Federal Hiring Eligibility Calculator
Check which federal hiring authorities you can apply under — Merit Promotion, VEOA, VRA, Schedule A, Military Spouse, CTAP/ICTAP, Pathways, reinstatement, and more.
Free — no account, no sign-up
What are Hiring Eligibilities?
Federal job announcements list "Who May Apply" — the hiring authorities under which applicants can be considered. Knowing your eligibilities helps you identify which announcements you can apply to. Some authorities (like 30% Disabled Veteran, Schedule A, or Military Spouse) allow non-competitive appointment, meaning you bypass the normal competitive examination process.
Are you a U.S. citizen?
Are you currently a federal civilian employee?
Were you previously a federal employee with competitive service status?
Did you serve on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces?
Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric, or intellectual disability with documentation?
Requires a certification letter from a licensed medical professional, licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any federal/state/local agency that issues disability benefits. This is NOT the same as a VA disability rating.
Are you a military spouse who relocated due to a Permanent Change of Station (PCS)?
Must be married to the service member on or before the PCS order date. Limited to the geographic area of the PCS.
Are you the spouse of a service member who is 100% disabled due to active duty?
Are you the un-remarried widow(er) of a service member killed on active duty?
Did you work overseas as a federal employee (52+ weeks) while accompanying a military or civilian sponsor?
Under Executive Order 12721, family members who worked in appropriated fund positions overseas may receive non-competitive eligibility for 3 years after returning to the U.S.
Are you currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student (half-time or more)?
The Pathways Internship program provides federal work experience for current students.
Did you complete a qualifying degree within the last 2 years (or 6 years if a veteran)?
The Pathways Recent Graduates program and PMF provide competitive conversion to permanent positions.
Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer (36+ months) or AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer (12+ months)?
Peace Corps: eligible within 1 year of separation (extendable). AmeriCorps VISTA: eligible within 1 year of completion.
Are you a Boren Fellow, Boren Scholar, Language Flagship graduate, or other NSEP award recipient?
National Security Education Program awards include Boren Scholarships, Boren Fellowships, Language Flagship, and EHLS. Recipients may be hired under Schedule A authority (5 CFR 213.3102(r)).
Are you a current or former term/temporary employee of a land management agency (24+ months)?
Qualifying agencies: BLM, Forest Service, NPS, Fish & Wildlife, Bureau of Reclamation, and BIA. Must have served 24+ months in competitive service positions within the preceding 2 years. Former employees: must apply within 2 years of separation.
Were you involuntarily separated from a National Guard technician position (not for cause)?
Involuntary separation includes loss of military membership, RIF, or reorganization — but NOT removal for misconduct. Provides noncompetitive appointment eligibility.
Are you a member of a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native?
Indian Preference applies to BIA, BIE, and IHS positions. Schedule A authority under 5 CFR 213.3112(a)(7). Requires BIA Form 4432 or tribal enrollment documentation.