Will a LEAD Certificate translate into points on a job application?
No, but the certificate will show your future employer that you have mastered a certain body of knowledge that OPM recommends for a specific level of leadership.
Can I take a LEAD seminar above the level of my current position?
You may earn a LEAD Certificate for a level of leadership, even if you are not at that level, but we strongly recommend checking with your training manager to see whether your agency has any specific rules regarding taking seminars for a higher level than your current position.
Can I substitute coursework from other programs to count towards a LEAD Certificate?
Only OPM training programs listed for a given level of leadership will count towards a LEAD Certificate at that level.
What if I have taken OPM seminars previously that are listed in the LEAD Certificate Program, can they count towards a LEAD Certificate?
If you have taken the seminar(s) after October 1, 2005, then they can count. But remember to keep in mind that the three year window for the LEAD Certificate will begin as of the start date of the first seminar taken; be sure to leave yourself enough time to complete the necessary seminars for the LEAD Certificate.
Can a LEAD Certificate count towards a Master’s Degree?
Many seminars offered in the LEAD Certificate Program are certified by the American Council on Education (ACE) for college or graduate credit. The credit hours vary depending on the length and content of the course. ACE serves as a registry for students to collect ACE-certified course credits for nontraditional training courses. After paying a one-time fee to establish a transcript with ACE, students can use ACE to collect and maintain a permanent record of classes and credits. The ACE transcript is accepted for transfer credit at most colleges and universities, depending on specific degree programs. The transcript also serves as an easy way for degreed participants to document continuous learning.
If I have three years to complete a LEAD Certificate, when does the clock start ticking?
All training programs for a LEAD Certificate must be completed within 3 years of the start date of the first seminar taken.
Does it matter what order I take the 5 seminars in LEAD Certificate level?
It is recommended, but not required, to complete the Assessment and Core seminars first, before taking the Policy and Skill categories.
Once I have completed the 5 seminars for a level of leadership, how do I get my LEAD Certificate?
It is a three step process:
- Upon completion of all required seminars needed for a LEAD Certificate, please submit a scanned copy of all completed OPM seminar certificates to the LEAD Certificate Program Coordinator, via an email to LEAD@opm.gov, within 90 days of completion of the last seminar taken.
- Once OPM has verified that you have completed your required seminars, you will have 90 days to complete a capstone paper, of 3-5 pages in length. You will email the paper to the LEAD Certificate Program Coordinator, via an email to LEAD@opm.gov, who will have an OPM Program Director/Faculty Member evaluate the paper, on a Pass/Fail basis, to ascertain your ability to clearly communicate the key lessons gained from the seminars and your experience(s) in applying back at your agency what you have learned.
- Once a “Pass” rating on the capstone paper is attained from an OPM Program Director/Faculty Member, the LEAD Certificate Program Coordinator will notify you via email that you have successfully completed the Program and that your Lead Certificate will be mailed to you.