Delegated Examining Operations Handbook: Federal Agency Guidance.pdf

## Delegated Examining Operations Handbook Summary

This U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guide provides comprehensive instructions for federal agency examining offices conducting delegated examining processes. It outlines the responsibilities, procedures, and best practices for ensuring fair and effective competitive hiring.

Key Components:

1. Delegated Examining Authority: The handbook explains what delegated examining authority is, how it differs from direct OPM examining, and who is responsible for its implementation.

2. Competitive Examining Process: It presents a flow chart illustrating the entire process, from job identification to final certification of eligible candidates.

3. Job Analysis & Assessment Selection: Detailed guidance on:

Reviewing hiring flexibilities
Conducting thorough job analyses using OPM's methodology and worksheet
Identifying appropriate assessment tools for each position
Submitting requests for delegated examining certification

4. Recruitment & Application Management: Covers best practices for:

Effective recruitment strategies
Crafting compelling job opportunity announcements
Accepting, reviewing, and managing applicant applications

5. Candidate Assessment: Instructions on:

Ensuring compliance with competitive employment requirements
Developing fair and consistent rating criteria
Utilizing various examining processes (e.g., written tests, interviews, panels)

6. Certification & Eligibility: Outlines the process for:

Creating certificates of eligibles based on job-specific criteria
Auditing certificates for accuracy
Handling objections, pass-overs, illegal selection, and priority considerations
Managing shared certificates

7. Reporting & Accountability: Emphasizes the importance of:

Safeguarding the examining process
Complying with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act requirements
Conducting internal self-audits and OPM reviews
Maintaining proper records retention and disposition schedules.

Appendices: Include sample agreements, vendor criteria lists, records retention schedules, OPM's job analysis methodology, and a job analysis worksheet for practical reference.