What is the Manager Development Program (LPL146)?
The Manager Development Program (MDP) (LPL146) is an eight-week, cohort-based virtual classroom program designed for managers in the first 18 months of their appointments. Participants register for the program and are then scheduled for eight days of cohort-based learning (one day per week over eight weeks). The program features content reflecting evolving workplace and public service realities.
Who is eligible for the program?
Departments' learning coordinators are responsible for nominating eligible candidates for this program and assigning them to it. They are encouraged to consider equity, diversity, and inclusion factors when making nominations for the program.
Are there any prerequisites for the redesigned MDP (LPL146)?
Effective October 1, 2025, holding a valid Authority Delegation Certificate is a pre-requisite for participants in the Manager Development Program who are in the core public administration (departments and agencies listed in Schedules I and IV of the Financial Administration Act).
Please note: You do not need to have delegated authority from your department to get the ADT for Managers certification or participate in the MDP (LPL146). 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.
What courses are required to obtain the ADT for Managers certification?
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):
Do I need to hold a valid certification for the ADT for Managers to be eligible for the MDP (LPL146)?
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.
I am registered for a cohort starting before October 1, 2025. Do I need the ADT for Managers certification?
No. The certification is required only for cohorts starting on or after October 1, 2025.
I am registered for the MDP (LPL146) but haven't chosen my cohort yet. Do I need the ADT for Managers certification first?
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
How many sessions can a registered learner miss before needing to restart the MDP (LPL146)?
Participants are expected to attend all eight sessions of the program. Attendance at both the first and the last sessions is mandatory. The last session includes the presentation on the leadership journey.
We understand that unexpected situations may arise. In such cases, you may miss one session, as long as it is neither the first nor the last one.
If you know you will be unable to attend any session before starting the program, we ask that you register for a different cohort.
The attendance rules also apply to those enrolling in summer cohorts. If you have vacation plans that mean you cannot respect these rules, please register for another cohort.
What are Leadership Circles, and how much time should I set aside for them?
Leadership Circles are small-group peer learning sessions that run alongside the eight-week MDP. Participants meet in groups of 4–5 at a time of their choosing to share experiences and support each other's growth.
Participants should plan for at least three 30–60 minutes meeting over the eight weeks. Meetings are independent of the weekly virtual classroom sessions and are learner-led. A different participant facilitates each meeting, and groups are encouraged to create a respectful, balanced and confidential environment.
When was the Manager Development Program: Virtual Edition (MDPv) discontinued?
Registration for the MDPv program ended on April 1, 2024.
Participants enrolled in the MDPv on or before that date who had completed Orientation and Self-Discovery for Managers (LPL134) had until March 31, 2025, to complete the remaining courses that were part of the program.
After March 31, the School removed those courses from its learning platform.
Please note that the following courses from the MDPv will remain in the School catalogue:
Will progress in the MDPv be transferred to the redesigned MDP (LPL146)?
The MDP has been significantly redesigned. For this reason, participants' progress cannot be transferred between the MDPv and redesigned programs. Participation in the MDP (LPL146) will continue to require nomination by departmental learning coordinators.
If a learner was previously nominated for but unable to complete the MDPv during the remaining eligibility period, can they still complete the MDP (LPL146)?
Registered learners had until March 31, 2025, to complete the current MDPv. If they did not complete it, they must be renominated by their departmental learning coordinators to enroll in the redesigned MDP (LPL146). They will start the MDP (LPL146) from the beginning.
Can a learner take the MDP (LPL146) if they have completed the MDPv?
Due to high demand and limited seats, the MDP (LPL146) is not available to learners who have completed the MDPv.
While the MDP (LPL146) features updates including a cohort-based structure and refreshed content, many of its foundational topics remain similar to those in the MDPv. We encourage those who have completed the MDPv to explore other leadership development opportunities, such as the Leadership Learning Path and the Aspiring Directors Program.
