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OPM.gov / Frequently Asked Questions / Delegated Examining Program FAQs / General
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General

Questions and answers

DE certification is mandatory for any individuals who are required to independently perform competitive examining activities for federal hiring. This includes:

  • Federal Employees: Any federal employee performing DE duties as part of the competitive hiring process for their agency.
  • Contractor Employees: Employees of private contractors/companies, but only if their firm already has a contract with a federal agency to provide delegated examining/hiring services. The federal agency sponsorship and contractual relationship must be documented during registration. The Federal HR Institute (FHRI) only accepts payment from government agencies; we cannot accept payment from private companies or individuals.
  • Personal Services Contractors: Individuals employed directly by a federal agency through a personal services contract to conduct delegated examining work for that agency.

If you do not fall into one of the three categories above, you may not obtain certification.

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