Introduction to Supervision Course (Self-Paced)

This course includes

30 hours of project-based training from experts
Answers from real instructors
Proprietary workbook included
Retake for free within 1 year
Verified digital certificate of completion
Learn at an accredited institution
Credits: 3 CEUs

This course is self-paced. For live online or in-person instruction, take Introduction to Supervision course.

The course meets the recommendations outlined in the Office of Personnel Management’s Federal Supervisory Training Framework and its Leadership Competencies. By focusing on OPM’s recommended “soft skills” for supervisors, these skill sets lay a solid foundation for both federal and non-federal supervisors.

Full Tuition

$1,849
$1,664.10
10% exclusive SDFM member-only discount Due before the class starts

This course includes

30 hours of project-based training from experts
Answers from real instructors
Proprietary workbook included
Retake for free within 1 year
Verified digital certificate of completion
Learn at an accredited institution
Credits: 3 CEUs

Learning Experience Highlights

Training from government‑experienced instructors

Receive instruction from subject‑matter experts who bring proven government experience.

Specialized for government & DoD

Courses that are regularly updated based on feedback and industry developments, ensuring versions are mapped to federal competencies.

The instructor was wonderful and so knowledgeable. The course materials were extremely relevant to what my job is. I feel like I can be better because of this class.
— 2025 student

Three professionals sit in black chairs with laptops and notebooks, engaged in conversation against a red wall.

Real-world solutions

Directly addressing the day-to-day challenges of federal employees.

125+ departments & agencies served

Your trusted training partner, equipping public service professionals with the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles and drive meaningful impact.

100% Online. Start Anytime

24/7 access to our premium course videos and projects.
Industry experts are assigned as your course instructor. Message your instructor with any questions.
Participate in SDFM online discussion forums — share ideas and receive additional support.
Hands-on quizzes and mini projects to test and reinforce concepts.

Earn a Certificate of Completion

Upon completion of this course, you’ll receive an official certificate testifying to your mastery of the curriculum. We’ll send you a link where you can download your certificate, share it online with your friends, post it to your professional network on LinkedIn, and view all your earned certificates. Congratulations on your achievement!

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Sample credential for completion of Introduction to Supervision Course (Self-Paced)

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Introduction to Supervision Course (Self-Paced) Curriculum

What You'll Learn at a Glance

Describe the responsibilities of a federal supervisor.
Manage the challenges in transitioning to supervision.
Balance the three key supervisory accountabilities.
Describe the role of the supervisor as a change agent.
Foster an environment that inspires and motivates employees.
Describe the opportunities and challenges for new supervisors.
Meet the supervisory challenge.
Manage conflict in a way that encourages collaboration & creativity.

Course Syllabus

Download Syllabus PDF

Module 1: Introduction to the Course

Link course topics to OPM's Federal Supervisory Training Framework
Identify current supervisory skills and areas for growth
Describe the Primary Responsibility Statement for guiding decisions

Module 2: Transitioning Into Supervision

Understand the primary roles of a supervisor
Learn about sources of power and how employees respond to power
Explore the Supervisor’s three accountabilities and the Accountability Triangle

Module 3: Building Quality Relationships Through Effective Communication

Examine the link between balancing accountabilities and communication
Learn strategies for communicating effectively with virtual teams
Understand the different types of listening skills and their application

Module 4: Inspiring a Motivated and Committed Workforce

Analyze motivational theories such as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Herzberg’s Hygiene-Motivator Theory
Understand the relationship between motivation and performance
Identify employee needs through observation and conversation

Module 5: Managing and Resolving Conflict

Understand the value of conflict and methods for conflict resolution
Learn five styles for handling conflict and the importance of flexibility

Module 6: A Model for Performance Excellence

Examine the performance management system and its components: planning, monitoring, developing, rating, and rewarding
Learn about giving feedback using the Situation-Behavior-Impact model
Understand the importance of delegating tasks for skill development

Module 7: Analyzing and Addressing Performance Problems

Differentiate between performance and conduct issues
Follow a structured approach to analyzing and addressing performance problems

Module 8: The Supervisory Challenge

Reflect on your supervisory journey and personal responsibility statement
Synthesize all course concepts into a personalized supervisory plan

Installments
	10% non-refundable deposit
$1,849.00	Total You Pay