Printable Form 2026

IRS Form 15230 – IRS Forms, Instructions, Pubs 2026

IRS Form 15230 – IRS Forms, Instructions, Pubs 2026 – Are you applying for a leadership role in the federal government through the IRS? If so, IRS Form 15230—the Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program Endorsement—is a critical document in your application package. This one-page form provides an official senior-level assessment of your readiness for the prestigious IRS Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program (SESCDP or SES CDP).

In this comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide, you’ll learn exactly what Form 15230 is, who needs it, how to complete it correctly, submission requirements, and tips for a strong endorsement. All information is drawn directly from official IRS and OPM sources as of February 2026.

Download the official IRS Form 15230 PDF here:
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f15230.pdf
(Revision date: June 2020 – Catalog Number 73501S. This remains the current version listed on IRS.gov.)

What Is the Senior Executive Service (SES) and the IRS Candidate Development Program?

The Senior Executive Service (SES) represents the top tier of federal career executives—approximately 7,000 leaders who direct major programs across government agencies. Positions typically require GS-15 or equivalent experience and focus on strategic leadership rather than day-to-day technical work.

The IRS Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) is the IRS’s primary pipeline for developing future SES leaders. This structured 12- to 24-month program (minimum one year, maximum two years) includes:

  • Formal executive training
  • Developmental assignments (minimum 120 consecutive days)
  • Mentoring and coaching
  • Exposure to government-wide challenges

Successful graduates may receive OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB) certification, allowing non-competitive appointment to a career SES position (subject to position availability and performance). The program supports IRS succession planning and helps build a diverse, high-performing executive corps.

Related forms you may also need:

  • Form 15230-A – Mobility Statement (confirms willingness to relocate or take assignments away from your current duty station)
  • Form 15230-B – Continuing Service Agreement (required if selected, committing to continued federal service after program completion)

Purpose of IRS Form 15230

Form 15230 serves as the official endorsement required for every SES CDP application. It ensures the selecting official has credible, senior-level insight into the applicant’s executive potential.

Key facts from the form:

  • The applicant’s package is incomplete without this form by the vacancy announcement’s closing date.
  • The endorser must evaluate proficiency in the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) established by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM):
    1. Leading Change
    2. Leading People
    3. Results Driven
    4. Business Acumen
    5. Building Coalitions

The form is not a performance appraisal—it is a targeted recommendation focused on SES readiness.

Who Must Complete and Submit Form 15230?

Applicants: Anyone applying to the IRS SES Candidate Development Program (current IRS employees at GS-14/GS-15 or equivalent, or external candidates).

Endorser (the person who fills out and signs the form):

  • Must be the Head or Deputy Head of Office (or equivalent senior official) with direct knowledge of the applicant’s leadership potential.
  • For non-federal (private sector or other) applicants: CEO, COO, or equivalent senior executive.

The endorser cannot be your immediate supervisor unless they hold the required senior title.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete IRS Form 15230

The form is simple and one page. Follow these steps exactly:

  1. Applicant Information
    Print or type the full name of the applicant.
  2. Endorser Information
    Provide the Agency/Company Name and your official title (e.g., “Deputy Commissioner, Wage & Investment Division”).
  3. Narrative Description
    Write a concise paragraph describing the applicant’s relevant experience and demonstrated readiness for the SES CDP. Explicitly reference strengths in the five ECQs. Be specific—use examples of leadership impact, results achieved, and potential for executive success.
  4. Length of Relationship
    Check one box:

    • Less than 1 year
    • 1 to 3 years
    • 3 to 5 years
    • More than 5 years
  5. Recommendation (critical section)
    Select one of the following:

    • This applicant is ready for placement in a CDP
    • This applicant needs more development before placement in a CDP
    • I do not recommend this applicant for placement in a CDP
  6. Signature Block
    Print your name and title, sign, and date the form.

Important notes from official instructions:

  • The endorser must have sufficient knowledge to assess ECQ proficiency.
  • Return the completed, signed form to the applicant (not directly to IRS) so they can include it in their full application package.
  • Electronic signatures are generally accepted if the vacancy announcement allows.

How to Submit Form 15230

  • Include the completed Form 15230 in your application package as instructed in the specific USAJOBS vacancy announcement for the IRS SES CDP.
  • Deadline is strict: Must be received by the announcement’s closing date.
  • Missing the endorsement = incomplete application = disqualification.

Current IRS SES CDP opportunities (when open) are posted on USAJOBS.gov. Set up saved searches for “IRS SES CDP” or “Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program.”

For questions, contact: [email protected] (as listed on IRS Careers).

Tips for a Strong Endorsement (For Applicants & Endorsers)

For Applicants:

  • Choose an endorser who can speak authoritatively about your executive-level achievements.
  • Provide your endorser with your resume, ECQ examples, and the vacancy announcement.
  • Request the form early—senior leaders have busy schedules.

For Endorsers:

  • Be honest and specific. Vague praise weakens the application.
  • Tie comments directly to the five ECQs (visit OPM.gov for detailed ECQ definitions).
  • A “ready for placement” recommendation carries the most weight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Q: Is Form 15230 still current in 2026?
    A: Yes. The June 2020 revision remains the active version on IRS.gov with no newer replacement posted.
  • Q: Can my direct supervisor complete it?
    A: Only if they hold the title of Head or Deputy Head of Office or equivalent.
  • Q: Do external (non-federal) candidates need this form?
    A: Yes—signed by their organization’s senior executive (CEO/COO equivalent).
  • Q: Where can I find the full SES CDP announcement?
    A: Search USAJOBS.gov when open, or check IRS Careers – Executive & Management.
  • Q: What happens after I complete the program?
    A: Graduates who meet all requirements may be certified by OPM’s QRB for non-competitive SES appointment.

Final Thoughts

IRS Form 15230 is a small but essential piece of the SES CDP application puzzle. A thoughtful, senior-level endorsement can significantly strengthen your candidacy for one of the most prestigious leadership development opportunities in federal service.

Action Steps Today:

  1. Download Form 15230 from the official IRS link above.
  2. Identify and approach your senior endorser.
  3. Review the five Executive Core Qualifications on OPM.gov.
  4. Monitor USAJOBS for the next IRS SES CDP announcement.

For the most authoritative information, always refer to IRS.gov and OPM.gov. This guide is for informational purposes and is based on official IRS publications and forms as of February 2026.

Need help with your ECQ narratives or other SES application documents? Consider consulting a certified federal career coach or reviewing OPM’s Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications.

Sources: IRS Form 15230 (Rev. 6-2020), IRS Careers Executive & Management page, OPM Candidate Development Programs overview.