The admission process has five major stages:

Overall, entry into the Program is determined by the PMDP Admissions Committee on the basis of:

• Managerial and leadership potential
• Character and commitment to public service; and
• Intellectual and creative capacities

Both the Admissions Committee and NGCESDP Steering Committee of PMDP recognize the primacy of the heads of agencies in identifying the senior government executives and middle managers who best meet the criteria, and requirements for admission to the program.

It is the policy of the program to process the applications only of candidates nominated by the head of agency.