This Guide will help agencies expand opportunities for program and project managers and ensure they obtain the appropriate experience and training to effectively manage increasingly complex programs and projects.¹ This Guide also serves as a roadmap for individuals interested in pursuing a career in Federal Program and Project Management and provides employees and their supervisors with a single-source reference to determine appropriate training opportunities for career advancement. Specifically, the Guide:

• Provides a career progression outline for employees to move among and across jobs in Federal Program and Project Management, as well as success factors that enable individuals to maximize performance and career advancement. It identifies the typical and non-typical career paths into Mid/Full Performance-Level (GS 9-11), Expert-Level (GS 12-13), and Senior-Level (GS 14-15) Program and Project Management positions, as well as the success factors that contribute to career development and successful performance. Please note, however, the career paths identified in this Guide by subject matter experts do not constitute an exhaustive list, and employees may identify alternative ways to successfully progress into and through the field of Program and Project Management.

• Helps employees and supervisors plan and sequence appropriate career training and development for each general and technical competency.The Federal Program and Project Management Competency Development Framework identifies key work behaviors, training options, and developmental opportunities associated with each competency. Individuals are expected to demonstrate higher proficiency levels in alignment with career progression.

• Lists common credentials and certifications completed by Program and Project Managers in the Federal Sector. While a degree or certificate is not required to advance in the Federal Program and Project Management field, many individuals in this occupation possess some type of certification or credentialing. Industry job experts commonly emphasize the importance of both experience and coursework for successful performance as a Program and Project Manager.