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🇺🇸 United States · Civil Service
Civil Service Examination (USAJOBS / OPM federal hiring) Syllabus
The merit-based federal hiring system run by the Office of Personnel Management through which most U.S. government jobs are filled and assessed. The full Civil Service Examination (USAJOBS / OPM federal hiring) syllabus: 6 subjects, 21 chapters, 66 topics and 139 sub-topics, with 312 flashcards written against it.
Civil Service Examination (USAJOBS / OPM federal hiring) subjects
Civil Service Examination (USAJOBS / OPM federal hiring) has 6 subjects. Each one is listed below with its chapters in syllabus order; open a subject for every topic and sub-topic inside them.
Foundations of the Federal Merit System
- History and Legal Framework of Civil Service · 4 topics
- Federal Hiring Authorities and Oversight · 4 topics
- Types of Federal Service and Appointments · 3 topics
- Classification, Grades, and Pay · 3 topics
Assessments and Examinations
- How Federal Candidates Are Evaluated · 3 topics
- Cognitive and Aptitude Testing · 3 topics
- Situational Judgment and Behavioral Assessment · 3 topics
- Specialized Occupational Examinations · 3 topics
Veterans' Preference and Special Eligibilities
- Veterans' Preference Rules · 3 topics
- Veteran Hiring Authorities · 3 topics
- Other Special Appointing Authorities · 3 topics
Suitability, Security, and Onboarding
- Suitability and Fitness Determinations · 3 topics
- Background Investigations and Security Clearances · 3 topics
- Onboarding and New Employee Requirements · 3 topics
Federal Workplace Knowledge and Career Growth
- Pay, Benefits, and Leave · 3 topics
- Employee Rights and Responsibilities · 3 topics
- Performance and Career Advancement · 3 topics
Civil Service Examination (USAJOBS / OPM federal hiring) flashcards
312 question-and-answer cards across 6 subject decks, each shown in full on its subject page.
- Foundations of the Federal Merit System — 55 cards
- Navigating USAJOBS and the Application Process — 51 cards
- Assessments and Examinations — 53 cards
- Veterans' Preference and Special Eligibilities — 49 cards
- Suitability, Security, and Onboarding — 52 cards
- Federal Workplace Knowledge and Career Growth — 52 cards
Civil Service Examination (USAJOBS / OPM federal hiring) syllabus FAQ
What subjects are in the Civil Service Examination (USAJOBS / OPM federal hiring) syllabus?
Civil Service Examination (USAJOBS / OPM federal hiring) covers 6 subjects: Foundations of the Federal Merit System, Navigating USAJOBS and the Application Process, Assessments and Examinations, Veterans' Preference and Special Eligibilities, Suitability, Security, and Onboarding and Federal Workplace Knowledge and Career Growth.
How many chapters and topics are in the Civil Service Examination (USAJOBS / OPM federal hiring) syllabus?
21 chapters and 66 topics, broken down further into 139 sub-topics, across 6 subjects. Foundations of the Federal Merit System is the largest subject, with 14 topics in 4 chapters.
Are there Civil Service Examination (USAJOBS / OPM federal hiring) flashcards?
Yes — 312 question-and-answer flashcards in 6 subject decks. Each deck is printed in full on its subject page here, and the same cards are in the Examius app with spaced repetition. The free plan covers one exam of your choice, including its flashcards; Examius Pro, a one-time purchase, unlocks every other exam and deck.
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