2801 – Leadership Training and Development Requirements Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You may view a listing of upcoming trainings in CalLearns.

You may view additional information on our California Leadership Academy webpage.

Governor Appointees and Board Appointments are not required to complete the leadership training outlined in this policy unless otherwise prescribed by their department and/or appointing authority.

CEAs are not required to meet the training requirements specifically prescribed for managers or supervisors unless otherwise directed by their department and/or appointing authority.

Managers are not required to meet training requirements that are specifically prescribed for supervisors unless otherwise directed by their department and/or appointing authority.

No. Retired Annuitants are not appointment types covered by this policy. However, Retired Annuitants placed into supervisory, managerial, or CEA roles must have satisfied the applicable training requirements prior to retirement. As a best practice—to support staff, ensure effective supervision, and mitigate organizational risk—departments should ensure individuals performing supervisory or managerial duties possess appropriate and current training for the role.

If the employee is required to serve a new probationary period upon return to state service, they must also complete the applicable initial training requirements outlined in this policy.

The changes to this policy take effect January 1, 2026. Additional information is available on the CalHR Generalist Class Consolidation webpage.

Employees hired into SSM I (Specialist) or SSM II (Specialist) roles prior to January 1, 2026, who do not supervise staff, are not required to complete the 80-hour initial supervisory training unless otherwise prescribed by their department and/or appointing authority. Employees in classifications with an “R” designation are not permitted to participate in supervisory training due to labor relations training components and bargaining unit guidelines. Departments are encouraged to review CalLearns for alternative leadership development courses appropriate for those classifications.

Employees hired on or after January 1, 2026, into classifications with an “S” CBID are required to complete the 80-hour initial supervisory training. Supervisor I positions with no direct reports will only occur in limited backfill situations where the position was advertised prior to January 1, 2026. Employees in classifications with an “R” designation are not permitted to participate in supervisory training due to labor relations training components and bargaining unit guidelines.

Employees hired on or after January 1, 2026, into classifications with an “S” CBID are required to complete both the 80-hour initial supervisory training and the 20-hour biennial supervisory training requirement. Employees hired on or before December 31, 2025, who do not supervise staff, are not required to complete supervisory training unless otherwise prescribed by their department and/or appointing authority.

Supervisor I employees hired on or after January 1, 2026, are considered supervisory and must complete the 80-hour initial supervisory training within the policy timeframe. Upon completion of the initial supervisory training, they must complete 20 hours of supervisory training within each subsequent two-year period, measured from the initial training completion date.