We are constantly reviewing the availability of our different assessment offerings in different packages given agency needs, ongoing maintenance costs, and our delivery costs.

If you held a supervisor role or a particular position with the same series or grade previously, will you have to take the assessment?

All applicants, non-competitive or competitive, who apply to a vacancy that uses USA Hire as part of the assessment strategy will be required to complete the online assessments, just as they would be required to respond to minimum qualifications and/or participate in a Structured Interview. Any applicant who does not complete the required USA Hire assessment battery will not be reviewed further under that vacancy, regardless of their status. Additionally, for those job series with cut scores, any applicant who does not meet the minimum proficiency required for the USA Hire assessment battery, will no longer be considered under that vacancy. Requiring all applicants to complete the same assessment(s) and meet the same minimum level of proficiency supports a fair and equitable process for applicants.

Please note that agencies generally have policies for considering non-competitive applicants outside of a vacancy announcement based on applicable non-competitive hiring authorities. We recommend that agencies consult with their internal Selective Placement Coordinator about alternative hiring processes. For more information on this topic, visit the USA Hire FAQs.

Is the FSA based on the series and grade as well?

The FSA is available for supervisory positions across the Federal Government that require the targeted competencies. The FSA is the same assessment, regardless of series or grade.

If there is a supervisory and non-supervisory assessment for the same series /grade, should both be administered?

A USA Hire Standard assessment battery should NOT be used for supervisory roles. Likewise, a supervisor assessment should not be used for non-supervisory roles.

Has there been any mention of adding assessments in order to complete a probationary period after already being hired?

The USA Hire assessments primarily evaluate candidates for positions before selection. Recently, OPM began using USA Hire proctored exams to assess HR staff for Delegated Examining certification. Although additional post-hire assessments may be developed in the future, there are currently no efforts underway in this area.

Writing Skills Assessment

Is this what was previously called the Automated Writing Assessment?

That is correct!

Is the new name currently being used or will the notification come out when it is fully implemented?

We recently changed the name of the assessment from Automated Writing Assessment (AWA) to Writing Skills Assessment (WSA).

The purpose of this name change is to more accurately reflect the nature of the assessment. The Writing Skills Assessment (WSA) is designed to evaluate and measure writing skills based on specific criteria, providing a comprehensive and skills-based evaluation. We believe that the new name, Writing Skills Assessment, better communicates the essence of this assessment.

Please note that this change is only in the name. There will be no changes to the content of the assessment or the way it operates. The assessment process, criteria, and objectives remain the same, ensuring continuity and consistency for all users. You will notice this name change reflected on our Writing Skills Assessment flyer. Additionally, this name change will be taking place within USA Staffing and USA Hire in the next few months.

Who has access to the Writing Skills Assessments?; Is this with the standard package or premium add-on?

The WSA is a Premium Assessment. For pricing information, please contact USAHire@opm.gov.

Does the WSA interface disable copying FROM the response box? (e.g., for pasting elsewhere).

Yes, the Writing Skills Assessment (WSA) interface prevents applicants from copying content out of, or pasting content into, the essay response box.

For the WSA, can agencies develop custom prompts and scoring if they have an assessment expert?

A: Custom prompts and scoring are possible options. Please contact USAHire@opm.gov to discuss.

Executive Assessments

During these executive assessments, do the applicants have the ability to see questions and go back to data provided, or is the assessment capturing the ability to retain data?

The Executive Assessment battery is targeted to measure the identified ECQ competencies. There is no specific measure targeting an applicant’s proficiency in retaining information. Similar to other USA Hire assessments, applicants cannot go back to review an item/question in the EA after they have recorded their response.

How long are the scores good for once completed and passed?

Scores are reused for one year.

And the JAs are done in collaboration with SMEs?

Correct. OPM collaborates with SMEs for our job analysis studies.

What assessments are completed as an applicant for consideration vs. an already hired employee?

All the assessments being shown today are for use in selection scenarios. OPM offers other assessment capabilities and tools for employee development, organizational needs, etc. that are separate from USA Hire.

How much total time should an applicant set aside to complete one application?

It will vary depending on the assessment tools being used. The maximum time limit is communicated to the applicant, and we often see completion times that are half the maximum time provided.

Program and Project Management Assessment

What grade levels does the PAPMA assessment cover?

The Program and Project Management Assessment (PAPMA) is intended for use across positions that require program or project management skills. There are no grade restrictions. Keep in mind that the PAPMA measures general skills required for these roles, not the technical skills or knowledge (e.g., project management software application or certification).

Data Skills Assessment

Is there a reason why the assessment may take up to 4 hours? I thought the focus was to streamline the applicant experience to not make the application process so cumbersome.

The time requirement also includes the estimated time to analyze the data so applicants can respond to the questions. The Data Skills Assessment is a work sample assessment, and these can take longer as we are simulating the job more closely.

Are the Multiple Choice questions using standard responses, e.g., 0- No experience to 5- I'm an expert?

USA Hire assessment content, including questions and associated answers, are specific to the individual assessments and data that are part of these assessments. The question is referencing one of the default response scales found in USA Staffing. USA Hire does not use the standard response scales used for self-assessments in USA Staffing.

Will the data skills assessment be part of the USA Hire standard assessment battery as well?

The Data Skills Assessment will be part of the USA Hire Premium offerings.

Did you say in the first call, the applicant can call their HR and receive their Score for this assessment?

You may share category assignment or final rating information with applicants according to your Agency policies. Do not share individual assessment results with applicants, since it is only the final rating that was used to refer applicants.

For the DSA, are applicants able to download the 3 files? What type of files will it be and what application/program will they use to complete the tasks?

This assessment will have a phased roll out. Initially, candidates will be able to download the files using .csv format which they can analyze using the application of their choice.

For additional test security and enhanced applicant experience, we are exploring alternative test delivery options in which applicants will be able to analyze the data without downloading it. The data test content will be updated as appropriate.