The article presents the results of an empirical study conducted on a representative sample of the penitentiary system staff.The subject of the study 24" Cooktop were deputy heads of correctional institutions and heads of departments in various areas of work in the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for the North Caucasus Federal District, enlisted in the reserve for higher managerial positions.The purpose of the study is to determine the professionally important qualities (PIQ) of middle managers and to identify potential abilities for managerial activities at a higher position.According to expert Cooler Bag estimates, given by immediate supervisors to candidates for the reserve for nomination, the general level of development of the TAC was determined.The psychodiagnostic examination of candidates enrolled in the reserve for nomination, using the methods used in the centers of psychodiagnostics (CPD) of the territorial bodies of the penitentiary system during admission to the service, made it possible to identify potential abilities for responsible higher-level administrative work and psychological contraindications to the employment of a higher middle management.