U.S. Office of Personnel Management - Ensuring the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce

Policies and Instructions

Introduction

In accordance with 5 CFR 338, this site contains policy established by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for General Schedule (GS) (or equivalent) white collar occupations in the Federal Government. This information is primarily for Federal agencies that need to determine whether applicants meet the minimum requirements for the positions being filled.

Qualification standards are intended to identify applicants who are likely to perform successfully on the job, and to screen out those who are unlikely to do so. The standards are not designed to rank candidates, identify the best qualified applicants for particular positions, or otherwise substitute for a careful analysis of the applicant's knowledge, skills, and abilities.

You may locate specific topics regarding qualifications policy by clicking on "General Policies" in the left navigation. "General Policies' contain the following information:

1. Purpose and Scope
2. Responsibilities
3. Explanation of Terms
4. Description of Qualification Standards
5. Application of Qualification Standards
6. Updating Qualification Standards
7. Establishment of Additional Standards
8. References and Sources