What is the CCAR Format?

OPM has a recommended format for writing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ), called the CCAR (Challenge, Context, Actions, and Result) Model. ECQs should be in the CCAR format to make it easier to write ECQs.

The goal is to give readers executive resources staff, rating and selecting officials, and Qualifications Review Board (QRB) members specific information about your achievements. Be sure to include professional and volunteer experience, education, training, and awards that demonstrate your skills in a particular Executive Core Qualification (ECQ).

The Context Challenge Action Results (CCAR) Format

Challenge:  What was the specific problem that you faced that needed resolution? It should be at large organizational level, with agency-wide, government-wide, or national effects or impacts. It should require more than individual actions — Leadership means, at minimum, that you have the ability to get other people to follow when you set direction.

Context:  Define the other factors (people, institutions, procedures) that made the challenge of executive caliber. It should include redefinition of goals, changes in conditions, and some requirements to gain other people/organizations to comply with your changed direction. Be specific in terms of factors that made the challenge substantial resources, people, laws, regulations, deadlines, and complexity. Context gives the reader a little insight into the story.

Action:  What did you do that made a difference? Express your achievement in a team environment, but focus your role within the team. Always use the active voice. “I” did this and “I” did that. This is not the time to be modest. If you want to share credit, that’s fine. The QRB doesn’t care so much what your team did, what your peers did or what your supervisor did. They want to know what YOU did.

Result:  What difference did it make? Metrics and quantifiable results are one of the most important components of the ECQs.