Delegated Examining Quiz
What is the name of the actions that are forbidden for employees who have the authority to make personnel decisions?
Prohibited Personnel Practices
An assessment method in which candidates' job-related competencies/KSAs are evaluated using standard questions that are scored systematically using predetermined criteria or benchmarks for all interviews for a particular job.
Structured Interview
A person with bona fide expert knowledge of the responsibilities, duties, day-to-day functions, competencies/KSAs, and requirements of a position.
Subject Matter Expert (SME)
True or False: The agency is required to conduct job analysis and develop valid assessment tools.
TRUE
True or False: It is the responsibility of the Agency to establish written policies and procedures including application acceptance procedures and category ranking policy.
TRUE - They must meet all applicable laws and regulations.
True or False: An agency/department must conduct an annual "self-audit" or "self-evaluation" of your delegated examining operations as prescribed by your Interagency Delegated Examining Agreement.
True- Annual Internal Self Audits DE Handbook CH7 pg 7
True or False: Agencies are not required to use the ACWA assessment tools and may use any other validated (i.e., job-related) assessment tool(s) when examining applicants for competitive service positions.
True- Assessment tools must comply with the requirements in 5 CFR part 300, Chapter 2, Section C, of the DE handbook, and be consistent with the technical standards in the Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures
True or False: The agency must give an explanation of the reasons for proposed pass-over of a CPS Veteran.
True- DE Handbook CH 6 pg 41
True or False: Merging the highest quality category (Best-Qualified) with the next lower category (Well-Qualified) requires listing the qualified preference eligible at the top of the newly merged quality category.
True- DE Handbook Ch 6 pg 21
True or False: An illegal selection can occur from misranked eligibles on a Delegated Examining certificate.
True- Illegal selection DE Handbook CH 6 pg 46
How many Merit Systems Principles are there?
9
Under CTAP and ICTAP, an eligible employee whose competencies/KSAs clearly exceed the minimum qualification requirements for the position.
"Well-Qualified" Employee
What are the three basic steps in reviewing applications?
1. Determine eligibility 2. Determine minimum qualifications 3. Refer minimally qualified applicants based on assessment.
How many Prohibited Personnel Practices are there?
14
True of False: An agency can extend a term appointment beyond four years without additional approval?
FALSE: For extensions beyond the four-year time limit, you must submit a written request to OPM's Employee Services, Talent Acquisition and Workforce Shaping office identifying the reasons for an additional extension, and the additional time needed
True or False: An agency can require a candidate to submit a cover letter?
False DE Handbook Ch 4 pg 1
True or False: You do not need to audit delegated examining certificates before the selectee's first day.
False- It is essential that certificates are audited before a selectee's first day of work. If the certificate was worked improperly, any hiring commitments made by the appointing official may potentially be invalid, and, in addition to the problem that appointment itself presents, may have a cascading effect on subsequent appointments and/or If the certificate is issued from a competitor inventory (standing register) where multiple referrals are made, auditing the certificate closes it out and enables eligibles that were not selected to be restored to the active inventory for further employment consideration. DE Handbook Ch6 pg 25
True or False: The agency does not have to notify a CPS Veteran that they are proposing a pass-over request.
False- The Hiring Manager/HR office must notify the CPS Veteran of a proposed pass-over. DE Handbook Ch6 pg 41
True or False: is a GS-12 that has received a reduction-in-force (RIF) notice from the Department of Treasury in San Francisco, CA. Mary has applied for a job as a GS-13 at the FDIC in San Francisco. Mary has not yet accepted federal employment at any other agency. Mary must receive priority consideration for the GS-13 at FDIC
False- You are only entitled to priority consideration if the position is at or below the grade level that you are being separated from.
True of False: A selective placement factor can be agency specific.
False- You must be careful not to be too restrictive and you must never use knowledge or experience that could have been gained only while employed by the Federal Government as a selective factor. For example, you may not require applicants to have knowledge of, or experience with, agency-specific systems, processes, or operations.
True or False- If you are unable to reach an a candidate that is eligible on a delegated examining certificate you can just move on to the next candidate.
False- You must make an effort to reach the candidate (letter, email, or telephone). If you do not hear from them by a specific date you must document the failure to respond (FR). You must retain your written documentation supporting the basis for the FR code.
True of False: Agencies have the exclusive authority to grant or deny an pass over request of a 30% or more CPS preference eligible Veteran?
False- only OPM has the exclusive authority to grant or deny an pass over request of a 30% or more CPS preference eligible Veteran
True or False: An agency can require a candidate to use the USA Jobs format to create their resume?
False: Agencies may not restrict the types of sources applicants use to create their resumes. DE Handbook Ch 4 pg 1
True or False: An agency can request an OF-306 as part of the application package?
False: DE Handbook Ch 4 pg 4
True or False: For professional or scientific positions at grades GS-9 and above, compensably disabled preference eligibles (CPS/CP) who meet the minimum qualifications and any passing grade established for the assessment are automatically placed at the top of the Certificate of Eligibles.
False: For professional or scientific positions at grades GS-9 and above, compensably disabled preference eligibles (CPS/CP) who meet the minimum qualifications and any passing grade established for the assessment are not automatically placed at the top of the Certificate of Eligibles (5 U.S.C. § 3313). This means any eligibles with higher category placement, including non-preference eligibles, would rank above the CPS or CP who has a lower category placement. DE Handbook Ch 6, pg 13
True or False: Mary is a "well-qualified" GS-12 HR Specialist with career tenure who received a RIF notice and is eligible for priority consideration at FDIC, however, Jack, who is a 100% service connected disabled Veteran has also applied and is eligible for the same job so Mary does not get priority consideration.
False: ICTAP gives those who meet the agency's definition of a "well-qualified" eligible selection priority over almost any other applicant from outside the agency.
True or False: If there are no preference eligible Veterans in the top category but there are preference eligibles in the next highest category you MUST merge categories.
False: Merging quality categories is not mandatory; it is an option.
True or False: Recruitment and Public notice are one-in-the-same?
False: Recruitment should not be confused with public notice. Public notice is one part of the overall recruitment process. Public notice, or simply posting a job opportunity announcement, is not a substitute for the more focused recruiting
True or False: Under category rating candidates assigned to a category are given numeric ratings (scores) within, those categories, specifically preference eligible Veterans.
False: The qualified candidates assigned to a category are not given numeric ratings (scores) within those categories; therefore, preference eligibles DO NOT receive points, as prescribed by 5 U.S.C. § 3309. DE Handbook Ch6, p12
True or False: You can screen a candidate out for not meeting a quality ranking factor.
False: You may rank applicants with higher proficiency levels above those with lower proficiency levels based on a quality ranking factor, but you cannot rate qualified applicants ineligible solely for failure to possess a quality ranking factor.
What is the name of the nine basic standards that govern the management of the executive branch workforce and serve as the foundation of the Federal Civil service?
Merit Systems Principles
You have posted a job for a professional GS-11 Architect. There is an eligible and qualified CPS Veteran in the well-qualified category. Do they automatically go to the best-qualified category?
No- Preference eligible Veterans remain in their category for professional positions at the GS-9 and higher.
Does the Agency or OPM have the exclusive authority to make medical determinations pertaining to preference eligible Veterans, including proposed disqualification of a 30% or more CPS preference eligible Veteran on the basis of physical disability?
OPM
The selecting official has two vacancies. Who can be selected from this certificate? Peter Taylor (CP) Barbara Hall (NV) Sandra Box (NV)
Peter Taylor must be selected first, then Barbara or Sandra may be selected.
The selecting official has one vacancy. Who can be selected from this certificate? Peter Taylor (CP) Michael Jones (TP) Barbara Hall (NV) Sandra Box (NV)
Peter Taylor or Michael Jones
A competency/KSA that is expected to significantly enhance performance in a position.
Quality Ranking Factor
A list of employees within the local commuting area who have been separated from an agency due to reduction in force (RIF) or work-related injury.
Reemployment Priority List (RPL)
Non-competitive appointment of a person formerly employed in the competitive service (i.e., who either had a competitive status or was serving probation when separated) into the competitive service as a career or career-conditional employee.
Reinstatement
A competency/KSA or special qualification without which a candidate could not perform the duties of a position in a satisfactory manner. Selective factors are applied in addition to minimum qualifications.
Selective Factor
True of False: A selective placement factor is essential for successful job performance and if the individual does not possess it then cannot perform the job.
True
True of False: Public notice is required whenever you are considering hiring applicants from outside the Federal workforce for competitive service positions lasting more than 120 days.
True
True or False: A selective placement factor must be listed in the position description
True
True or False: When a position is announced at multiple grade levels, you must certify an eligible for all positions, from the lowest grade or salary he or she is willing to accept to the highest-grade level for which he or she is qualified and within reach for certification.
True
True or False: Under ICTAP, Displaced Federal employees who worked in the local commuting area and who apply for a local job are entitled to selection priority if they are "well-qualified" and can provide proof that they were or are about to be displaced by their agency.
True: 5 CFR § 330.704 DE Handbook Ch 4 pg 14
True or False: A 10-point preference eligible veteran may file an application at any time for any position in which non-temporary appointment has been made in the preceding three years?
True: Accepting Late Applications DE Handbook CH 4 pg 7
True or False: An interdisciplinary position is a position involving duties and responsibilities closely related to more than one professional or scientific occupation.
True: As a result, you could classify the position into two or more professional occupational series. The nature of the work is such that persons with education and experience in one of two or more professions may be considered equally well-qualified to do the work.
True or False: If no alternatives are found in order to correct the erroneous appointment you must remove the incumbent or submit a variation request to OPM in order to retain the incumbent.
True: Correcting (regularizing) an Erroneous Appointment DE Handbook CH 6 pg 47
True or False: If the illegally selected eligible has already entered on duty and no way can be found to regularize the selection, he or she may be subject to removal.
True: Correcting (regularizing) an Erroneous Appointment DE Handbook CH 6 pg 47
True of False: Under ICTAP, an agency must publicize job openings for which it is recruiting from outside its own workforce in the local commuting area
True: DE Handbook Ch 4 pg 14
True or False: Under most circumstances you must select a "CTAP eligible" candidate who applies and who meets your agency's definition of a "well-qualified" applicant before you can appoint any other eligible from within or outside your agency.
True: DE Handbook Ch 4 pg 14
True or False: Under category rating, if there are fewer than three eligible candidates in the highest quality category you can merge the highest quality category with the next lower category.
True: Merging quality categories is not mandatory; it is an option. You should consult with the hiring manager to decide whether to merge the top two quality categories.
True or False: When announcing through Delegated Examining and using category rating you are required to describe each quality category in your job announcement,
True: Under 5 CFR part 337 subpart C, you are required to describe each quality category in your job announcements. You must use the "Basis of Rating" section to communicate to applicants that category rating procedures will be used to rank and select eligible candidates.
True or False: Applicants who are on active military duty at the time of application and will soon be discharged may submit a "certification" in lieu of a DD214 under the VOW Act?
True: Vet Guide
True or False: Applicants eligible and referred under Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) of 1998 are given career or career-conditional appointments.
True: VetGuide
A statutory right that entitles qualifying veterans to certain advantages in consideration for federal employment in the competitive and excepted services of the executive branch.
Veteran's Preference
You have posted a GS-12 Human Resources Specialist. There is an eligible and qualified veteran in the well-qualified category. Do they automatically go to the best-qualified category?
Yes- CP and CPS eligible Veterans who are eligible and qualified for non-professional positions automatically go to the top of the highest category.
What is the recommended opening period of a job opportunity to provide those individuals who want to apply for the position with an adequate opportunity to do so.? a. 5 days b. 10 days c. 14 days d. 30 days
a. 5 days- If you prescribe an open period of fewer than five calendar days, you should clearly document your reasons for doing so in the examination case file (for reconstruction purposes and to respond to third party challenges).
Choose the ranking order for Professional and Scientific Positions at the GS-9 grade level and above: a. ICTAP eligibles/Priority consideration eligibles/All other eligibles in the highest quality category with preference listed ahead of non-preference. b. All other eligibles in the highest quality category with preference listed ahead of non-preference/ICTAP/Priority consideration. c. Priority consideration eligibles/ICTAP/All other eligibles in the highest quality category with preference listed ahead of non-preference.
a. ICTAP eligibles/Priority consideration eligibles/All other eligibles in the highest quality category with preference listed ahead of non-preference.
Choose the examples of valid assessment tools: a. Structured interview, test, assessment center, work sample, occupational questionnaire/crediting plan b. Cover letter, resume, writing sample c. Application, interview, selection, tentative offer d. all of the above
a. Structured interview, test, assessment center, work sample, occupational questionnaire/crediting plan (An assessment tool is valid if it measures characteristics or competencies that are important for job performance)
An appointment that has no status in the competitive service for a specific period of more than one year but not more than four years is what type of appointment: a. Term b. Temporary-Limited C. Career D. Career-Conditional
a. Term
Choose the applicable code for a 10-Point Disability Preference granted to recipients of the Purple Heart; or veterans with a non-compensable service-connected disability (less than 10%); or veterans receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension from the military or the Department of Veterans Affairs who do not qualify as a CP or CPS. a. XP b. TP c. NV d. SSP
a. XP DE Handbook CH 4 Pg 18 and VA Handbook
When utilizing delegated examining authority what authority must be used for coding the SF-50: a. DEU b. BWA c. PRO d. REA
b. BWA- Use of the BWA authority code requires agencies to include their delegated examining agreement number as well as the certificate number as the basis for the appointment authority.
Choose the applicable code for designation of a non-veteran. a. TP b. NV c. CP d. CPS
b. NV DE Handbook CH 4 Pg 18 and VA Handbook
A hiring manager can move past a preference eligible veteran to select a non-preference eligible if they feel that they have grounds for passing over the preference eligible Veteran by following which procedure: a. select the best qualified regardless of Veterans preference b. complete pass-over procedures in order to select non-Veteran c. ask Human Resources to merge the certificates to move the preference eligible Veteran to a different category.
b. complete pass-over procedures in order to select non-Veteran. A hiring manager may not move past a preference eligible to select a non-preference eligible unless there are grounds for passing over the preference eligible and the agency has complied with the pass-over procedures at 5 U.S.C. § 3318
At minimum you must communicate with an application concerning the status of their application with how many touch-points? a. 1 b. 2 c. 4 d. 6
c. 1. When the application is received. OPM suggests notifying applicants no later than 5 business days after the application was received. 2. When the application is assessed for minimum qualifications (eligibility/ineligibility) for the job after all applications have been assessed. 3. When applications are referred or certified (or not) to the hiring official. 4. When a selection is made (or not) for the position or the job is canceled. OPM suggests non-selected candidates be notified no later than 10 business days after the date on which the selected candidate has accepted the job offer or the job was canceled.
Choose the order/entitlement for each grade level/certificate under category rating: a. CP/CPS Veterans in the highest category/ICTAP eligibles/Priority consideration eligibles. b. Priority consideration eligibles/CTAP eligibles/CP/CPS Veterans in highest category. c. ICTAP eligibles/Priortiy consideration eligibles/CP/CPS Veterans in the highest category.
c. ICTAP Eligibles/Priority consideration eligibles/CP/CPS Veterans in the highest category. DE Handbook Ch 6 pg 12
Choose the applicable code for a 0-Point Preference granted to veterans released or discharged from a period of active duty from the armed forces, after August 29, 2008, by reason of a "sole survivorship discharge" who would otherwise have been eligible for 5-point preference if their military service had not been interrupted by the sole survivorship discharge or release. a. XP b. CPS c. SSP d. NV
c. SSP DE Handbook CH 4 Pg 18 and VA Handbook
You may extend a temporary for a period of up to an additional a. four years (for a total of 5 years) b. two years (for a total of 3 years) c. one year (for a total of 24 months) d. all of the above
c. one year (for a total of 24 months)
A position/job that is not expected to last longer than a year is what type of an appoointment: a. Career-Conditional b. Term C. Temporary Limited D. None of the Above
c: Temporary Limited
Choose the applicable code for a 10-Point 30 Percent Compensable Disability Preference based on a service-connected disability of 30% or more: a. XP b. TP c. CP d. CPS
d. CPS DE Handbook CH 4 Pg 18 and VA Handbook
Choose which scenario can result in an illegal selection: a. A non-preference eligible within the highest quality category is selected over one or more qualified and available preference eligibles ranked in the same quality category, in the absence of an approved pass-over request(s). b. A selection is made from a lower quality category when three or more qualified and available eligibles remain in the higher category regardless of veterans' preference status. c. a only d. a and b
d. a and b Illegal selection DE Handbook CH 6 pg 46
When using a direct-hire authority an agency must: a. Follow public notice requirements b. Comply with career transition requirements (CTAP/ICTAP) c. Determine qualification requirements for the position d. b and c only d. all of the above
d. all of the above When using a direct-hire authority an agency must: • Follow public notice requirements under 5 U.S.C. §§ 3327 and 3330; • Comply with career transition requirements (CTAP/ICTAP) under 5 CFR part 330; and • Determine qualification requirements for the position (5 CFR part 338).
A Job Opportunity Announcement is required to have the following: a. Name of issuing agency, Position Title, Number of Openings, Salary b. Announcement Number, Duty Location(s), Open/Close Dates c. Job Type, Qualification Requirements, Duties, Contact person d. How to Apply, Veterans Preference Info, CTAP/ICTAP definition e. All of the above
e. All of the above - DE Handbook Chapter 3 pages 11-12
Agencies announcing a job to applicants outside their workforce have the following option(s) for posting their job opportunity announcement: a. Post a merit promotion job opportunity limited to the Federal workforce. b. Post a job opportunity announcement under delegated examining and for "all sources" c. Post two separate job opportunity announcements- one under delegated examining and one limited to federal workforce. d. a and b only e. all of the above
e. all of the above (DE Handbook Ch 3 pg 16)
OPM retains exclusive authority for which of the following: a. medical determinations pertaining to preference eligibles. b. grant or deny an agency's pass-over request of a preference eligible with a disability of 30% or more. c. make suitability determinations d. a and b e. all of the above
e. all of the above - Objections and passovers DE Handbook CH 6 pg 34
Choose the step or steps that you can take to correct an illegal appointment: a. make every effort to place the employee on an appointment that can be effectuated consistently with applicable law b. explore appointment avenues in order to regularize the appointment c. review previously advertised positions for which the employee qualified and reconstruct those case files to determine if the employee was within reach for selection d. find out if the employee could have been within reach competitively at any time during the period of de facto employment e. all of the above
e. all of the above: Correcting (regularizing) an Erroneous Appointment DE Handbook CH 6 pg 47
The following types of jobs are restricted to preference eligibles: a. Custodian b. Elevator Operator c. Messenger d. Guard e. a and b only f. All of the above
f: All of the above. There are several jobs in the competitive service for which competition is restricted to preference eligibles as long as there are qualified preference eligibles available (5 U.S.C. § 3310).