Competitive Level

A competitive level (CL) is a list of positions, NOT PEOPLE, in a competitive area in the same grade and classification series which are similar enough to be interchangeable. This means similar enough in duties and responsibilities and similar enough in the qualification requirements based on Qualification Standards so that the incumbent of one position may be reassigned to any of the other positions without undue interruption. The CL is determined at the time the position is established and reviewed periodically to ensure it is consistent and correct.

Certain factors warrant different competitive levels between positions in the same grade and classification series:

Supervisory versus nonsupervisory
Competitive service versus excepted service
Different work schedules (e.g., full-time/part-time)
Different pay schedules (e.g., GS vs. WG)
Positions that are restructured as part of a special employment program which requires a formal government-wide training plan

The first round of competition under reduction-in-force (RIF) is the competition that occurs between employees assigned to the same CL as to who will be released from the CL and thus, impacted by RIF. This competition is driven by the retention standing of each of the "players".

REF:
n 5 CFR Ch 351
n 370 DM 351

RELATED TOPICS: Competitive Area, Retention Standing

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Revised: 11/10/98
DOI University
National Business Center
U.S. Department of the Interior