Overview
Position classification is a process through which Federal jobs (i.e., positions) are assigned to a pay system, series, title, and grade or band, based on consistent application of position classification standards. As an HR specialist, you may be directly involved in this process, using classification standards to support organizations in defining major duties, responsibilities, and supervisory relationships of a position. Classification standards play an important role in assuring a sound Federal personnel management program. This role becomes increasingly significant as agencies decentralize more and more personnel authorities, including the authority to classify positions. If your role involved position classification, it is vital that you apply the underlying principles and policies of classification, as well as the standards themselves, with a full understanding of their purpose and intent, and with an acceptance of the responsibility that goes with their use.

How You Will Benefit
This four-week self-paced online course introduces HR specialists to the Federal classification process. Participants will learn an overview of the laws and regulations about position classification, classification resources, position descriptions, Factor Evaluation System, position evaluation report, desk audit, and appeals. Participants will learn:

• How to identify basic classification principles, roles, responsibilities and resources using common reference across organizations, locations, and agencies.
• Why applying classification principles and standards to position descriptions can support uniformity and equity in the classification of positions.
• How the Factor Evaluation System (FES) and other methods help determine appropriate pay system, occupation series, title, and general schedule.
• The purposed of position evaluation reports and how to prepare them using established classification principles.

• Entry-level HR Specialists (GS 5, 7, 9) who classify positions.
• Other functional, HR practitioners (Staffing, Employee Relations, Labor Relations, HR Information Systems and HR Generalists) who need to understand the basis for classifying jobs in the federal government.

Length
8 hours

General HR Competencies Emphasized
Client/Change Management; Creative Thinking; Decision Making