# Basic Position Classification Course Intense live online course for a solid foundation in General Schedule (GS) classification Canonical URL: ## Overview Gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities classifiers need to do their work successfully. The focus of this course is on helping participants develop competence in applying various classification standards. It also provides participants with exposure to other topics important to federal classification programs, such as writing position descriptions and the Fair Labor Standards Act. While complete proficiency comes only with time and practice, this intensive ten-day course provides a solid foundation in General Schedule (GS) classification through both instruction and extensive practice. ## What you'll learn - Discuss the two primary methods used to evaluate positions in the federal system - Describe the legal basis, structure, and primary tools of the General Schedule system - Explain and apply procedures used to classify federal positions using the Factor Evaluation System - Select and apply procedures used to classify federal positions using the narrative system - Write evaluation statements that adequately document and justify classification decisions - Apply the FES factors in writing position descriptions - Discuss and apply the procedures for using classification guides - Describe and apply procedures used to classify GS leader, supervisory, and managerial positions - Identify and apply the exemption criteria used to make Fair Labor Standards Act coverage decisions - Understand the guiding principles for federal classification. ## Curriculum #### Module 1: Foundation for Federal Classification - Explain how classification underpins federal HR (selection, pay, performance, and accountability). - Distinguish the two GS evaluation methods (Factor Evaluation System vs. narrative “best-fit”). - Identify GS structure components (occupational groups, series, grades, factors) and legal basis (5 U.S.C. §5104). - Use core OPM references (Introduction to PCS, Classifier’s Handbook, Occupational Groups & Families, Digests). #### Module 2: The Factor Evaluation System (FES) - Apply FES’s nine factors, defined levels, and point values to determine GS grades. - Use the Primary Standard, occupational standards, and grade conversion tables correctly. - Follow six FES steps: select series, compare factors, assign points, total, and convert to grade; document results. - Recognize “factors not considered” in classification and appropriate non-classification remedies. #### Module 3: The Narrative System - Evaluate positions by comparing duties to narrative grade-level criteria (no points) to find the “best fit.” - Select appropriate standards and factors; interpret levels consistently across similar work. - Document rationale that links duties to grade-level language and precedent. #### Module 4: Writing Evaluation Statements - Know when evaluation statements are required and what they must substantiate. - Organize: references, background, series/title, grade determination (factor or narrative), and conclusion. - Support determinations with comparisons, examples, and clear reasoning tied to standards. #### Module 5: Position Descriptions (PDs) - Define roles of management, HR, and incumbents in creating accurate, adequate PDs. - Write FES-style PDs: major duties plus Factors 1–9; ensure consistency with organization charts and missions. - Complete cover sheets (e.g., OF-8) and include information needed for downstream HR actions. #### Module 6: Classification Guides - Use applicable OPM functional guides and job family standards to supplement occupational standards. - Select the correct guide (e.g., administrative, technical, professional) and apply it to the work being evaluated. - Integrate guide criteria with PD content to ensure equity and alignment. #### Module 7: General Schedule Leaders, Supervisors, and Managers - Differentiate work leaders, team leaders, and supervisors along the management continuum. - Apply the General Schedule Leader Grade Evaluation Guide (GSLGEG) and the General Schedule Supervisory Guide (GSSG). - Derive proper title/series/grade by assessing program scope, complexity, and delegated authorities. #### Module 8: Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) - Determine coverage and apply exemption criteria (executive, administrative, professional, computer). - Document FLSA determinations and align with OPM/agency guidance. - Address common pitfalls and reconcile PD content with exemption logic. #### Module 9: Guiding Principles for Federal Classification - Reinforce Merit System Principles and avoid Prohibited Personnel Practices. - Promote equity, consistency, and legal sufficiency in all determinations. - Use precedent (OPM Digests/appeals) and quality control to sustain defensible decisions. ## Schedule - Jun 1, 2026 – Jun 12, 2026 — Live Online - Jul 6, 2026 – Jul 17, 2026 — Live Online - Jul 27, 2026 – Aug 7, 2026 — Live Online - Aug 24, 2026 – Sep 4, 2026 — Live Online - Oct 19, 2026 – Oct 30, 2026 — Live Online - Dec 7, 2026 – Dec 18, 2026 — Live Online ## Instructors ### Francis Connor — Instructor Frank Connor has been an Instructor with Graduate School USA since 2010. He has presented over 375 courses, including: Pay Setting: General Schedule; Pay Setting: Federal Wage System; Qualifications Analysis; Federal Staffing and Placement; Adjudicating Veterans Preference; and Preparing and Conducting Reduction In Force. Mr. Connor retired from the federal government in April of 2010 following 34 years of service, most recently as the Associate Regional Director for Administration for the National Park Service’s Northeast Region. Mr. Connor had a decade of experience leading human resources programs. He served as the Civilian Personnel Director for the Naval Air Propulsion Center in Trenton, NJ, and the Naval Ship Systems Engineering Station in Philadelphia, PA. He was Human Resource Director of the Philadelphia VA Medical Center and Deputy Human Resource Director for the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division. He also had assignments in human resources and administration at the Detroit Arsenal, Warren, MI; Picatinny Arsenal, Dover, NJ; and the Departments of Agriculture, Interior, Labor and Navy in Philadelphia. Frank holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from LaSalle University in Philadelphia, PA and a Master of Arts in Management from Central Michigan University. He has done additional graduate study at Farleigh Dickinson University. He was an NDFL fellow of the University of Washington, Seattle. He completed the Certificate Program of the Administrative and Service Institute of the University of Tennessee. ### Judy Mintze — Instructor Judy Mintze is a retired Federal HR instructor with over 30 years of experience specializing in Federal Human Resource Processing and Personnel Actions (FPPA). She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana Wesleyan University and has dedicated her career to teaching federal HR professionals. Judy is known for creating engaging and inclusive learning environments where participants feel empowered to ask questions and apply federal laws, rules, and regulations to their work. Her expertise spans a wide range of HR topics, including recruitment, pay setting, and personnel action processing. During her tenure as an HR Specialist at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), Judy served as a Senior Human Resource Instructor, training newly hired HR staff on complex topics such as developing assessment materials, adjudicating veterans' preferences, and setting pay. She also developed course materials, lesson plans, and examinations, ensuring her students were well-equipped to navigate the complexities of federal HR processes. Judy’s passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom, as she has also conducted federal resume writing workshops and contributed to process improvement projects to streamline hiring practices. ### Sarah Gurwitz — Instructor Sarah Gurwitz brings over 30 years of expertise in Human Resource Management, currently serving as an HR consultant for both federal and private sector organizations. She is also an Adjunct Professor at NYU’s Wagner School of Public Administration, where she designs and teaches graduate-level courses in Human Resource Management for the MPA program. Sarah’s career includes more than two decades as the Director of Human Resource Management at a VA Medical Center in New York City, alongside 10 years as an HR Consultant to the office of the Under Secretary for the Veterans Health Administration. Her recent work spans HR training, the development and delivery of diverse Human Capital programs, HR program assessments, technical HR guidance, organizational evaluations, workforce planning, and policy development. She has collaborated with several federal agencies, including Homeland Security, the Defense Logistics Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Justice, as well as private-sector not-for-profit religious organizations. Sarah has also volunteered with the Peace Corps in South America and currently works as a tour guide specializing in New York's historic Lower East Side. Sarah has a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science and Education from SUNY Fredonia, Fredonia NY and a Master of Arts in Education from Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY. She has taken numerous continuing education classes in Human Resource Management, computer skill development, and leadership. ### Christina Pacunas — Instructor Christina Pacunas is an Air Force Veteran and senior-level Human Resources Officer with more than 11 years of experience leading human capital initiatives across diverse environments. She brings proven expertise in talent acquisition, workforce planning, employee development, and organizational change management, with a track record of aligning HR strategies to business objectives that drive performance, strengthen culture, and boost employee engagement. Christina is recognized for building high-performing teams and implementing data-driven HR solutions. She has extensive experience delivering virtual training to federal employees, specializing in the federal recruitment and staffing lifecycle. Her subject matter expertise spans strategic recruitment discussions, hiring flexibilities, job analysis, job announcement development, adjudicating veterans' preference, pay setting, onboarding, calculating service computation dates, coding personnel actions, electronic personnel file management, and process improvement. Her deep knowledge of federal HR is grounded in applying key authorities and resources, including the Guide to Personnel Processing, Guide to Data Standards, Title 5 of the U.S. Code, the Delegated Examining Handbook, Executive Orders, and Office of Personnel Management policies. She held a Delegated Examining Unit (DEU) Certification valid through March 2025 and maintains an active SHRM-CP credential. A former federal employee, Christina has served in key HR roles with the Department of the Army, Department of Veterans Affairs, United States Agency for International Development, Department of Justice, and the Federal Transit Administration. Christina holds a master's degree in Human Services Administration and a bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family. ## Pricing **Tuition:** $2999