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

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Answer

Executive Order 10988 on employee-management relations

Answer

The Federal Pay Comparability Act

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

Broadband pay schedule

Answer

Executive Schedule

Answer

Senior Level (SL) Schedule

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

GS-9, because the lower grade must be the controlling level

Answer

GS-10, by averaging the two grade levels

Answer

GS-12, because mixed-grade positions are promoted one level above the highest grade

Question 4

What is an 'allocation' in federal position classification?

Accepted Answer

The official determination of the grade level for a classified position

Answer

The assignment of a pay band to a new Senior Executive Service member

Answer

The budgetary approval for a new position to be created in an agency

Answer

The transfer of a position from one organizational unit to another

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

File an unfair labor practice charge with the Federal Labor Relations Authority

Answer

Submit a grievance under the negotiated grievance procedure for pay issues

Answer

Request a Congressional inquiry through the agency's legislative affairs office

Question 6

What does the occupational series number for a federal position primarily indicate?

Accepted Answer

The general nature of the work and the knowledge domain required

Answer

The security clearance level required for the position

Answer

The pay schedule under which the position is compensated

Answer

The career ladder potential and highest reachable grade