The order will allow agencies to vet "candidates using assessment methods that more directly determine whether job seekers possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to do the job they're applying for," said Michael Rigas.

7 in 10 government IT leaders say that IT skills gaps have a significant impact on delivering agency missions.

The Government Accountability Office gave the same advice that agencies implement eight workforce planning activities in 2016 and 2018.

Cybersecurity and information technology skills should be planned for 15 years out, and they're not the only ones, says one Government Accountability Office official.

Asked at a hearing Wednesday how lawmakers could be of assistance in helping agencies better secure their IT infrastructures, Kent pointed immediately to a "continued focus on workforce activities."