Academic Degree Degree Level PSC 4

Question 1

An applicant for a GS-12 position substitutes education for experience. Which is the highest academic level OPM generally allows as a full substitute for specialized experience at GS-12?

Accepted Answer

No education substitution is allowed at GS-12

Answer

OPM generally does not permit education to substitute for specialized experience at grades above GS-11.

Question 2

Which accrediting body's recognition is most critical for a U.S. engineering degree to count in a Degree Level PSC qualification?

Accepted Answer

ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology)

Answer

ABET accreditation is the standard for engineering and technology programs, and OPM engineering qualifications require ABET-accredited degrees.

Question 3

A candidate has 120 semester hours of college credit but no degree conferred. How does OPM typically treat this for PSC purposes?

Accepted Answer

Credit hours may partially substitute for experience depending on the grade level

Answer

Completed college credit hours can substitute for experience on a prorated basis (e.g., 30 hours = 1 year of study) even without a conferred degree.

Question 4

When a PSC announcement requires a 'degree with a major in accounting,' which course minimum must the program typically include per OPM standards?

Accepted Answer

24 semester hours in accounting

Answer

OPM accounting qualification standards require at least 24 semester hours of accounting coursework as part of the degree.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes 'combination of education and experience' as used in Degree Level PSC qualification?

Accepted Answer

Prorating partial education and partial experience to together meet 100% of the requirement

Answer

Combination qualifying means computing percentages—e.g., 50% of required education plus 50% of required experience equals 100% qualification.

Academic Degree Practice Test

Academic Degree Practice Test

Academic Degree Degree Level PSC 4