Academic Degree Degree Level PSC 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A PSC announcement states a position is open to candidates with a degree in 'social science or related field.' Which of the following would most likely NOT qualify?
- B.A. in Sociology
- B.A. in Political Science
- B.S. in Psychology
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Correct answer)
Correct answer: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering is a physical/applied science, not a social science or closely related field, and would not satisfy this requirement.
Question 2: Which GS grade level is most commonly associated with the first-time use of a doctoral (Ph.D.) degree as a qualifying credential under OPM standards?
- GS-5
- GS-7
- GS-9
- GS-11 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: GS-11
OPM allows a Ph.D. or equivalent three years of graduate education to qualify candidates at the GS-11 level.
Question 3: An applicant earned a Ph.D. but the degree was awarded by an institution not accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. What is the most likely PSC outcome?
- The degree is accepted because it is a doctorate
- The degree is rejected unless equivalency is independently established (Correct answer)
- The applicant automatically qualifies at GS-11
- The applicant must retake all graduate courses
Correct answer: The degree is rejected unless equivalency is independently established
OPM requires degrees from accredited institutions; a degree from an unaccredited school must be independently evaluated for equivalency to be considered.
Question 4: In the context of Degree Level PSC exams, what does the term 'major study' most precisely mean?
- The applicant's most recent job title
- The primary academic field in which the degree was conferred (Correct answer)
- Any subject taken more than twice in college
- A graduate thesis topic
Correct answer: The primary academic field in which the degree was conferred
'Major study' refers to the principal academic discipline of the conferred degree, as indicated on the transcript and diploma.
Question 5: Which scenario correctly illustrates a candidate using Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) to qualify for a GS-7 position?
- Graduating magna cum laude with a 3.8 GPA overall (Correct answer)
- Completing the degree in three years instead of four
- Earning a full academic scholarship
- Publishing a research paper as an undergrad
Correct answer: Graduating magna cum laude with a 3.8 GPA overall
Magna cum laude with a 3.8 GPA meets OPM's SAA GPA threshold and demonstrates the required academic distinction for GS-7.
Question 6: When a PSC vacancy requires 'at least 15 semester hours of statistics,' a candidate with 12 hours of statistics and 6 hours of mathematics wishes to apply. What is the most accurate assessment?
- The candidate fully qualifies because math and statistics are equivalent
- The candidate does not qualify; the specific coursework requirement is not met (Correct answer)
- The candidate qualifies if they have a master's degree
- The candidate can substitute work experience for the 3 missing hours
Correct answer: The candidate does not qualify; the specific coursework requirement is not met
Specific course-hour requirements must be met in that exact subject; related coursework in mathematics does not automatically substitute for statistics hours.
Question 7: A veteran applying under a Degree Level PSC exam receives 5-point preference. How does this preference interact with the academic degree requirement?
- It waives the degree requirement entirely
- It adds 5 points to the applicant's exam score but does not waive the degree requirement (Correct answer)
- It upgrades a bachelor's to a master's equivalent
- It eliminates the need to take the written examination
Correct answer: It adds 5 points to the applicant's exam score but does not waive the degree requirement
Veterans' preference adds points to a passing exam score but does not waive minimum qualification requirements such as the degree level.
Academic Degree Degree Level PSC 5
A PSC announcement states a position is open to candidates with a degree in 'social science or related field.' Which of the following would most likely NOT qualify?