Qualifications
Basic Requirement: Must be able to type 40 words per minute to qualify.
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade (GS-04 if applying at the GS-05 level, or GS-05 if applying at the GS-06 level) within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.
For GS-05: Specialized experience at the GS-04 grade level is defined as: experience performing clerical or office work such as duplicating documents, processing/delivering mail, basic record keeping, reporting and informational duties, including compiling, maintaining, updating data, lists and reports in support of an organization's operations.
For GS-06: Specialized experience at the GS-05 grade level is defined as: providing administrative, technical and general office support duties to an organization; providing support and assistance on personnel, supply, training, and budget reporting and processes; utilizing office automation to create, retrieve, update, manipulate and store electronic data; and preparing, editing and formatting documents and reports.
Paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual, community, student, social) is qualifying. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience.
Education
GS-05 Substitution of Education for Experience: Four years of successfully completed education above the high school level in any field for which high school graduation, or the equivalent, is a prerequisite may be substituted to meet the specialized experience required. Equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total experience requirements. If you are using education to substitute for the specialized experience, you must submit transcripts at the time you apply. To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. You must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html).
GS-06 Substitution of Education for Experience: Six months of graduate education may be substituted to meet the specialized experience required when it is directly related to the work of the position being filled. If you are using education to substitute for the specialized experience, you must submit transcripts at the time you apply. To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html).
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be used to substitute for the specialized experience requirement.Official Transcripts: If the position you are applying for has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications (i.e. you would not qualify without the education obtained), you MUST submit transcripts with your application.
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- Official transcripts are not required at the time of application outside of what is outlined above; however, official transcripts must be verified PRIOR to appointment.
- An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
- FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying or prior to appointment as outlined above.
- Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation upon request. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the
U.S. Department of Education
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.