TRANSCRIPTS AND CERTIFICATES IN JOB APPLICATIONS
Sometimes qualified, otherwise eligible jobseekers are eliminated from consideration simply because they did not
include the transcripts need by Human Resources in order to make a qualification determination based on OPM’s
qualification standards. Human Resource Specialists are not allowed to make assumptions such as, if you have a
Master’s Degree then you also have a Bachelor’s Degree—they have to have a copy of the transcripts to be sure.
You may have much more education than is required to meet the minimum qualification requirement (definitely
include that information in your resume for the selecting officials), but in most cases an education requirement is
satisfied with education earned at a baccalaureate level.
DOES THIS OCCUPATION REQUIRE A DEGREE OR HAVE A SPECIFIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT?
If this position has a degree or education requirement you are required to submit a copy of your transcript. If
you claim qualifications based on education and/or the position has a positive education requirement and you
do not submit a transcript, your education will not be used in making a qualification determination and you
may be found “not qualified.” Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the
U.S. Department of Education for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the
transcripts from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of
Education.
Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation?src=rn
. All
education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. If selected, an official/
sealed transcript will be required prior to appointment.
Note: If you have a Master’s level degree (or higher), it is a good idea to include transcripts from both your
Bachelor’s program and your higher level programs.
ARE YOU TRYING TO QUALIFY FOR THIS JOB BASED ON YOUR EDUCATION ALONE, OR A
COMBINATION OF YOUR EDUCATION AND YOUR EXPERIENCE?
You are required to submit a copy of your transcript. If you claim qualifications based on education and/or
the position has a positive education requirement and you do not submit a transcript, your education will not
be used in making a qualification determination and you may be found “not qualified.” Education must be
accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for it to be credited
towards qualifications.
IS YOUR QUALIFYING EDUCATION FROM A FOREIGN INSTITUTION?
If your qualifying education was earned at a foreign institution, it must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency in
order to be considered for a position. You are required to submit documentation from a private U.S.
organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign education credentials (credentialing evaluation
service).
For additional information, see Foreign Education
DOES THIS POSITION REQUIRE A LICENSE OR A CERTIFICATE?
Please follow the announcement instructions for identifying or including a copy of your license or certificate in
your application.
