Current qualification standards are maintained in an electronic database located on the Human Resources, Selection, Evaluation, and Recognition, Postal Service Intranet (Bqnet — Bargaining Qualifications on the Net). Selection, Evaluation, and Recognition will issue new and revised standards by updating Bqnet.
The following qualification standards, indexes, and appendixes are available in electronic form only at Bqnet — Bargaining Qualifications on the Net.
- Qualification Standards. The qualification standards are identified by a qualification standard number. Each number is unique to the standard. In most cases, the first 4 digits of the occupation code form the qualification standard number, although an additional letter may be added to maintain unique numbers.
- Appendix I. Appendix I contains a list of elements reflecting the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that are requirements common to many positions in the Postal Service. These are called B–elements that are denoted by a B before the requirement number. This notation refers to a B–element in this appendix. Appendix I also lists questions by B–elements to guide selecting officials in using specific B–elements. (See Bqnet, Appendix I, for further information on the use of these questions.)
- Appendix II. Appendix II contains a list of elements reflecting the knowledge, skills, and abilities that are requirements common to positions covered by the Maintenance Selection System.
- Occupation Code Index. This index of qualification standards is arranged numerically by occupation code.
- Alphabetical Index. This index of qualification standards is arranged alphabetically by position title.
- Qualification Standard Number Index. This index of qualification standards is arranged in order by qualification standard number.
This section of a qualification standard contains the knowledge, skill, and ability (KSA) requirements. In some standards, these requirements may be identified as B–elements that refer to the elements in Appendix I, Bqnet. Other requirements may simply be numbered or lettered consecutively.
Some position qualification standards do not specify basic computer skills or driving requirements. However, the ability to use a computer, drive, or both, may be essential to the efficient performance of some specific duty assignments. When filling any vacant position with no officially published basic computer skills or driving requirements listed on the qualification standards, local management may add:
- The Basic Computer Skills Test 718; and/or
- A driving requirement to operate a motor vehicle or powered industrial equipment.
Basic computer skills or driving requirements must be reasonably related to the efficient performance of the duties of the job, and local management may only add these requirements when the applicant is expected to use computer skills or drive on a regular basis.
Local management may not modify or delete existing basic computer skills or driving requirements in official qualification standards.
If you add a basic computer skills requirement, include the following statement on the job posting or vacancy announcement: Applicants must demonstrate basic computer skills as demonstrated by successful completion of Postal Service Test 718.
If you add driving as a requirement, include one of the following statements on the job posting or vacancy announcement, as appropriate to the position:
- Applicants must have or be able to obtain authorization to operate a motor vehicle.
- Applicants must have or be able to obtain authorization to operate powered industrial equipment.
Physical requirements are included in some qualification standards. These requirements are intended primarily for applicants who are entering the Postal Service. Medical assessments for inservice applicants or bidders are administered only when the physical requirements for the new positions are more demanding than those required in the employee’s current position. All employees must be physically able to perform the essential functions of the positions for which they are applying, with or without reasonable accommodation where appropriate, and without posing a direct threat of harm to themselves or others.
Examination requirements may include a performance test, a rated application, or a written examination. The Examination Requirements section of the qualification standard will indicate if an examination is required. See 233.12, which describes when substitutions for examination requirements are permitted.
A rated application is a method of evaluating and rating applicants’ experience and training to determine their qualifications for specific positions. The Examination Requirements section of some qualification standards will indicate that the position is filled by rated application. In such cases, the rated application is to be used only for entrance and inservice application procedures. Rated applications are not used for in–craft applications. The following situations apply to rated applications:
- Bid Procedures. When a position is being filled through bid procedures and the qualification standard for this position specifies a rated application, the rated application is not used in this instance. However, any examination specified in the qualification standard is required. Human resources offices must ensure that bidders for these positions meet all the requirements indicated in the qualification standard.
- Reviewing Qualifications. When a rated application is used for inservice application procedures, officials are still required to review the applicant’s qualifications, and to complete a Form 1796–A after receiving (1) the individual’s rated application score and (2) any other applicable test scores.
With the exception of scheme examinations, tests are developed by or at the direction of Selection, Evaluation, and Recognition. In cases where a written test is required, the results of that test must be used according to the terms of the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Applicants or bidders who have previously qualified on a written test are not retested.
Substitutions for typing examinations include the following:
An applicant who bids a position that requires Test 713 need not take that test, if the applicant has qualified within the 2 years prior to application on Test 712, or the applicant currently holds a position requiring regular use of the typing skill level for Test 712.
No typing test is allowed as a substitution for Test 714.
Many qualification standards contain experience requirements. These are minimum requirements that all applicants must meet. The substitution of education or training for experience is appropriate only as indicated in the qualification standard.
Some qualification standards contain factors identified as desirable qualifications. These factors are used to select applicants for best qualified positions. They may not be used as a basis for disqualification.
