Academic Degree Degree Level PSC 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which degree level is typically required to sit for the U.S. Civil Service Entrance Examination (PSC) at the Grade GS-9 level?
- Associate degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree (Correct answer)
- Doctoral degree
Correct answer: Master's degree
GS-9 positions often accept a master's degree or two years of graduate education as a substitute for experience.
Question 2: What is the minimum academic degree level generally accepted for federal GS-5 entry-level positions under OPM qualification standards?
- High school diploma
- Associate degree
- Bachelor's degree (Correct answer)
- Master's degree
Correct answer: Bachelor's degree
OPM standards allow a four-year bachelor's degree to substitute for three years of general experience at the GS-5 level.
Question 3: A candidate holds a professional law degree (J.D.). To which graduate degree level is it most commonly equated in federal civil service qualification?
- Associate degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- First professional degree above master's (Correct answer)
Correct answer: First professional degree above master's
The J.D. is classified as a first professional degree, placing it above the master's level in OPM's educational framework.
Question 4: For a Degree Level PSC exam, which credential would NOT typically satisfy a requirement for 'graduate education'?
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Bachelor of Science with honors (Correct answer)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Correct answer: Bachelor of Science with honors
An undergraduate honors degree, regardless of distinction, does not constitute graduate education under federal standards.
Question 5: Under the PSC academic qualification framework, which type of credit hours most directly substitutes for work experience at the GS-7 level?
- Undergraduate credit hours
- Continuing education units (CEUs)
- Graduate-level semester hours (Correct answer)
- Professional development certificates
Correct answer: Graduate-level semester hours
One full academic year of graduate study (18–24 semester hours) can substitute for one year of specialized experience at GS-7.
Question 6: Which scenario best demonstrates 'Superior Academic Achievement' (SAA) qualifying a bachelor's degree holder for GS-7?
- Graduating in the top 50% of the class
- Maintaining a 3.0 GPA in the final two years (Correct answer)
- Completing an internship during senior year
- Earning a bachelor's in three years
Correct answer: Maintaining a 3.0 GPA in the final two years
OPM's SAA provision includes a 3.0 or higher GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in all completed undergraduate courses or in the major field.
Question 7: A PSC announcement states 'Degree: Any field.' What does this signal about educational requirements?
- Any vocational certificate qualifies
- Only STEM degrees are accepted
- A bachelor's degree in any discipline meets the education requirement (Correct answer)
- An associate degree plus experience is sufficient
Correct answer: A bachelor's degree in any discipline meets the education requirement
'Degree: Any field' means the position requires a bachelor's degree but places no restriction on the field of study.
Academic Degree Degree Level PSC 2
Which degree level is typically required to sit for the U.S.
Civil Service Entrance Examination (PSC) at the Grade GS-9 level?