The Civilian Education System (CES) is a progressive and sequential leader development program that provides enhanced educational opportunities for Army Civilians throughout their careers. Army Civilians will become multi-skilled, agile leaders of the 21st Century who personify the Warrior Ethos in all aspects, from warfighting support, to statesmanship, to enterprise management.

CES provides multiple levels of Civilian development to include Foundation Course, Basic Course, Intermediate Course, Advanced Course, Supervisor Development, Action Officer Development Course, and more. For a complete list of courses available click HERE.

 

Delivery Methods

Our course delivery methods include distributed learning (DL), resident instruction, and blended learning – a mixture of both DL and resident instruction. Our DL courses are available for all as self-development.

Funding

Most permanent Army Civilians and Local National employees are centrally funded — the Army pays for your tuition, travel, and per diem centrally. It does not come out of your unit budget. Military members, term and temporary employees, and non-Department of the Army employees are funded through their own organizations.

CES Underpinnings

The major underpinnings of CES are:

  • Student Centered — Focuses on the transfer of knowledge using the Army's Lifelong Learning Philosophy, with the emphasis on leader development.
  • Problem Based — Provides students with real-world issues and problems they will encounter as direct or indirect leaders.
  • Experiential — Allows students to practice new skills in an environment that minimizes risk, encourages participation, and offers immediate feedback.
  • Inquiry Based Learning — Focuses on questioning, critical thinking, and problem solving.

 

Foundation Course (All grades hired after September 2006)

The Foundation Course goal is to provide Army Civilians with an orientation to leader development concepts, build their careers and become Army Civilian leaders. The course objectives are to understand U.S. Army leadership doctrine; increase self-awareness, as it relates to their profession; understand team building, group dynamics, and effective communication; assess individual values and how they relate to professional ethics; understand how to manage professional advancement and leverage career potential; and complete administrative requirements expected of Army Civilians.

  • The Foundation Course is required for all Army Civilians employed after Sep. 30, 2006.
  • The Foundation Course is available through distance learning (DL) only.
  • Interns are required to complete the Foundation Course before completion of their intern program.
  • Applicants have 180 days from the date of enrollment to complete this course.
  • Applicant has unlimited attempts to pass all lessons with a score of 80% or higher.

Eligibility: The Foundation Course is available to all Army Civilians as a self-development tool.

Frequency: Initial entry; One time requirement

Time to Complete: 44.5 Academic Hours

 

Basic Course (GS-01 thru 09)

The Civilian Education System (CES) Basic Course is designed for the Army Civilian leader who exercises direct leadership to effectively lead and care for teams.  The Basic Course is required for GS 5–9 supervisors (and equivalent pay band/pay plan).  The Basic Course is encouraged, but not required, for those non-supervisor employees who seek supervisory and/or leader positions. The Basic Course can be completed in one of two ways:

  • The primary option is a 100% online course (Basic Course DL). This course is offered continuously and space is readily available for all prospective students in grades GS 1–9 or equivalent.
  • Prospective students may also request to attend a two-week resident course (Basic Course Resident). This face-to-face course is offered 15 times per year at Fort Leavenworth, KS. Seats are quota-managed and limited to 240 students per year.

Both versions of the Basic Course require completion of the Foundation Course as a prerequisite.

Frequency: One time requirement

Time to Complete: Resident = 2 weeks; DL= Self-paced not to exceed 180 days

 

Intermediate Course (GS-10 thru 12)

The goal of the Intermediate course is to educate civilians to be more adaptive, innovative, self-aware, and prepared to effectively lead and care for personnel and manage assigned resources. The Intermediate Course is designed to prepare participants for increasing responsibilities to exercise direct and indirect supervision. Students enhance their leadership abilities and develop skills to manage human and financial resources, displaying flexibility and resilience with a focus on the mission. This course is a combination of dL and three weeks of resident instruction.  The Intermediate Course is required for GS 10–12 supervisors (and equivalent pay band/pay plan).  The Intermediate Course is encouraged, but not required, for those non-supervisor employees who seek supervisory and/or leader positions.

Pre-Requisites: Must have graduated from the Foundation Course if you are an Army civilian hired after September 2006.

Special Information: Must graduate from 1-250-C61 (DL), Phase 1 prior to registering for the resident phase 2. CES courses are centrally funded for most Department of the Army Civilians.

Frequency: One time requirement

Time to Complete: Resident = 3 weeks; DL = Self-paced not to exceed 180 days

 

Advanced Course (GS-13 thru 15)

The Advanced Course focus is on Army Civilians skilled in leading a complex organization in support of national security and defense strategies; integrating Army and Joint systems in support of the Joint Force; inspiring vision and creativity; implementing change; and managing programs. The Advanced Course is conducted through blended learning - DL and four weeks resident training. Resident training is taken after successful completion of the DL and takes place in a university setting encompassing a classroom environment and small group seminars. The Advanced Course is required for GS 13–15 Supervisors (and equivalent pay band/pay plan). The Advanced Course is encouraged, but not required, for those non-supervisor employees who seek supervisory and/or leader positions.

Pre-Requisites: Must have graduated from the Foundation Course if you are an Army civilian hired after September 2006.

Special Information: Student must have graduated from the Advanced Course dL phase 1 prior to registering for the resident phase 2.

Frequency: One time requirement

Time to Complete: Resident = 4 weeks; DL = Self-paced not to exceed 180 days 

 

Continuing Education for Senior Leaders (CESL) (GS-14 & 15)

The CESL courses provide the continuing education sustainment program that brings senior level Civilian leaders together to discuss current and relevant issues facing the Army. The program's intent is for leaders to return to the program continuously to refresh and receive updates on current Army initiatives. The CESL course is conducted through blended learning - DL and four and a half days resident training. The DL consists of reading materials and written assignments. CESL resident training consists of both small and large group activities. The course structure is a combination of guest speakers and interactive exercises.

Pre-Requisites: Student must have graduated from the Advanced Course (or equivalent) and the Foundation Course if you are an Army civilian hired after September 2006.

Special Information: CES courses are centrally funded for most Department of the Army Civilians.

Frequency: One time requirement

Time to Complete: Resident: 4.5 days

 

Supervisor Development Course (All Supervisors)

The SDC provides supervisors with knowledge necessary to successfully manage work processes and lead in the Army Environment. The Supervisor Development Course is a web-based course with lessons that focus on supervising Civilian employees and is required for all Civilian and military personnel who supervise Army Civilians. The Supervisor Development Course must be completed within the first year of placement in a supervisory position in accordance with the one-year supervisory probationary period. Supervisors are required to complete this course as refresher training every three years. Supervisor Development Course is available to all Army employees as a self-development tool.

Applicants have 120 days from the date of enrollment to complete. There is one final exam associated with this course that is comparable in difficulty with a graduate level college comprehensive examination. Applicant has 2 attempts to pass the final exam and must score an 80% or above to pass.

FREQUENCY: ONCE EVERY 3 YEARS TIME TO COMPLETE: 39 Academic hours

 

Resident Supervisor Development Course (All Supervisors)

- This four day course is designed to arm supervisors on Fort Campbell with the knowledge and information they will need to best lead the installation workforce. It is a one-time requirement for all supervisors. Please note that this course is NOT in lieu of the mandatory online Supervisor Development Course. For more information on where to send seat requests, contact Workforce Development at 315-763-4928.

 

CES Equivalency/Constructive Credit

Course credit may be requested using the (equivalency or constructive) credit process and may be granted in certain circumstances in lieu of course attendance. Failure to upload your packets using the correct process may result in non-recommendation or delay. Course credit does not count as a course completion, nor does it count as course graduation. It simply means you are not required to take the CES course that is equivalent to the course(s) you have already completed.

Equivalent Credit - Employees who have equivalent Professional Military Education (PME), Civilian legacy or other-service PME courses that are NOT listed on their ATRRS training record may manually upload the certificate(s) in CHRTAS to gain equivalent credit for CES courses. See Legacy Course Lists ✪. Use these instructions to request equivalency credit through CHRTAS.

Constructive Credit - Constructive course credit may be granted to individuals who clearly demonstrate the requisite competencies and have achieved the same learning outcomes as the comparable CES course. This is generally available to Civilians who have come to the Army from the private sector and do not have prior professional military education (PME). The Army Management Staff College will review submitted documentation of completed leader training and education, supervisor experience and at least 5 years supervising Civilian employees. Only specific documentation listed in the instructions will be reviewed for consideration. Visit the About Civilian Education System (CES) Credit ✪ for instructions on applying for Constructive Credit.

 

For more information on classes, click here: AMSC | Army University

Register for all courses through CHRTAS ✪ and follow the instructions provided in system generated emails.