Using the Guide to Processing Personnel Actions Course

Module 1: Introduction to the GPPA and Personnel Actions

• Identify the statutory authorities and legal framework that govern federal personnel action documentation
• Describe the purpose and legal status of the SF-52 and SF-50 in the personnel action process
• Explain the structure and organization of the Guide to Processing Personnel Actions (GPPA)
• Identify when an SF-50 is required and how completed actions are filed in the Official Personnel Folder (OPF)

Module 2: Nature of Actions — Structure and Code Series

• Identify the nine NOA code series and the category of personnel action each series represents
• Describe the structure of a three-digit NOA code and how each digit narrows the type of action
• Select the correct NOA phrase and code for a given personnel action using the GPPA decision logic table
• Distinguish between common NOA codes that are frequently confused, such as promotions and reassignments

Module 3: Legal Authority — Purpose, Selection, and Coding

• Explain the role of legal authority on the SF-50 and how it differs from the Nature of Action
• Identify the difference between OPM-reserved authority codes and agency-created authority codes
• Select the correct legal authority and code for common personnel action types
• Apply GPPA sequencing rules when more than one legal authority applies to an action

Module 4: Remarks — Purpose, Categories, and Restrictions

• Describe the purpose of remarks on an SF-50 and the audiences they serve
• Identify the remarks code categories (A through Z) and the type of information each category conveys
• Distinguish between required and discretionary remarks for common action types
• Identify the restrictions on remarks, including information that may never appear on a personnel action

Module 5: Completing the SF-52 and SF-50

• Describe the parts of the SF-52 and the flow of approvals required before an action can be documented
• Identify the key data blocks on the SF-50 and the rules governing their completion
• Apply effective date rules for different action types, including the distinction between beginning-of-day and end-of-day actions
• Recognize and correct the most common errors in federal personnel action documentation

Module 6: Exercises 5–11 — Applying NOA, Legal Authority, and Remarks

• Apply NOA, legal authority, and remarks codes to complete personnel actions across a range of scenarios
• Determine the correct effective date rule and OPF filing requirement for each action type
• Identify errors in personnel action documentation and select the appropriate correction
• Integrate all course elements to accurately complete SF-50 data blocks for complex, multi-condition actions