(a) Career development program. In alignment with the DHS-CS's core values described in § 158.305 and the compensation strategy described in § 158.601, the Secretary or designee establishes and administers a career development program to:

(1) Guide the career progression of each DHS-CS employee;

(2) Ensure development of the collective expertise of DHS-CS employees through continual learning; and

(3) Ensure continued alignment between the qualifications of DHS-CS employees and CTMS qualifications.

(b) Career progression. Career progression in the DHS-CS is based on enhancement of CTMS qualifications and salary progression resulting from recognition adjustments under § 158.631. Career progression in the DHS-CS is not based on length of service in the DHS-CS or the Federal Government. The Department guides the career progression of DHS-CS employees using development strategies based on:

(1) Information from development reviews, described in § 158.806;

(2) Mission-related requirements; and

(3) Strategic talent priorities.

(c) Commitment to continual learning. The Department establishes, maintains, and communicates criteria for continual learning. Such criteria include recommended and required learning activities, including completion of specific courses of study, completion of mission-related training defined in 5 CFR 410.101, performance of certain DHS-CS cybersecurity work as part of assignments, and participation in opportunities for professional development and training described in § 158.640. The Department aims to utilize all available opportunities for DHS-CS employee development, including opportunities under this part and under or based on authorities in 5 U.S.C. and 5 CFR relating to continual learning, professional development, and training, as appropriate.

(d) Verification of qualifications enhancements. The Department verifies DHS-CS employees' enhancement of CTMS qualifications, which may include review by the CTMB or assessment using standardized instruments and procedures designed to measure the extent to which a DHS-CS employee has enhanced the employee's qualifications. Verification of enhancement to CTMS qualifications may require updating the documentation associated with the employee's qualified position, as described in § 158.706.