Bearing the Presidential moniker, the PMF Program is a flagship leadership development program at the entry level for advanced degree candidates. It was created more than three decades ago by Executive Order and has gone through many changes over the years. The Program attracts and selects the best candidates possible, but is really designed with a more narrow focus - developing a cadre of potential government leaders. It provides some sustenance during the first years of employment and encourages development of leadership capabilities. The PMF Program inculcates a lasting bond as well as a spirit of public service, ultimately encouraging and leading to a career in the government.

What Do You Want to Change About Government?

What Will You Give?

You will give the best you have to give to a cause greater than yourself. You will bring fresh, new ideas and a willingness to take on challenges never dreamed possible.  Your zeal for the position will serve to spark new energy and excitement in your co-workers. As part of the PMF "fraternal order," you will portray your elite status through the quality of your work and service to your country. You will need to demonstrate leadership, foster teamwork, set goals and, in the end, deliver something of value to the American people.

What Will You Get?

In addition to salary and benefits, the PMF Program gives you a lot in return for your hard work. Your two-year appointment will provide a fast-paced opportunity to gain experience and develop your talents. You will be challenged with opportunities to flourish into a problem solver, strategic thinker and future leader. In addition to working at a single Federal agency, you may have the option to participate in a rotational opportunity at another agency. These rotational opportunities will challenge you even further and give you insight into how other areas of government operate.

While serving as a PMF, you will receive:

• 160 hours of formal interactive training (on leadership, management, policy and other topics)
• Challenging work assignments
• Feedback on your work
• At least one 4 to 6 month developmental assignment
• Potential for promotions and career ladders
• Upon certification of completion, which permits immediate noncompetitive conversion to a permanent or term position and carries prestige anywhere you go thereafter

Where Can You Go With This?

As a PMF, you can take your experience anywhere you want to go with your career. Many PMFs have continued their Federal service; many others have gone to the private sector, academia and the non-profit world.

The PMF Program is an excellent leadership training ground. Where will YOU take it?

Please see complete eligibility information at https://www.pmf.gov/become-a-pmf/eligibility/. 

Advanced degree required by August 31st of the following year of the annual application: a professional or graduate degree (e.g., master's, Ph.D., J.D.). Eligibility to apply to the PMF Program for selection of Finalists is based on an advanced degree, not by the type or discipline of the advanced degree. There is no age restriction for applying.

• If you have completed an advanced degree from a qualifying college or university during the previous two years from the opening date of the PMF Program's annual application announcement, you are eligible to apply.

Citizenship Considerations: Opportunities for Federal employment for non-United States citizens through the PMF Program are extremely rare. By law, most Federal agencies are prohibited from paying anyone who is not a U.S. citizen for positions in the continental United States. There are certain exemptions to this restriction. A non-citizen may be eligible for employment if the individual is:

1. Eligible to work under U.S. immigration laws. and
2. Eligible for and pursuing U.S. citizenship or appointed by a Federal agency permitted by that agency's appropriation act or agency-specific statutes to hire and pay non-citizens.

The PMF Program Office does not maintain a list of those Federal agencies that are permitted to appoint non-U.S. citizen Finalists to PMF positions as this is agency-specific. The PMF Program Office does not sponsor employment visas.

Please see complete eligibility information at https://www.pmf.gov/become-a-pmf/eligibility/. 

• graduate

• US Citizen
• Permanent Resident

The very first step in successfully becoming a PMF is paying attention to the details of the annual application and assessment process. For detailed eligibility requirements, check out the Eligibility webpage. Once the application period opens, it will appear on USAJOBS (www.usajobs.gov) by searching for "Presidential Management Fellows". Review the Application Process to learn about all the steps to apply.

This Become A PMF section outlines major components of the application and assessment process. Applicants should review each component, including the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), which may be updated throughout the process.

In addition, please review The Opportunity section, which includes general information about the PMF Program; compensation (including pay and promotions, benefits, and student loans); partnerships; alumni; and, FAQs.

Have questions or comments?

Mailing Address:
Presidential Management Fellows Program
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
1900 E Street, NW, Room 2469
Washington, DC 20415

Email Addresses:

pmf@opm.gov (General Inquiries)

pmfapplication@opm.gov (Application and Assessment Inquiries)