Overview

Master the foundational skills to classify federal positions with confidence—learn the principles, legal framework, and evaluation systems that drive fair and accurate General Schedule (GS) classification decisions. Ideal for HR professionals and agency liaisons seeking hands-on experience and sharper analytical tools.

Syllabus

Module 1: The General Schedule (GS) System & Primary References

Trace how classification history shaped today’s GS structure and grade definitions.
Differentiate the two GS approaches: quantitative FES vs. non-quantitative narrative.
Identify core references (Introduction to PCS, Classifier’s Handbook, Occupational Groups & Families, Digest).
Review GS building blocks (occupational groups, series, grades, factors) and the classifier’s toolkit.

Module 2: FES, Job Family Standards, and Classification Guides

Apply the FES framework: nine factors, factor-level descriptions, and the grade conversion table.
Follow step-by-step FES procedures: select series, compare factors, assign points, total, and document.
Use Job Family Standards to evaluate multiple related series efficiently.
Leverage classification guides and PD cover-sheet requirements to support determinations.

Module 3: The Narrative System

Classify positions by “best fit” against narrative grade-level criteria (no point values).
Decide when narrative evaluation is appropriate vs. FES, based on occupation and standards.
Document rationale linking duties to narrative levels and precedent for defensible results.

Module 4: Introduction to GS Leaders, Supervisors, and Managers

Distinguish work leaders, team leaders, supervisors, and managers across the GS continuum.
Understand how leader/supervisory coverage connects to evaluation guides (e.g., GSLGEG, GSSG).
Relate scope, complexity, and delegated authorities to titles, series, and grades.

Module 5: Guiding Principles for Federal Classification

Reinforce Merit System Principles and avoid Prohibited Personnel Practices in all decisions.
Promote equity, consistency, and legal sufficiency across organizations.
Recognize “factors not considered” for grade decisions and apply non-classification remedies.

Module 6: Putting It All Together

Integrate GS references, FES, narrative methods, and leader/supervisory guidance in a capstone case.
Write PDs and evaluation statements that align with standards and withstand review.
Produce complete classification packages with clear documentation and QA checks.

Taught by

Dan Kowalski, Judy Mintze, Natalya H. Bah, Richard Rodieck, Victoria Cox, Adrianna Harden, Sarah Gurwitz, Sineta Scott Robertson, DeShanta Hinton, and Caren Eirkson