Current qualification standards are maintained in the Human Resources system of record. These include:
- Occupation code. Each bargaining unit job is uniquely identified by an occupation code. The occupation code identifies the job and connects it to a specific job title and pay grade.
- Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs). The qualification standards for each job are part of the job description and list the requirements for the job.
This section of a qualification standard contains the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) requirements.
Some job 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 efficiently performing some 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:
- Exam 718, “Basic Computer Skills Test”; 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 efficiently performing the duties of the job, and local management may only add these requirements when the applicant is expected to use computer skills or drive regularly in the position.
Local management may not modify or delete existing basic computer skills or driving requirements in official qualification standards.
If the selecting official adds a basic-computer-skills requirement to the qualification standards of the job, the selecting official must 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 Exam 718.”
If a selecting official adds driving as a requirement for the position, the selecting official must 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 in-service 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, or a written examination. The “Examination Requirements” section of the qualification standard will specify if an examination is required. See 233.12, which describes when substitutions for examination requirements are permitted.
Except for scheme examinations, examinations are developed by or at the direction of Organizational Effectiveness. In cases where a written examination is required, the results of that examination must be used according to the terms of the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Applicants or bidders who have previously qualified on a written examination are not required to retake the examination.
Many qualification standards contain experience requirements. These are minimum requirements that all applicants must meet. Substituting education or training for experience is appropriate only as indicated in the qualification standard.
