Overview

This scenario-driven course prepares HR staffing specialists for OPM’s delegated examining assessment while providing experienced examiners with a structured refresher on the rules and processes that most often generate findings. Participants will trace delegated examining authority, practice applying key assessment and rating requirements, evaluate veterans’ preference and pass-over scenarios, and review the documentation needed to support legally sufficient certificates and complete case files.

The course also addresses accountability-review readiness and the quality-control practices delegated examining units can use to identify and correct compliance risks. Category rating is reviewed within the delegated examining process, but the course does not replace comprehensive training on that topic. OPM and its testing vendor administer the delegated examining credential. Graduate School USA does not grant delegated examining certification; this course provides assessment preparation and refresher training only.

Syllabus

Delegated Examining Authority and Accountability

The legal and regulatory authority for delegated examining
Roles and responsibilities of OPM and delegated examining units
Terms and requirements of a delegated examining agreement
Merit system principles and prohibited personnel practices
Common compliance risks throughout the examining process

Job Analysis, Qualifications, and Assessment Planning

Connecting job requirements to the position description
Identifying competencies and proficiency levels
Developing a defensible job analysis
Applying qualification standards and selective placement factors
Building rating schedules and assessment criteria
Documenting the basis for assessment decisions

Rating and Ranking Applicants

Reviewing applicant eligibility and qualifications
Applying category rating within the delegated examining process
Applying the numerical Rule of Three method
Assigning applicants to the appropriate rating category or score
Recognizing rating errors that may affect referral or selection
Maintaining consistency between the job analysis, assessment, and rating process

Veterans’ Preference and Pass-Over Procedures

Determining eligibility for veterans’ preference
Applying preference under category rating and numerical rating methods
Understanding the order of consideration
Evaluating pass-over and objection requests
Identifying when OPM approval is required
Documenting compliant veterans’ preference decisions

Certificates of Eligibles

Constructing a legally sufficient certificate of eligibles
Applying referral and selection rules
Managing certificate amendments and extensions
Documenting selections, nonselections, and certificate actions
Identifying errors that may invalidate or compromise a certificate

Case Files and Audit Readiness

Assembling a complete delegated examining case file
Maintaining evidence for each stage of the examining process
Using quality-control reviews to identify compliance gaps
Preparing documentation for an OPM accountability review
Correcting recurring findings and strengthening internal controls
Demonstrating that examining decisions were consistent, merit-based, and defensible