Civilian Education System (CES) is the Army’s leadership development program for all Army Civilians.  CES provides formal leadership education for Civilians at key intervals throughout their careers.  CES is required for all Civilian supervisors, and is encouraged for all employees.  There are five levels within CES:

Level 1 – Foundation Course – This course is entirely online and is required for ALL Army Civilians who entered the Army Civilian Corps after 30 September 2006.  Completion of this course is required for all CES resident course attendance.

Level 2 – Basic Course – Is for those employees GS-1 thru GS-9, or equivalent.  The Basic Course can be completed in one of two methods – either (1) fully online or (2) complete an online portion that is followed by a two-week resident phase.  The resident phase is very limited, and preference is for the fully online option.

Level 3 – Intermediate Course – Is for those employees GS-10 thru GS-12, or equivalent.  This course has an online Distance Learning phase and a three-week resident phase.

Level 4 – Advanced Course – Is for those employees GS-13 thru GS-15, or equivalent.  This course has an online Distance Learning phase and a four-week resident phase.

Level 5 – Continuing Education for Senior Leaders (CESL) – programs available post Level-4 CES completion and includes an interactive environment where senior leaders discuss current issues and challenges facing Army leaders.

For permanent Civilian employees, CES is centrally funded.  To enroll in any of the CES courses, visit  https://www.atrrs.army.mil/channel/chrtas/ 

Additional information can be found in the attached information from Army Management Staff College.