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Digest Articles

Table of Articles from the Digest of Significant Classification Decisions and Opinions

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Classifier's Handbook
Article No.
and Date		FactorIssue
17-01
11/92		 Not applicable Assigning factor levels using factor level descriptions and benchmarks.
17-06
11/92		 Not applicable Classifying postions when no standards have been published.
Introduction to the Position Classification Standards
Article No.
and Date		FactorIssue
16-03
3/92		 Not applicable Classification of mixed-grade positions.
17-06
11/92		 Not applicable Classifying positions when no standards have been published.
Factor Evaluation System Standards
Article No.
and Date		FactorIssue
02-04
11/81		 Not applicable Describing a position with mixed-grade or mixed series duties.
04-03
1/84		 Not applicable Use of related standard for factor evaluation.
07-04
8/85		 Supervisory Controls Appropriateness of level 2-5
07-05
8/85		 Work environment Applicability of level 9-3 in similar work settings.

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Narrative Standards
Article No.
and Date		FactorIssue
03-07
11/83		 Nature of assignment
Level of responsibility		 rade impact of differing factor levels.

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Two-Grade Interval Standards
Article No.
and Date		FactorIssue
08-04
4/86		 Not applicable Use of two-grade interval standards to evaluate one-grade interval work.

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No Specific Classification Standard or Guide
Article No.
and Date		FactorIssue
01-01
1981		 Not applicable Variety as a classification factor in a mixed-grade position.
02-02
11/81		 Not applicable What constitutes an official agency classification action.
03-08
11/83		 Extrapolation and cross-series comparisons Evaluating positions above the highest level.
03-10
11/83		 Not applicable Grading deputy or assistant chief positions.
04-02
1/84		 Not applicable Grading of mixed-grade jobs in Federal Wage System.
05-01
9/84		 Not applicable Impact of the person on the job.
07-03
8/85		 Not applicable Pay system determination.
09-06
1/87		 Not applicable Comparison of the status of civilian and military positions.
11-04
4/88		 Not applicable Small shop chiefs.
11-06
4/88		 Not applicable Use of production facilitating pay system.
12-01
9/88		 Not applicable Crediting "emergency" work.
15-02
9/91		 Not applicable Classifying deputy positions.
16-05
3/92		 Not applicable Effective date of new or revised classification standards
17-02
11/92		 Not applicable Classifying deputy or assistant chief duties.
17-03
11/92		 Not applicable Back-up duties.
17-04
11/92		 Not applicable Distinguishing between agency restrictions on assignment of duties and the classification of those duties.
22-09
3/99		 Not applicable Pay Category Determination
26-01
5/01		 Not applicable Distinguishing between one-grade and two-grade interval work

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Classification Guides (in alphabetical order)
Article No.
and Date		FactorIssue
Administrative Analysis Grade - Evaluation Guide
23-04
10/99		 Factors 2, supervisory controls (1) Appropriateness of level 2-5 and
(2) Meaning of "Agency" under level 2-5.
Equipment Development Guide: Grade Evaluation Guide (EDGEG)
01-02
1981		 Not applicable Differentiating between Parts II and III.
General Schedule Leader Grade Evaluation Guide (GSLGEG), Part I
21-04
6/98		 Not applicable Coverage of the GSLGEG
22-04
3/99		 Not applicable Using other than full-time employees in applying part I of the GSLGEG
27-06
12/01		 Not applicable Coverage of the GSLGEG
27-07
12/01		 Not applicable Coverage of the GSLGEG
General Schedule Supervisory Guide (GSSG)
04-04
1/84		 Not applicable Classification of local national positions to General Schedule equivalents.
10-01
9/87		 Not applicable Assigning credit to a second-line supervisory position.
10-03
9/87		 Not applicable Determining extraordinary independence or freedom from supervision of a subordinate position covered by a Factor Evaluation System standard.
15-05
9/91		 Not applicable Inclusion of a professional position in the base level of work supervised by a non-professional.
15-06
9/91		 Not applicable Sharing of supervisory responsibilities.
19-01
8/94		 Factor 1, Program scope and effect Crediting level 1-3 for supervision of complex professional, technical, or administrative services.
19-02
8/94		 Factor 4, Personal contacts, Subfactor 4B, Purpose of contacts Distinguishing between levels 4B-2 and 4B3.
19-03
8/94		 Factor 1, Program scope and effect Distinguishing between levels 1-3 and l-4
19-04
8/94		 Factor 2, Organizational setting Determining Senior Executive Service equivalency
19-05
8/94		 Factor 1, Program scope and effect Interpretation of "complex, multi-mission military installation" for crediting Scope at level 1-3
19-06
8/94		 Factor 5, Difficulty of typical work supervised Identifying the level of typical work Linkage to factors 5 and 6
19-07
8/94		 Factor 4, Personal contacts, Subfactor 4A, Nature of contacts Interpretation of level 4A-4
19-08
8/94		 Factor 3, Supervisory and managerial authority exercised Crediting level 3-4b
19-09
8/94		 Factor 2, Organizational setting Identifying deputy positions
19-10
8/94		 Not applicable Interpreting the alternative definition of "agency"
19-11
8/94		 Factor 6, Other conditions Crediting level 6-6b
20-01
12/97		 Not applicable Coverage of the GSSG for supervision of small workloads
20-02
12/97		 Factor 1, Program scope and effect Definition of "program" or "program segment"
20-03
12/97		 Factor 1, Program scope and effect Distinguishing between levels 1-2 and 1-3 in support work
20-04
12/97		 Factor 1, Program scope and effect Distinguishing between levels 1-2 and 1-3
20-05
12/97		 Factor 3, Supervisory and managerial authority exercised Crediting level 3-3b
20-06
12/97		 Factor 5, Difficulty of typical work supervised Alternate method for second- and higher-level supervisors Calculating base level
20-07
12/97		 Factor 6, Other conditions Linkage of factor 6 to previous factors in the GSSG
20-08
12/97		 Factor 6, Other conditions, Special situations Crediting physical dispersion
20-09
12/97		 Factor 6, Other conditions Special situations
21-01
6/98		 Factor 3, Supervisory and managerial authority exercised Coverage of level 3-3a
21-02
6/98		 Not applicable Coverage of the GSSG
21-03
6/98		 Factor 5, Difficulty of typical work supervised Determining base level
22-01
3/99		 Factor 5, Difficulty of typical work supervised Alternative Method for Determining Difficulty of Typical Work Directed
22-02
3/99		 Not applicable Coverage of the GSSG
22-03
3/99		 Factor 3, Supervisory and managerial authority exercised Coverage of the GSSG
25-08
11/00		 Factor 3, Supervisory and Managerial Authority Exercised Crediting level 3-4b
26-07
5/01		 Not applicable Coverage of the General Schedule Supervisory Guide (GSSG)
28-06
4/02		 Factors 2 and 3 Reporting to deputy positions Crediting for subordinate supervisors
28-07
4/02		 Not applicable Crediting term and temporary work
29-08
12/02		 Not applicable Coverage under the General Schedule Supervisory Guide (GSSG)
29-09
12/02		 Factor 3 Crediting work assignment and review as supervisor
Grade Evaluation Guide for Positions of Managers of Operating Education Programs
28-04
4/02		 Factor 1, Student Load Alternative method for determining student load
28-05
4/02		 Factor 2(a), Course Range and Variety Determining what constitutes a credible course
Grade Level Guide for Instructional Work
16-06
3/92		 Not applicable Evaluation of instructor positions also engaged in course development work
Grade Level Guides for Classifying Investigator Positions, GS-1810/1811
02-01
11/81		 Not applicable Determining representative period (work cycle)
Research Grade - Evaluation Guide (RGEG)
15-01
9/91		 Not applicable Borderline point values
16-01
3/92		 Not applicable Classification action versus performance-based action
25-07
11/00		 Not applicable Distinguishing between Degrees C,D, and E
26-06
5/01		 Not applicable Coverage of the Research Grade Evaluation Guide (RGEG)

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Classification Standards (in occupational series order)
Article No.
and Date		FactorIssue
GS-0018, Safety and Occupational Health Manager
27-04
12/01		 Not applicable Position Title
GS-0081, Fire Protection and Prevention
18-01
8/93		 Not applicable Use of the mixed-grade rule in evaluating driver/operator positions
18-02
8/93		 Not applicable Crediting "fill-in" time
18-03
8/93		 Factor 4, Fire program management Crediting elements of factor 4 to fire chief positions
18-04
8/93		 Not applicable Identifying "typical" supervisory positions under Part I
18-05
8/93		 Not applicable Using the "assistant chief" concept for nonsupervisory positions
22-06
3/99		 Factors 1, 2, and 3 Evaluating emergency medical duties
GS-0083, Police
08-05
4/86		 Series selection Intended use of Police series, GS-0083, versus Guard series, GS-0085
24-01
6/00		 Not applicable Series coverage
GS-0085,Guard
08-05
4/86		 Series selection Intended use of Police series, GS-0083, versus Guard series, GS-0085
GS-0110, Economist (April 1963)
26-06
5/01		 Not applicable Coverage of the Research Grade Evaluation Guide (RGEG)
GS-0181, Psychology Aide and Technician
29-02
12/02		 Not applicable Selecting an appropriate standard when the assigned series has not published grade level criteria
GS-0200, Administrative Work in the Human Resources Management Group
28-02
4/02		 Factor 1, Knowledge required by the position Requirements for meeting Level 1-9
GS-0260, Equal Employment Opportunity
03-03
11/83		 Factor I, Knowledge required by the position Organizational levels where "systematic problems" may be credited
03-04
11/83		 Titling Factor I, Knowledge required by the position Distinguishing between "specialists" and "managers"
 Applicability of level 1-9
05-05
9/84		 Not applicable Coverage of series
14-04
12/90		 Factor I, Knowledge required by the position Whether dealing with "systemic problems" requires evaluation at level 1-8
GS-0303, Miscellaneous Clerk and Assistant
02-03
11/81		 Not applicable Use of the Miscellaneous Clerical and Assistant Series, GS-0303
03-02
11/83		 Series selection for various clerical positions Relations of GS-0303 series to GS-0312, GS-0318, and GS-0322 series
04-01
1/84		 Not applicable Classification of positions which combine general office work with typing
GS-0305 Mail and File Clerk
27-02
12/01		 Not applicable Series determination
GS-0312, Clerk-Stenographer and Reporter
03-02
11/83		 Series selection for various clerical positions Relations of GS-0303 series to GS-0312, GS-0318, and GS-0322 series
GS-0318, Secretary
01-05
1981		 Factor I, Knowledge required by the position Distinguishing between work situation A and work situation B
03-02
11/83		 Series selection for various clerical positions Relations of GS-0303 series to GS-0312, GS-0318, and GS-0322 series
06-03
6/85		 Factor I, Knowledge required by the position Distinguishing between work situation B and work situation C
11-03
4/88		 Not applicable Type of work properly included in the GS-0318 series
29-03
12/02		 Factor 2 Influence of organizational size and scope on freedom from supervisor
29-04
12/02		 Factor 6 Level of Personal Contacts
GS-0322, Clerk-Typist
03-02
11/83		 Series selection for various clerical positions Relations of GS-0303 series to GS-0312, GS-0318, and GS-0322 series
04-01
1/84		 Not applicable Classification of positions which combine general office work with typing
GS-0335, Computer Clerk and Assistant
27-01
12/01		 Not applicable Distinguishing between computer assistance and information technology (IT) administrative work
28-01
4/02		 Not applicable Distinguishing between computer assistance and information technology (IT) administrative work
GS-0341, Administrative Officer
07-02
8/85		 Series coverage Performance of one-grade interval work
GS-0342, Support Services Administration
05-06
9/84		 Level of responsibility Proper credit for operating-level organization
GS-0343, Management and Program Analysis (August 1990)
25-01
11/00		 Not applicable Series coverage Support versus analytical administrative work
GS-0344, Management and Program Clerical and Assistance (May 1993)
25-01
11/00		 Not applicable Series coverage Support versus analytical administrative work
GS-0346, Logistics Management
27-03
12/01		 Not applicable Series determination
GS-0391, Telecommunications
17-07
11/92		 Factor 1, Knowledge required by the position Interpretation of mastery requirement (level 1-8)
GS-0400, Grade Level Guide for Aid and Technical Work in the Biological Sciences (November 1991)
25-06
11/00		 Factor 1, Knowledge required by the position Distinguishing between Levels 1-5 and 1-6
GS-0401, General Biological Science (Handbook of Occupational Groups and Families)
23-06
10/99		 N/A Selection of appropriate professional series.
25-03
11/00		 Not applicable Interdisciplinary professional positions
Series determination
GS-0414, Entomology
17-05
11/92		 Not applicable Distinguishing between professional and technical positions
GS-0460, Forestry
27-05
12/01		 Factor 5, Scope and effect Fully meeting the criteria of Level 5-4
GS-0471, Agronomy
12-02
9/88		 Not applicable Titling and selecting a classification standard for the Research Agronomist specialization
GS-500C, Job Family Standard for Clerical and Technical Accounting and Budget Work
23-01
10/99		 Factors 1, 2, 4, and 5 Evaluation of voucher examining work.
GS-0505, Financial Management
05-02
9/84		 Series coverage Whether responsibilities for managing a funding program can be covered
09-01
1/87		 Series coverage Implicit series coverage criteria
16-02
3/92		 Not applicable Series coverage
GS-0560, Budget Analysis
14-01
12/90		 Series selection Whether work was properly covered by the GS-0560 or GS-0561 series
GS-0561, Budget Clerical and Assistance
14-01
12/90		 Series selection Whether work was properly covered by the GS-0560 or GS-0561 series
GS-0610, Nurse
10-04
9/87		 Title determination Clinical nurse versus nurse specialist
13-01
10/89		 Factor 2, Supervisory controls Modification of emergency treatment by paramedic/Advanced Life Support Technician, level 2-2 versus level 2-3
GS-0620, Practical Nurse
13-01
10/89		 Factor 2, Supervisory controls Modification of emergency treatment by paramedic/Advanced Life Support Technician, level 2-2 versus level 2-3
22-06
3/99		 Factors 1, 2, and 3 Evaluating emergency medical duties
GS-0636, Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant
29-02
12/02		 Not applicable Selecting an appropriate standard when the assigned series has not published grade level criteria
GS-0644, Medical Technologist
13-05
10/89		 Exclusions Selection of a series for classification of cytotechnology and histotechnology positions
28-03
4/02		 Factors 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Evaluating testing and laboratory operation responsibilities
GS-0647, Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (October 1990)
26-02
5/01		 Factor 2, Supervisory controls Linkage of factors
Use of automated classification sytem
GS-0649, Medical Instrument Technician (October 1990)
25-02
11/00		 Not applicable Series coverage
Technician versus professional work
GS-0675, Medical Records Technician
24-05 Factor 1, Knowledge required by the position Significance of quality assurance and special studies
GS-0801, General Engineering  
24-02 N/A Series coverage;
Selection of standards for grading
GS-0810, Civil Engineering
7-01
8/85		 Part II, Planning and design Crediting for novel or non-routine features
24-02 N/A Series coverage;
Selection of standards for grading
GS-0856, Electronics Technician
05-04
9/84		 Guidance on distinguishing between Wage and Classification Act positions Pay system determination
27-08
12/01		 Not applicable Distinguishing between Federal Wage System (FWS) and General Schedule (GS) positions
GS-0873, Ship Surveying (Handbook of Occupational Groups and Families)
25-04
11/00		 Not applicable Series coverage
GS-0905, General Attorney
16-04
3/92		 Nature of cases or legal problems Determining what constitutes "very large sums of money"
22-07
3/99		 Various Dollar value as a classification criterion
22-08
3/99		 Level of Responsibility Crediting of stature
23-05
10/99		 N/A Use of grading criteria for cross-series comparison.
26-04
5/01		 Level of responsibility Crediting of stature
GS-0950, Paralegal Specialist
24-03
6/00		 N/A Series Coverage;
Procedural versus analytical work
29-05
12/02		 Not applicable Classifying FOIA coordinator positions
GS-0963, Legal Instruments Examining
03-01
11/83		 Factor II, Other grade-influencing factors:
Supervision		 Whether an extra grade is warranted for the factor "Supervision" alone
26-03
5/01		 Factor 2, Supervisory controls Legal Instruments Examining Services versus Management and Program Analysis Series Crediting final authority under Level 2-4
GS-0986, Legal Clerical and Assistance
24-03
6/00		 N/A Series coverage;
Procedural versus analytical work
GS-1102, Contracting
15-04
9/91		 Factor 3, Guidelines Use of historical data
GS-1105, Purchasing
22-07
3/99		 Various Dollar value as a classification criterion
24-06
6/00		 Factor 2, Supervisory controls Distinguishing Level 2-3 from 2-4
GS-1106, Procurement Clerical and Technician
23-02
10/99		 Factors 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Evaluation of credit card coordinator duties.
GS-1145, Agriculture Program Specialist
29-06
12/02		 Nature of assignments Fully meeting the GS-13 criteria
GS-1150, Production Control (February 1972)
25-04
11/00		 Not applicable Series coverage
GS-1152, Production Control (April 1992)
25-04
11/00		 Not applicable Series coverage
GS-1173, Housing Management
23-03
10/99		 Factors 2, 3, and 5 Evaluating program responsibility, technical authority, and program impact.
GS-1300, Job Family Standard for Professional Physical Science Work
22-07
3/99		 Various Dollar value as a classification criterion
24-04
6/00		 N/A Series Determination; grade level
GS-1300, Job Family Standard for Technical Work in the Physical Science Work
29-01
12/02		 Not applicable Selecting an appropriate standard when the word substantially exceeds the grading criteria in the occupational standard or Job Family Standard (JFS)
GS-1301, General Physical Science (August 1971)
25-03
11/00		 Not applicable Interdisciplinary professional positions
Series determination
GS-1311, Physical Science Technician
29-01
12/02		 Not applicable Selecting an appropriate standard when the word substantially exceeds the grading criteria in the occupational standard or Job Family Standard (JFS)
GS-1640, Facility Management Series
2-05
3/99		 All Applying the standard in a host-tenant environment, and crediting contractor and other indirectly controlled work
GS-1601, General Facilities and Equipment
27-03
12/01		 Not applicable Series determination
GS-1670, Equipment Specialist (November 1994)
25-04
11/00		 Not applicable Series coverage
GS-1740, Education Services
28-04
4/02		 Factors 1, Student Load Alternative method for determining student load
GS-1810, General Investigation Series
24-01
6/00		 N/A Series coverage
GS-1811, General Investigation Series, Uses the Grade Level Guides for Classifying Invetigator Positions
24-01
6/00		 N/A Series coverage
GS-1910, Quality Assurance Sepcialist (March 1983)
25-04
11/00		 Not applicable Series Coverage
GS-2130, Traffic Management
29-07
12/02		 Not applicable Distinguishing between freight rate and traffic management work
Freight Rate
29-07
12/02		 Not applicable Distinguishing betwen freight rate and traffic management work
GS-2181, Aircraft Operation
13-04
10/89		 Nature and purpose of assignments Maintenance test versus flight test assignments
GS-2200, Administrative Work in the Information Technology Group
27-01
12/01		 Not applicable Distinguishing between computer assistance and information technology (IT) administrative work
28-01
4/02		 Not applicable Distinguishing between computer assistance and information technology (IT) administrative work
28-08
04/02		 Not applicable Distinguishing between Federal Wage System (FWS) and General Schedule (GS) positions
GS-2210, Information Technology Management
28-01
4/02		 Not applicable Distinguishing between computer assistance and information technology (IT) administrative work

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Job Grading Guides (in alphabetical order)
Article No.
and Date		FactorIssue
Federal Wage System Key Level Definition for Production Facilitating Jobs
24-07
6/00		 N/A Differentiating positions in the Special Pay Plan for Production Facilitating Positions from positions in the General Schedule (GS)
Job Grading Standard for Inspectors
07-06
8/85		 Coverage of standard Exclusion of in-progress pre-repair "inspection" work
10-05
9/87		 Not applicable Proper standard to apply for evaluation of preventive maintenance inspection work
21-08
6/98		 Not applicable Coverage of the standard
Job Grading Standard for Leader WL/NL, Part 2 (January 1980)
26-08
5/01		 Not applicable Credit for training workers in a variety of trades or laboring occupations
Job Grading Standard for Supervisors (WS)
06-04
6/85		 Factor I, Nature of supervisory responsibility Credit for positions that exceed Foreman level
06-05
6/85		 Factor II, Level of work supervised Determination of level of work supervised that reflects the difficulty and complexity of the overall work
08-01
4/86		 Factor I, Nature of supervisory responsibility Foreman credit when supervisor is in General Schedule
08-02
4/86		 Level of work supervised Determination of level of work supervised
12-05
9/88		 Factor I, Nature of supervisory responsibility Full Foreman versus limited: Impact of Shop Planner and of higher supervisors
12-06
9/88		 Factor I, Nature of supervisory responsibility Whether a job should be classified as Foreman or General Foreman (but one or more grades less than that shown by the General Foreman grading table)
14-05
12/90		 Factor II, Level of work supervised Credit for journeyman level skills for inmates
21-05
6/98		 Factor II, Level of work supervised Level of work supervised for second level supervisors of mixed work
21-06
6/98		 Factor III, Subfactor C, Workforce dispersion Crediting workforce dispersion to second level supervisors
23-07
10/99		 N/A Exclusion of small shop chief jobs from coverage.

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Job Grading Standards (in occupational code order)
Article No.
and Date		FactorIssue
2600, Introduction to the Electronic Equipment Installation and Maintenance Family 1981
25-05
11/00		 Not applicable Occupational coverage
Definition of integrated system
26-05
5/01		 Not applicable Distinguishing between Federal Wage System (FWS) and General Schedule (GS) positions
28-08
4/02		 Not applicable Distinguishing between Federal Wage System (FWS) and General Schedule (GS) positions
2604, Electronics Mechanic
21-09
6/98		 Not applicable Cross application of related job grading standards
25-05
11/00		 Not applicable Occupational coverage
Definition of integrated system
2606, Industrial Controls Mechanic
21-09
6/98		 Not applicable Cross application of related job grading standards
2610, Electronic Integrated Systems Mechanic
05-04
9/84		 Guidance on distinguishing
between Wage and
Classification Act positions		 Pay system determination
25-05
11/00		 Not applicable Occupational coverage
Definition of integrated system
2892, Aircraft Electrician (June 1989)
25-05
11/00		 Not applicable Occupational coverage
Definition of integrated system
4417, Offset Press Operating 
07-07
8/85		 Knowledge and responsibility Crediting level III
4805, Medical Equipment Repairer
27-08
12/01		 Not applicable Distinguishing between Federal Wage System (FWS) and General Schedule (GS) positions
5026, Pest Controlling
21-09
6/98		 Not applicable Cross application of related job grading standards
5402, Boiler Plant Operating
13-07
10/89		 Special additional responsibilities Crediting of shift responsibilities
21-07
6/98		 Not applicable Crediting of "operator in charge"
5406, Utility Systems Operating
21-07
6/98		 Not applicable Crediting of "operator in charge"
5408, Sewage Disposal Plant Operating
14-06
12/90		 Not applicable Impact of State regulation and licensure requirements on the classification of the job
5415, Air Conditioning Equipment Operating
21-07
6/98		 Not applicable Crediting of "operator in charge"
5704, Fork Lift Operating
15-03
9/91		 Not applicable Proper grading of a mixed-series, mixed grade job in the Federal Wage System
6907, Materials Handler
13-06
10/89		 Series selection Intended use of Laundry Worker versus Materials Handler Series
15-03
9/91		 Not applicable Proper grading of a mixed-series, mixed grade job in the Federal Wage System
7304, Laundry Working
13-06
10/89		 Series selection Intended use of Laundry Worker versus Materials Handler Series
8255, Pneudraulic Systems Mechanic
11-05
4/88		 Not applicable Series determination
8852, Aircraft Mechanic (January 1999)
24-08
6/00		 N/A Distinguishing between Federal Wage System (FWS) and General Schedule (GS) positions
25-05
11/00		 Not applicable Occupational coverage
Definition of integrated system

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