Government and Civil Service Federal Civil Service and Employment 2

Question 1

What is the probationary period for most newly hired federal competitive service employees?

Accepted Answer

1 year

Answer

Most new federal competitive service employees serve a one-year probationary period before gaining full civil service protections.

Question 2

Which retirement system covers most federal employees hired after January 1, 1984?

Accepted Answer

Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)

Answer

The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) is a three-part retirement system covering federal employees hired after 1983, including Social Security, a pension, and TSP.

Question 3

What is the Hatch Act?

Accepted Answer

A law restricting partisan political activities of federal employees

Answer

The Hatch Act of 1939 limits the political activities of federal employees to prevent partisan influence over the civil service.

Question 4

Which schedule of federal employment offers fewer procedural protections and is used for confidential or policy roles?

Accepted Answer

Schedule C

Answer

Schedule C positions are excepted service appointments for confidential or policy-determining roles that are not subject to competitive service requirements.

Question 5

What agency investigates and prosecutes violations of federal merit system principles?

Accepted Answer

Office of Special Counsel (OSC)

Answer

The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is an independent agency that investigates prohibited personnel practices and prosecutes violations of the Hatch Act.

Government and Civil Service Practice Test

Government and Civil Service Practice Test

Government and Civil Service Federal Civil Service and Employment 2