Q1: What is the Aspiring Directors Program?
A1: The Aspiring Directors Program is a guided developmental activity for identified candidates to reflect on the competencies that are critical to the success of executives in the federal public service. Participants will explore the importance of self-awareness and personal reflection in becoming a better leader and examine the leadership and self-management skills needed to build teams and become an effective agent of change.
Q2: Who is eligible to participate in this program?
A2: Participants must be at the EX minus 1 level or equivalent and have a talent management plan.
Because of the design of the program, experience in human resource management is recommended. In addition, participants must have completed the Authority Delegation Training Program. The School reserves the right to follow up with candidates to ensure that they meet the established screening criteria.
Q3: Should I take this program if I am acting at the EX level?
A3: If you are acting at the EX level for an extended period (meaning more than six months), you would benefit more from attending the New Directors Program.
Q4: Will you accept candidates at the EX minus 2 group and level?
A4: We only accept candidates at the EX minus one level or equivalent at this time. However, given regional variations in classification levels and associated levels of responsibility, the School will accept such candidates on a case-by-case basis for future offerings. However, experience in human resource management will be required. The School reserves the right to follow up with candidates to ensure that they meet the established screening criteria.
Q5: How is the program structured?
A5: The program is offered in three phases. Phases 1 and 3 are delivered in person in a classroom setting. Phase 2 includes both online and at work learning, done individually and in small groups.
Q6: What is the time commitment for each phase of the program?
A6: To complete the program, participants are expected to:
- Phase 1: spend three days in class, and complete occasional light reading and homework
- Phase 2: during the three months allocated for this phase, spend an average of one hour per week on individual assignments, online discussions, and peer leadership group activities
- Phase 3: spend two days in class, and complete occasional light reading and homework.
Q7: How do I register for the program?
A7: Contact your departmental learning coordinator to obtain registration instructions. The School reserves the right to follow-up with candidates to ensure that they meet the established screening criteria.
Q8: Are there any prerequisite courses for this program?
A8: Yes. Effective October 1, 2025, holding a valid Authority Delegation Certificate will become a pre-requisite for participants in the Aspiring Directors Program (ADP) who are in the core public administration (departments and agencies listed in Schedules I and IV of the Financial Administration Act). In addition, it is recommended that participants have experience in human resource management.
Please note: You do not need to have delegated authority from your department to get the ADT for Managers certification or participate in the ADP (LPL130). The ADT courses are designed to build understanding of the roles and responsibilities associated with delegated authorities, whether or not you currently hold such authorities.
Q9: What courses are required to obtain the ADT for Managers certification?
A9: To obtain the ADT for Managers certification, you must successfully complete all three online, self-paced courses of the ADT Program for Managers (Total time: approximately 13 hours):
Q10: Do I need to hold a valid certification for the ADT for Managers to be eligible for the ADP (LPL130)?
A10: Yes, a valid ADT for Managers certification is required. Please note that the ADT certification is valid for five years. To keep their certifications valid, managers must complete the three ADT courses every five years.
Q11: I am registered for a cohort starting before October 1, 2025. Do I need the ADT for Managers certification?
A11: No. The certification is required only for cohorts starting on or after October 1, 2025.
Q12: I am registered for the ADP (LPL130) but haven't chosen my cohort yet. Do I need the ADT for Managers certification first?
A12: Whether you need the ADT certification depends on when your cohort starts:
- If your cohort starts before October 1, 2025, you do not need certification.
- If your cohort starts on or after October 1, 2025, you do need certification.
Q13: Who should I contact if I have questions about the program?
A13: Please contact the School's Client Contact Centre to obtain additional information about the program.
Q14: How long do I need to observe a leader in Phase 2 of the program?
A14: You should plan to observe a leader between two to ten hours in total, depending on your current work schedule and in agreement with your supervisor.
Q15: What do I do if I cannot observe a leader in person?
A15: It is ideal to observe a leader in person at least some of the time. However, if this is not possible, virtual observation is acceptable (for example, online meetings, phone calls, emails).
Q16: What types of leader activities should I observe in Phase 2?
A16: You should observe activities where leadership qualities you want to emulate take place.
Q17: How do I make a request to observe the leader I chose in Phase 2?
A17: In Phase 2 section on the learning platform, there is a sample letter that you can copy and send to the leader’s administrative or executive assistant. Ensure your supervisor is aware of the program expectations and time commitment of two to ten hours of observation.
Q18: What work am I expected to complete in my peer leadership group during Phase 2?
A18: During Phase 2 of the program, you are expected to establish a schedule of meetings with your peer leadership group to:
- role play conflict management scenarios
- practice your self-leadership narratives
- discuss the Phase 2 journal reflection questions related to the mandatory course
- discuss your individual development plans
- share your observations of a leader and any other observations you have
You can also share resources with your peer leadership group. Remember, this is an opportunity to create an important networking group that may be with you for your entire career!
Q19: Do I need to answer the journal reflection questions throughout the program?
A19: No, you do not need to answer the online journal questions although journalling is recommended. There are Word documents with journal reflection questions available for you to download from the learning platform and save on your computer.
Q20: Can I switch cohorts after the program starts?
A20: The Aspiring Directors Program uses a cohort-based learning model, where participants move through the program within a consistent group, promoting collaboration, support and deeper engagement. Requests to switch cohorts will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, such as significant health or family emergencies. Each request will be evaluated individually to ensure the decision respects both the learner's needs and the integrity of the cohort experience.
