# Delegated Examining: Assessment Prep and Refresher (Self-Paced)

Canonical URL: <https://www.graduateschool.edu/courses/delegated-examining-assessment-prep-and-refresher>

## Overview

This scenario-driven course prepares HR staffing specialists for OPM’s delegated examining assessment while providing experienced examiners with a structured refresher on the rules and processes that most often generate findings. Participants will trace delegated examining authority, practice applying key assessment and rating requirements, evaluate veterans’ preference and pass-over scenarios, and review the documentation needed to support legally sufficient certificates and complete case files.

The course also addresses accountability-review readiness and the quality-control practices delegated examining units can use to identify and correct compliance risks. Category rating is reviewed within the delegated examining process, but the course does not replace comprehensive training on that topic.

OPM and its testing vendor administer the delegated examining credential. Graduate School USA does not grant delegated examining certification; this course provides assessment preparation and refresher training only.

## What you'll learn

- Trace the authority for delegated examining and the terms of the delegated examining agreement.
- Conduct a defensible job analysis and build a rating schedule.
- Apply category rating and the numerical (Rule of Three) rating method correctly.
- Adjudicate veterans preference and execute a compliant pass-over.
- Issue a legally sufficient certificate of eligibles and assemble the case file.
- Prepare a delegated examining unit to pass an OPM accountability review.

## Curriculum

#### Delegated Examining Authority and Accountability

- The legal and regulatory authority for delegated examining
- Roles and responsibilities of OPM and delegated examining units
- Terms and requirements of a delegated examining agreement
- Merit system principles and prohibited personnel practices
- Common compliance risks throughout the examining process

#### Job Analysis, Qualifications, and Assessment Planning

- Connecting job requirements to the position description
- Identifying competencies and proficiency levels
- Developing a defensible job analysis
- Applying qualification standards and selective placement factors
- Building rating schedules and assessment criteria
- Documenting the basis for assessment decisions

#### Rating and Ranking Applicants

- Reviewing applicant eligibility and qualifications
- Applying category rating within the delegated examining process
- Applying the numerical Rule of Three method
- Assigning applicants to the appropriate rating category or score
- Recognizing rating errors that may affect referral or selection
- Maintaining consistency between the job analysis, assessment, and rating process

#### Veterans’ Preference and Pass-Over Procedures

- Determining eligibility for veterans’ preference
- Applying preference under category rating and numerical rating methods
- Understanding the order of consideration
- Evaluating pass-over and objection requests
- Identifying when OPM approval is required
- Documenting compliant veterans’ preference decisions

#### Certificates of Eligibles

- Constructing a legally sufficient certificate of eligibles
- Applying referral and selection rules
- Managing certificate amendments and extensions
- Documenting selections, nonselections, and certificate actions
- Identifying errors that may invalidate or compromise a certificate

#### Case Files and Audit Readiness

- Assembling a complete delegated examining case file
- Maintaining evidence for each stage of the examining process
- Using quality-control reviews to identify compliance gaps
- Preparing documentation for an OPM accountability review
- Correcting recurring findings and strengthening internal controls
- Demonstrating that examining decisions were consistent, merit-based, and defensible

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $1049