ensure long-term planning and management of the SES by politically-accountable officials.
New Executive Core Qualifications
To align SES hiring with the new SES Performance Plan, OPM is providing new Executive Core Qualifications as follows:
- Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
- Driving Efficiency: Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
- Merit and Competence: Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
- Leading People: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization’s vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
- Achieving Results: Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors
Improved SES Application Method Read the Memo Here
10-Page ECQ Written Narratives Are No Longer Required –
Instead the ECQs will be prepared for the Structured SES Interview
At present, the SES hiring process requires lengthy, time-consuming essays. This cumbersome hiring process has hurt the government’s ability to hire high-caliber SES officials who share American values and possess exceptional skills. Going forward, agencies shall immediately discontinue the use of 10-page narrative essays in the hiring process.
2-Page SES Resume is Required:
Instead, they shall adopt a resume-only initial application method, with resumes capped at 2 pages. This will align Federal SES hiring with private industry and the Merit Hiring Plan.
It will also help agencies achieve a robust applicant pool of top executive talent and reduce the burden and delay associated with applying to the SES.
In addition, politically accountable agency leadership, or designees, should be involved “throughout the full hiring process” for SES officials. This should include, at a minimum, interviewing prospective SES to confirm organizational fit, commitment to American ideals, technical acumen, and alignment with the new Executive Core Qualifications.
This Guidance Prohibits both ECQ and Technical Qualification Narratives
This guidance prohibits both Executive Core Qualifications and Technical Qualifications narratives. Agencies may assess whether candidates possess those required qualifications through assessments, interviews, and resume reviews.
The Structured Interview Assessment will be based on the new ECQs – Beginning FY 2026
By statute, OPM must establish Qualifications Review Boards to certify that SES hires are of the highest quality. 5 U.S.C. § 3393(c). Beginning in FY 2026, OPM will transition from the lengthy narrative essays to a Structured Interview assessment method, based on the new Executive Core Qualifications, for all Qualifications Review Board submissions. In addition, to speed up career SES hiring and reduce delays, OPM is also changing the deadline for Qualifications Review Board submissions, as set forth in Appendix 2.