• series definition, which briefly describes the coverage of the series
• background information such as descriptions of typical kinds of assignments found in the occupation(s)
• types of positions included in and excluded from the series
• definitions of terms, if necessary
• official titles
• an explanatory statement describing the nature of the work and discussing pertinent classification factors.

Classification standards and guides have different formats and include a variety of evaluation elements. The most common formats in which classification standards are written include: Narrative, Narrative factor, and Factor Evaluation System (FES). Generally, position descriptions are written in the format consistent with the classification standard format being used to evaluate the duties and responsibilities of the job. Regardless of the format, classification standards deal with essential characteristics that are common to all kinds of work:

• kinds of knowledge and skills required
• degree of difficulty involved
• kind of supervision received
• nature of personal judgment required
• level and purpose of contacts
• impact of work environment or inherent risks and hazards involved in the work

More specifically, the GS FES point factor format requires the user to select the proper level for each factor addressed, total points, and convert the points to grade using an established conversion table. The 9 factors are:

• Knowledge required by the position
• Supervisory controls
• Guidelines
• Complexity
• Scope and effect
• Personal contacts
• Purpose of contacts
• Physical demands
• Work environment

Classification decisions for the FWS narrative system are based on:

• Skill and knowledge
• Responsibility
• Physical effort
• Working conditions

Position classification standards have a function. They serve as a guide in classifying positions to their appropriate series and grade; explain why certain kinds of positions are classified to a particular series; secure uniformity by providing an established standard for common reference and use; facilitate and clarify the recruitment and placement process by helping employees understand their current classification and in finding out characteristics of other positions open for possible promotion or transfer; and lastly, serve as aids for performance rating purposes in the development of performance standards.

Classification standards are descriptive and explain work as it exists in the Federal service. They indicate the kinds of positions which are classified to the various occupations on the basis of duties and responsibilities. It is important to remember that each standard must be read and construed as a whole. No undue emphasis should be given to the presence or absence of any phrase, clause, or adjective. The typical work examples found in the standards do not constitute the whole standard. In relation to the entire standard, they are only illustrative of the distinctions drawn in the statement of characteristics of the position and the body of applicable knowledge at the time the standards were prepared. They are not intended to be complete or exclusive. Thus, the reason why the classification of a position can become quite complex.

Personnel management is an integral part of managerial and supervisory responsibilities. The OPM depends heavily on management officials in the development of classification standards. They believe maximum effectiveness in the use of standards to further management objectives can be achieved best by a close working relationship between management and personnel staffs. It is important that managers become familiar with the classification and qualification standards for those occupations which constitute the predominate work of their organization. Classification and qualification standards are maintained in the Human Resource Offices and are available for viewing. You can also access classification standards on the Internet at the OPM Classification web site.

RELATED TOPICS: Classification Standard Definitions

General Management EEO Classification Labor Relations Employee Relations Staffing Employee Development Electronic Forms Sample Letters Related Sites Email Help

Revised: 11/18/98
DOI University
National Business Center
U.S. Department of the Interior