Civil Service Examination (USAJOBS / OPM federal hiring) Federal Workplace Knowledge and Career Growth Syllabus

At what rate do full-time federal employees accrue sick leave?

4 hours per pay period, totaling 13 days (104 hours) per year, with no limit on the amount that can be accumulated.

What is the 'use-or-lose' rule for federal annual leave?

Annual leave above the maximum carryover ceiling (generally 240 hours) is forfeited if not used by the end of the leave year.

What law provides eligible federal employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year?

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), for qualifying events such as birth/adoption of a child or a serious health condition.

How many weeks of Paid Parental Leave can eligible federal employees use under the FEPLA?

Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth or placement of a child, available within 12 months of the event.

What is the federal definition of telework?

A flexible work arrangement, established under the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010, allowing employees to perform their duties from an approved alternative worksite such as home.

What federal program provides up to 12 weeks of advanced sick leave or donated leave when an employee exhausts their own leave?

The Voluntary Leave Transfer Program (and Leave Bank Program), which let employees donate annual leave to a co-worker facing a medical emergency.

What is Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) in the federal workplace?

The policy and legal requirement that employment decisions be free from discrimination based on protected characteristics, ensuring fair treatment for all applicants and employees.

Which federal agency enforces EEO laws and oversees the federal sector EEO complaint process?

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

What are the protected bases under federal anti-discrimination law (Title VII and related statutes)?

Race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age (40+), disability, genetic information, and retaliation for protected EEO activity.

What is the first step an employee must take to file a federal EEO complaint?

Contact an EEO counselor within 45 days of the alleged discriminatory act to begin pre-complaint counseling/informal resolution.

What is the No FEAR Act?

The Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002, which holds agencies accountable for violations of anti-discrimination and whistleblower laws and requires related training and reporting.

What is a reasonable accommodation under the Rehabilitation Act?

A modification or adjustment to a job, work environment, or hiring process that enables a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential functions, unless it causes undue hardship.

What law governs labor relations for most federal employees, and what does it establish?

The Federal Service Labor-Management Relations Statute (Title VII of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978), which grants the right to organize and bargain collectively.

What agency administers the federal labor-management relations program and resolves bargaining disputes?

The Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA).

What is a bargaining unit in the federal sector?

A group of employees with a clear and identifiable community of interest who are represented by a labor union for collective bargaining purposes.

How does federal collective bargaining differ from the private sector regarding wages?

Federal unions generally cannot bargain over pay and benefits (set by statute); bargaining is limited to conditions of employment, personnel policies, and practices.

What is an unfair labor practice (ULP) in the federal sector?

An action by an agency or union that violates the labor relations statute, such as interfering with employees' rights or refusing to bargain in good faith; charges are filed with the FLRA.

What are the federal Standards of Ethical Conduct based on?

The principle that public service is a public trust; they cover conflicts of interest, gifts, misuse of position, and financial disclosure, overseen by the Office of Government Ethics (OGE).

What does the Hatch Act regulate?

The political activity of federal employees, restricting partisan political activity while on duty, in federal workplaces, or while using official authority.

What are the adverse actions an agency may take for misconduct, in increasing severity?

Reprimand, suspension (14 days or less, or more than 14 days), reduction in grade or pay (demotion), and removal (termination).

What due process rights does a tenured federal employee have before a major adverse action?

Advance written notice (usually 30 days), the right to respond and review evidence, the right to representation, and a written decision—plus appeal rights to the MSPB.

What agency adjudicates federal employee appeals of major adverse actions?

The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).

What protections does the Whistleblower Protection Act provide?

It protects federal employees from retaliation for disclosing illegality, gross mismanagement, waste of funds, abuse of authority, or dangers to public health or safety.

What are the nine Merit System Principles meant to ensure?

A fair, efficient, merit-based federal workforce—including fair recruitment/selection, equal pay for equal work, high integrity, efficient use of resources, and protection from political coercion and reprisal.

What are 'prohibited personnel practices' (PPPs)?

Actions by federal officials that violate merit principles—such as discrimination, nepotism, coercing political activity, and retaliating against whistleblowers—enforced by the Office of Special Counsel.

What is the purpose of a federal performance appraisal system?

To plan, monitor, develop, rate, and reward employee performance against established critical elements and standards, typically on an annual appraisal cycle.

What is a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)?

A formal opportunity period given to an employee performing below standards (unacceptable) to demonstrate acceptable performance before potential reassignment, demotion, or removal.

What is a career-ladder promotion in the federal service?

A non-competitive promotion to the next grade within a position's established progression (e.g., GS-7 to GS-9 to GS-11) once the employee meets time-in-grade and performance requirements.

What is the time-in-grade requirement for most competitive promotions?

An employee generally must serve at least 52 weeks (one year) in their current grade before being promoted to the next higher grade.

What is a detail versus a reassignment in federal mobility?

A detail is a temporary assignment to a different position or set of duties with the employee returning to their regular job; a reassignment is a permanent change to another position at the same grade.

What law and program facilitate temporary assignment of personnel between federal agencies and state/local governments or universities?

The Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) Mobility Program, which allows temporary assignments to strengthen intergovernmental cooperation.

What is an Individual Development Plan (IDP)?

A written plan jointly developed by employee and supervisor that identifies training, developmental activities, and career goals to build competencies.