Is it better to be competitive or excepted service?
In addition, first-timers may find it easier to “break into” a federal job in the excepted service. Whereas competitive service position openings often hire internally, only considering applicants who already work in the competitive service, excepted service positions are more often open to all applicants.
Can excepted service transfer to competitive service?

If you’re in the excepted service and your agency has an Interchange Agreement, you may be eligible to move to another job in the competitive service.
How many times can you use VRA?
If you are employed in a temporary or term position under VRA, you will not be converted to the competitive service after 2 years. There is no limit to the number of times you can apply under VRA, as long as you meet the definition of a covered veteran under applicable law.
Is the National Defense Service Medal qualifying for VRA?
Answer: Yes. For VRA purposes, the GWOTSM is a qualifying medal for VRA eligibility.

What is considered competitive service federal employee?
The competitive service consists of all civil service positions in the executive branch of the Federal Government with some exceptions. The exceptions are defined in section 2102 of title 5, United States Code (5 U.S.C. 2102).
Does excepted service count towards retirement?
NOTE: SERVICE TOWARD TENURE IN THE EXCEPTED SERVICE IS NOT CREDITABLE TOWARD TENURE IN THE COMPETITIVE SERVICE. 5. Leave, Compensation, Federal Group Life Insurance, Health and Retirement benefits will be the same as those provided to Career or Career-Conditional employees. 6.
How long can my agency keep me from a promotion transfer?
If it is for a lateral position within the same branch then they can hold you for up to thirty days. I went from Navy to Army for a lateral position but it was only two weeks. If it is a promotion within the same branch then they can hold you for two weeks and generally till the end of a pay period after the two weeks.
What is VRA conversion?
Veterans Recruitment Appointments (VRAs) The VRA is an excepted appointment to a position that is otherwise in the competitive service. After two years of satisfactory service, the veteran is converted to a career-conditional appointment in the competitive service.
What does VRA eligible mean?
Veterans Recruitment Authority
Veterans Recruitment Authority (VRA) The VRA is a special authority by which agencies can appoint an eligible veteran without competition to positions through the GS-11 grade level or equivalent level. The candidate must meet the basic qualification requirements for the position.
What is the difference between competitive and excepted?
Excepted service positions are any federal or civil service positions which are not in the competitive service or the Senior Executive service. Excepted service agencies set their own qualification requirements and are not subject to the appointment, pay, and classification rules in title 5, United States Code.
What is considered competitive service?
Competitive service This process may consist of a written test, an evaluation of the individual’s education and experience, and/or an evaluation of other attributes necessary for successful performance in the position to be filled.
Does Naf time count towards GS retirement?
NAF service used towards CSRS or FERS retirement cannot be used in a NAF retirement calculation. Credit for NAF service will not result in higher CSRS or FERS annuity benefits.
Can a federal employee request a reassignment?
Internal Placement. Under certain conditions federal government employees may request reassignment from one organization or geographic location to another. This is a considerable benefit to the employee and it can also benefit the agency as well.
What is considered a break in federal service?
(In computing creditable service for benefits, e.g., leave accrual and reduction in force retention, a separation of 1, 2, or 3 calendar days is not considered to be a break in service; a separation of 4 or more calendar days is considered to be a break in service and the days of separation are subtracted from the …
What is competitive status for federal employees?
Competitive status is acquired by completion of a probationary period under a career-conditional or career appointment, or under a career executive assignment in the former executive assignment system, following open competitive examination, or by statute, Executive order, or the Civil Service rules, without open …
What is a non competitive appointment in the Federal service?
Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) is a special hiring authority through which Appointment Eligible Family Members (AEFMs) can be appointed to federal positions without competing with the general public. This makes it easier for federal employers to hire qualified candidates.
What is VRA and VEOA?
Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment (VRA) 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans. Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA)
What does VRA mean for veterans?