the opportunity
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Please review other FAQs found under the "Become a PMF" section
- Who is eligible to be in the PMF
Program?
- How long is the program?
- How do I apply?
- Will I be paid? How about benefits?
- Can I get any of my student loans paid back if I
join the program?
- What are the requirements to graduate from the
program?
- If I am selected as a Finalist, am I guaranteed a
job?
1. Who is
eligible to be in the PMF Program?
Based on current PMF regulations and policies, students who
will meet all graduate degree requirements,
including the completion or successful defense of any required
thesis or dissertation, between September 1st of the
current year through August 31st of the following year,
are eligible to apply in the fall of the current year for the Class
of the next year. For example, if you will successfully
complete your graduate degree requirements between September 1,
2011 and August 31, 2012, you are eligible to apply in September
2011, for the PMF Class of 2012. Please go to the Become A PMF
section for additional information for the Class of 2012
application cycle.
2. How long is
the program?
The PMF Program lasts two years.
3. How do I
apply?
The application process for the PMF Program is rigorous. You can
go to the How to
Apply section of this website to find out more.
4. Will I be
paid? How about benefits?
PMF Program participants are paid full salary and benefits
at the GS-9, GS-11, or GS-12 (or equivalent) level
depending on the position they're hired into. Finalists are
initially appointed at the GS-9, GS-11, or GS-12 (or equivalent),
but may promote as high as a GS-13 (or equivalent) during
their 2-year fellowship. The Compensation
section of this website has more information.
5. Can I get any of my student loans paid back if
I join the program?
PMF Program participants are eligible for the
Federal Student Loan Repayment
Program depending on the agency. You can
get more information on this topic on the Federal Student Loan
Repayment Program webpage.
6. What are the
requirements to graduate from the program?
Fellows who complete the following requirements may
graduate from the PMF Program:
- Attend a minimum of 160 hours of formal classroom
training (80 hours per year)
- Complete at least one developmental assignment four to
six months in length
- Create a performance plan and undergo an annual
performance review with a minimum rating of "successful" for each
year of their fellowship
- Create an Individual Development Plan (IDP), used to set
goals for your time in the program
- Receive Executive Resource Board (ERB; or equivalent)
certification that you have met all program requirements prior to
conversion
7. If I am
selected as a Finalist, am I guaranteed a job?
No. If you are selected as a Finalist, you are eligible
for a PMF appointment by a Federal Agency; however, Finalists are
not guaranteed a Federal job. Finalists have up to one year to
obtain a fellowship appointment. Even after the one year deadline,
however, Finalists can use www.usajobs.gov 
to apply
competitively for Federal positions outside of
the PMF Program.
UPDATED: 09-15-2011, 1:40 PM (ET)