WHAT IF I HAVE A COLLEGE DEGREE?
A few Federal occupations absolutely require a college degree with a certain major field of study or completion of specific academic courses at the baccalaureate or graduate level. Such occupations tend to involve research, scientific, professional, or medical work such as engineering, biology, psychology, medical technology, and accounting.

There are also a larger number of occupations where a baccalaureate degree in any field is acceptable. Job applicants usually enter such careers at the entry grade levels (GS-05 GS-07, or equivalent) and acquire on-the-job training and work experience before advancing to higher grade levels. Such occupations are sometimes advertised as "trainee", "intern", or "student program positions.

You can also qualify for GS-9 or equivalent positions on the basis of a master's degree, and for the GS-11 or equivalent grade level on the basis of a doctorate. At these levels, however, the advanced degree must be directly related to the work of the job to be filled.

To be acceptable, all college level courses must have been completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR JOBS AT HIGHER GRADES?
Generally, for jobs at GS-7 and higher, your background must have included specialized experience. That experience must be closely related to the work to be performed in the job for which you are applying. At least 1 year of the specialized experience must have been equivalent to level of the next lower grade in the Federal Service. That means, for example, that to qualify for GS-12, you must have had a minimum of 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11.

WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE A DEGREE?
If you have been in the job market for awhile and have accumulated an extensive work history, you may be well qualified for many positions even without a college degree. Except for certain professional discussed under the section, "What If I Have a College Degree?", college education may not be necessary. The nature of your specialized experience is what really counts.

Job applicants can qualify for most Federal occupations based on job related work experience.

If you are just starting out, you can qualify for jobs at the GS-2 level with just a high school diploma or as little as 3 months of general work experience for most clerical and assistant positions. "General experience" is a type of work experience that is not necessarily directly related to the position but demonstrates the ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills to perform the work of the position. At higher grades or equivalent levels, additional work experience is required. Starting at the GS-5 grade or equivalent level, positions generally require 1 year of specialized experience equal to the next lower grade.

WHEN WILL I HAVE TO TAKE THE "CIVIL SERVICE TEST?"
For most positions, written tests are no longer required. Review the vacancy announcements for any required tests.

HOW ARE WELL-QUALIFIED JOB APPLICANTS DISTINGUISHED FROM BASICALLY-QUALIFIED ONES?
If you meet the basic eligibility requirements, the agency rates and ranks your work experience, accomplishments, education, training, and overall qualifications background against other qualified candidates. You will receive a score or ranking based on how closely your background matches and exceeds the requirements of the position. Job applicants who rank in the top category or who receive the highest scores are referred to the selecting official.

WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR TRADES AND CRAFTS JOBS?
Trades and Labor "blue collar" jobs have a separate qualification system from "white collar" positions. Applicants for the apprenticeship programs for the various trades must demonstrate the potential to succeed in the job and the ability to complete classroom and on-the-job training. For journeyman or senior level jobs, applicants for trade jobs (e.g. electronic equipment maintenance, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, etc.,) are rated against knowledge, skills, and abilities (commonly known as job elements) that are required for successful performance. Each trade has one or more critical job elements that applicants must meet to be rated basically eligible for the job. To be qualified, applicants must demonstrate mastery of the specified job elements through work experience, training, or tests.

AS OF: 11-30-06

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