Civil Service FAQ Job Classification System 2

Question 1

What is the primary legal authority governing position classification in the federal competitive service?

Accepted Answer

The Classification Act of 1949, now codified in 5 U.S.C. Chapter 51

Answer

Position classification in the federal competitive service is governed by 5 U.S.C. Chapter 51, which evolved from the Classification Act of 1949. It directs OPM to establish a position classification system based on the duties, responsibilities, and qualification requirements of positions.

Question 2

Which term describes the pay band system used by the Senior Executive Service (SES) instead of traditional GS grades?

Accepted Answer

SES Basic Pay Range

Answer

The Senior Executive Service uses a pay range (currently ES-1 through ES-6 rates, expressed as a range between the minimum and maximum) rather than the GS grade and step structure used for most competitive service positions.

Question 3

A position spends 30% of its time on GS-9 level duties and 70% on GS-11 level duties. Under the Factor Evaluation System, what grade should the position be classified at?

Accepted Answer

GS-11, because the majority of the work is at that level

Answer

Under federal classification principles, a position is classified at the grade of the duties that represent the majority or most representative portion of the work. Since 70% of the duties are at GS-11, the position should be classified as GS-11.

Question 4

What is an 'allocation' in federal position classification?

Accepted Answer

The official determination of the grade level for a classified position

Answer

In federal classification, 'allocation' refers to the official assignment of a position to a specific grade level after evaluating its duties and responsibilities against the applicable classification standard.

Question 5

What recourse does a federal employee have if they believe their position is incorrectly classified at too low a grade?

Accepted Answer

File a classification appeal with OPM or, in some cases, the agency itself

Answer

A federal employee who believes their position is incorrectly classified may file a classification appeal with OPM (or with the agency first, depending on the agency's appeal program). OPM's decision is final and binding on both the employee and the agency.

Civil Service FAQ Practice Test

Civil Service FAQ Practice Test

Civil Service FAQ Job Classification System 2