Suitability and Fitness Adjudication Course

Module 1: Introduction to Suitability and Fitness Adjudication

• Overview of suitability and fitness adjudication regulations.
• Roles and responsibilities of agencies, OPM, and adjudicators in the suitability and fitness process.
• Understanding the concept of "fitness" and "suitability" for federal employment.

Module 2: Position Risk Designations, Reciprocity, and Subject Engagement

• Designating federal public trust and national security positions based on risk levels.
• Understanding the investigative products provided by OPM/DCSA and how reciprocity applies.
• Recognizing the role of subject engagement in the suitability and fitness process.

Module 3: Suitability and Fitness Factors

• Understanding the nine suitability and fitness factors outlined in 5 CFR 731.
• Applying these factors to suitability and fitness issues and evaluating mitigating conditions.
• Recognizing the relationship between suitability, fitness, and qualifications for federal employment.

Module 4: Suitability and Fitness Pre-Employment Screening/Vetting Process

• Performing pre-employment screenings to identify suitability and fitness issues.
• Using the OF-306 form for initial screenings and referrals for adjudication.
• Applying suitability and fitness referral guidelines during the vetting process.

Module 5: Traditional Suitability and Fitness Adjudication Determination Guidelines

• Understanding the traditional suitability and fitness adjudication determination process.
• Applying the issue characterization chart and considering the recency and frequency of issues.
• Applying upgrades, downgrades, and additional considerations during adjudication.

Module 6: OPM’s New Suitability and Fitness Adjudication Determination Process

• Exploring the differences between traditional adjudication and OPM's new process.
• Understanding how to use OPM’s new worksheet for suitability and fitness determinations.

Module 7: Evidence – Supporting Your Determination

• Understanding the burden of proof in suitability and fitness cases.
• Identifying types of evidence and materials relied upon in adjudication.
• Exploring options for issue resolution and ensuring the dissemination and safeguarding of investigation materials.

Module 8: Identifying Merit Fraud

• Recognizing various types of merit fraud and the adjudicator’s role when merit fraud is found.
• Understanding the importance of maintaining the integrity of the merit system.

Module 9: Taking Action in Suitability and Fitness Cases – Unfavorable Determinations

• Understanding the steps involved in taking unfavorable actions under 5 CFR 731.
• Exploring the appeals process and the role of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) in suitability cases.

Module 10: Significant Precedent-Setting Cases

• Examining significant and precedent-setting cases in suitability and fitness adjudication.
• Understanding how case law influences future suitability and fitness decisions.