September 29, 2026 – USA Class

AGENDA

Thank you for joining us!

In case you missed it:

In USA Class, select Knowledge Center from the lower left navigation. Then, under Communications, open Office Hours to review earlier sessions.

June 2026: Resolving access and connection issues, and finding help when you need it.
July 2026: Choosing an office structure, understanding user roles and permissions, and requesting additional offices.
August 2026: How initial inputs, duty categories, and statements shape the major duty suggestions.

Series selection: Choosing a reference for factor drafting

For a nonsupervisory, nine-factor FES position, select a target series to guide drafting. USA Class uses one standard or guide per run.
For an interdisciplinary professional or mixed-series position, edit the factors to address work the selected standard does not cover. You can also develop content in separate runs and combine the results.
If the target series is unavailable, a similar available series may help draft factor descriptions when appropriate to the duties. Review and edit the generated language.
For a position evaluated under a non-FES standard, selecting a comparable FES series may provide draft factor language that can be adapted to the assigned work. The classifier applies the appropriate criteria and determines the official series later in PD Builder.

Factor 1: Major duties drive the suggested language

Factor 1 suggestions draw on the PD’s major duties, not the selected standard or guide. Check that each statement describes knowledge, skill, and/or ability required by the actual work of the position and how it is used.
Add, edit, or regenerate statements as needed. Ensure that suggestions neither omit required knowledge nor overstate the work before assigning a level.
The slider changes only the adjective; the rest of the suggested statement remains unchanged. The Factor Level dropdown records the level the classifier assigns.
Competencies are planned for a future release.

Factors 2–9: Preloaded levels are starting values

After Factor 1 is assigned, USA Class preloads Factors 2–9 using the factor level relationship tables in The Classifier’s Handbook. These values are starting points, not classification decisions.
For a developmental position, USA Class references the FES Primary Standard for levels below those described in the selected standard or guide. It does not generate descriptions above the highest level covered by that standard or guide.
Evaluate each factor against the assigned duties and applicable standard or guide. The classifier assigns the overall level supported by the work.
For Factors 3, 6, and 8, enter relevant details about guidelines, personal contacts, and physical demands. Select Regenerate, then check the revised statement.

Final checks: Review, references, and preview

Review: USA Class flags levels outside typical PATCO patterns so the classifier can check them. A warning does not determine the correct level. The classifier does.
References: Add other standards, guides, or agency-specific guidance used to evaluate the PD, including the standard or guide for the official series (if different from the drafting reference). These additions do not change the standard or guide used to draft the factors.
Preview & Submit: Review the complete factor descriptions and assigned levels against the position’s regular and significant work. If changes are needed, return to the slider pane, select Edit there, and revise the affected factor before submitting.

Please contact us at USAClass@opm.gov.