Federal Wage System Classification Course

Module 1: Federal Job Grading System

• Explore the history and purpose of the Federal Wage System (FWS)
• Understand the structure and components of the job grading system
• Compare FWS with the General Schedule classification system
• Review FWS coding plans and pay categories (WG, WL, WS)

Module 2: Job Grading Standards

• Understand the structure and purpose of job grading standards
• Learn the four key grading factors: skill/knowledge, responsibility, physical effort, working conditions
• Analyze standard sections: work covered, not covered, titles, and notes to users

Module 3: Applying Job Grading Standards

• Learn the five-step job grading evaluation method
• Chart and compare job duties against grade-level definitions
• Apply factor-based analysis to determine correct grades

Module 4: Applying Trades Helper and Intermediate Standards

• Identify when to use helper or intermediate standards
• Understand the grading process for developmental positions
• Apply standards to evaluate progression toward journey-level work

Module 5: Applying Wage Leader and Wage Supervisor Standards

• Differentiate roles of managers, supervisors, and leaders in FWS
• Apply criteria for WL and WS job grading standards
• Evaluate supervisory responsibility, level of work, and scope of operations