Modernizing and Reforming the Assessment and Hiring of Federal Job Candidates
Jul 1, 2020
Signed by: Donald Trump
Signed on: Jun 26, 2020
Published on: Jul 1, 2020
Jul 1, 2020
Signed by: Donald Trump
Signed on: Jun 26, 2020
Published on: Jul 1, 2020
Summary
Makes the government hire people based on their skills and what they can do, instead of just requiring a college degree for a job.
What problem does this solve?
The government's old way of hiring often required a college degree, which blocked many skilled people from getting jobs. This order tells agencies to focus on a person's actual abilities and experience, creating more opportunities for everyone.
What does this order do?
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Revision of job classification and qualification standards
Replaces degree-based hiring with skills-based hiring
Directs federal agencies to hire people based on their skills and abilities rather than relying on educational requirements like college degrees.
Limits when a college degree can be required
Allows an agency to require a minimum education level only if a state or local law requires it for that specific job.
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Improving the use of assessments in the federal hiring process
Improves how job candidates are tested
Requires agencies to use tests and other methods to check a candidate's skills. Agencies cannot rely only on a person's own description of their abilities.
Updates job descriptions to focus on skills
Requires that all government job postings clearly list the specific skills and abilities needed to do the job.
Who does this affect?
- Federal job applicants
- Workers without college degrees
- Federal government agencies
What is the real world impact?
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Expands the pool of job applicants
Removes the strict need for a college degree, allowing more people with practical skills and experience to apply for federal jobs. This makes the hiring process more open to everyone.
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Aligns government hiring with the private sector
Adopts modern hiring methods used by private companies that focus on what a person can do. This could make the government more efficient at finding talented workers.
When does this start?
This order sets several deadlines for federal agencies to update their hiring practices within 180 days of June 26, 2020.
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Text:
Section:
Header:
Revision of job classification and qualification standards
New job standards become effective
By December 23, 2020, all revised job classification and qualification standards must be put into effect.
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Section:
Header:
Improving the use of assessments in the federal hiring process
New assessment methods implemented
By December 23, 2020, agencies must use new ways to assess candidates that do not rely only on their education.
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Text:
Section:
Header:
Revision of job classification and qualification standards
Public release of new job standards
By October 24, 2020, all changes to job standards must be made available to the public.