General

DE certification is required because the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has largely delegated the responsibility of the competitive examining process to federal agencies who are employing the candidates selected. DE authority permits agencies to conduct their own examining processes to fill civil service jobs in the competitive service. However, OPM wants to ensure all DE work is compliant with civil service laws and regulations, provides fair and open competition, recruits qualified candidates, upholds veterans’ preference, and results in selection of applicants based on competencies.

By requiring certification, OPM aims to maintain consistent standards and ensure the HR practitioners performing DE duties have the necessary knowledge and capabilities. The certification process involves training, on-the-job experience, an assessment of key concepts/procedures, and periodic recertification to remain up to date.

Obtaining this certification demonstrates an individual's knowledge of DE regulations and proficiency in processes like job analysis, rating applicants, applying veterans' preference properly, and other critical examining operations. It helps agencies comply with OPM rules and laws governing the federal hiring process.

In summary, DE certification establishes a baseline proficiency for federal employees, contractors, and personal services contractors to legally conduct delegated competitive examining activities independently on behalf of federal agencies. It promotes adherence to merit system principles.

To be certified in DE, you must pass the DE Certification Assessment. The assessment tests your knowledge and application of key DE concepts, rules, and process steps. The assessment is web-based and administered either in a proctored setting at an independent testing facility (locations throughout the U.S. and abroad) or proctored remotely at your home or office. Upon passing the assessment, you will receive DE certification, which is valid for three years.