Overview

This one-day course introduces federal employees to the practical use of artificial intelligence in federal position classification. You will learn what AI is, how it works at a basic level, and how AI tools can support classification work by helping analyze position descriptions, identify duties and KSAs, suggest occupational series and grade levels, and improve consistency in classification decisions. Demonstrations and hands-on activities show how AI can be used to compare traditional and AI-assisted workflows, draft and refine position descriptions, and support classification research using official standards and guidance.

Students should expect an applied, practice-oriented class focused on responsible use of AI in a federal HR setting. The course covers legal, ethical, privacy, and policy considerations, including human oversight, bias mitigation, transparency, and compliance with OPM standards and broader federal AI guidance. Throughout the course, you will review examples, participate in exercises and scenario-based discussions, evaluate AI-generated outputs, and develop an action plan for integrating AI tools into classification workflows in a way that is accurate, transparent, and aligned with federal requirements. No prior AI or technical background required.

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction to AI in Federal HR

Identify common examples and everyday uses of AI.
Define what Artificial Intelligence (AI) is.
Explain, at a basic level, how AI works.
Apply this knowledge in the introductory exercise “Search vs AI.”

Module 2: AI Applications in Position Classification

Explore how AI tools assist in reviewing and classifying federal position descriptions.
Traditional vs. AI-assisted classification workflows.
How AI reads and interprets duties, factors, and KSAs.
Demonstration of an AI model suggesting occupational series and grade levels.
Ensuring compliance with OPM classification standards.

Module 3: Ethics, Oversight, and Legal Consideration for AI

Recognize ethical and legal responsibilities when using AI in federal HR processes.
Recognize data-privacy and confidentiality requirements when using AI.
OMB and OPM guidance on federal AI use.
Recognizing and mitigating bias in AI systems.
The role of human oversight in AI-supported decisions.

Module 4: AI in Classification

Learn effective ways to phrase your chat when requesting a draft position description.
Identify and address any inconsistencies in the generated results.
Enhance your request through thoughtful refinement.
Evaluate and compare the factor levels within the position description.

Module 5: Integrating AI Solutions Into a Classification Program

Assess current classification processes to identify areas where AI can improve accuracy, consistency, and efficiency.
Outline how AI-assisted tools will be selected, tested, and implemented, ensuring compliance with Office of Personnel Management (OPM) standards and federal HR policies.
Incorporate change management strategies, including training staff, addressing concerns, and gradually introducing new technologies to minimize disruption.
Emphasize stakeholder engagement by detailing methods to communicate with and involve HR professionals, managers, and employees throughout the process to ensure buy-in and successful adoption.
Use the action plan as a roadmap for transitioning to AI-enhanced classification workflows in a transparent, collaborative, and federally compliant manner.