U.S. Office of Personnel Management - Ensuring the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce
Generic
Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations
RATING GUIDE NO. 75-A
Ability To Interpret Instructions And Specifications, Including Blueprint Reading
DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT
This element pertains primarily to journeyman jobs or higher in trade and occupations requiring ability to interpret instructions and specifications, including blueprints. Compare Element 75-B which does not include blueprint reading. Compare Element 75-H, Ability to Follow Directions in a Shop, which shows the less difficult levels of ability.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
Most Difficult
-Able to perform in a satisfactory manner in a job where frequent, new or changed instructions, specifications, or contracts are received concerning operations for a group of workers. For example, a proficient chief of an inspection service who responds to frequent design changes and other directives for changed procedures would usually be at least at this level.
-Able to respond to frequent changes in instructions, specifications, or contracts concerning his or her own operations OR able to respond to occasional changes in instructions, specifications, or contracts concerning work of a group (such as a supervisor may receive in a shop).
Common
Able to respond to the kinds of instructions and specifications given in the course of general supervision to a journeyman who works on own initiative.
Less Difficult
Able to respond to the kind of instructions and tasks common to the journeyman job in the line of work under close supervision.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
For each of the following types of instructions you can follow, write the job number or other item number to show where you had to follow them:
-Oral directions from your supervisor or other person (tell from whom); hand or mechanical signals.
-Written directions from your supervisor and work orders.
-Requests, complaints, etc. received from customers, engineers, technicians, scientists, or the public (tell from whom).
-Manufacturers' guides, catalogues, technical manuals, bulletins, and codes (list titles).
-Drawings, blueprints, charts, and maps.
For each type, write the number of each statement that describes your training and experience.
1. Getting information about a limited subject such as materials to be used, sizes, etc., or operations to perform.
2. Interpreting occasional changes in instructions.
3. Getting technical information needed for complex operations; getting information on allowances, tolerances, etc.
4. Interpreting frequent changes in instructions, etc. concerning your own operations.
5. Using judgment and experience to work out details from specifications that are incomplete and general (explain).
6. Interpreting instructions concerning operations performed by a group of workers, so as to explain to or direct them.
Give examples of the more difficult instructions you have interpreted.
To Guide IndexRATING GUIDE NO. 75-B
Ability To Interpret Instruction, Specifications, And Other Written Documents (Other Than Blueprints)
This element includes all the phases of Element 75-A except blueprints. Element 75-B is used for occupations in which blueprint reading is not required. For example, a cook follows menus, recipes, and work schedules, but not blueprints. Element 75-B is also appropriate when blueprint reading is sufficiently important to be treated in a separate element, e.g. in a promotion examination for a particular inspector position where blueprint reading and specification reading are considered separate in ranking. Therefore, Rating Guide No. 75-A should be used for identifying levels of ability or developing questions to ask candidates with modifications to eliminate reference to blueprint reading.
RATING GUIDE NO. 75-C
Ability To Interpret Instructions And Specification (Related To Mobile Equipment Operation)
DESCRIPTION OF ELEMENT
Ability to interpret instructions pertaining to the particular kind of mobile equipment being operated.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
Most Difficult
Able to respond to frequent and complicated changes in instructions, or instructions where unusual danger is involved OR able to explain to other employees to help them understand.
Common
Able to respond to instructions, specifications, etc., such as those given in the course of general supervision to an employee who works on own initiative.
Less Difficult
Able to follow directions in performing tasks common to the line of work under close supervision.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
For each type of instruction or specification below that you can follow, tell where you used it:
-Oral instructions or directions; dealing with requests or complaints from customers, engineers, technicians or the public.
-Written instructions or directions; work orders.
-Instructions by radio.
-Signals: hand ___ whistle ___ lights ___
-Operating manuals, maintenance manuals, handbooks, catalogues, safety codes (specify).
-Road maps
-Construction plans
-Grade stakes
For each type of instruction you can follow, write the number of every statement that applies to your experience. Give examples.
1. Occasional
2. Frequent
3. Explain to other workers to help them understand.
RATING GUIDE NO. 75-E
Ability To Read Electrical Circuit Diagrams, Bluements, And Schematics
DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT
Ability to read and interpret circuit diagrams, electrical blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams; and ability to identify components and symbols. Compare 75-I, Ability to Use Prints and Drawings, which covers blueprint reading more generally.
WORK EXAMPLES
The following degrees of complexity may be found in one or more lines of work:
-Circuit diagrams for internal and external connections of complicated electrical equipment such as motor controllers, switch boxes, circuit breakers, transformers, and generators on multiphase circuits.
-Circuit diagrams as used in installing or replacing generators, motors, transformers etc., on single-phase circuits.
-Simple circuit diagrams as used in installing or replacing simple switches, alarm systems, simple 2-station communication systems, etc.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
Most Difficult
-Expert ability; able to interpret unusually complex drawings for experimental or prototype work.
-Able to read the more complex drawings, and visualize the more complex equipment without its being available.
Common
Able to follow circuit diagrams as used in the common operations of the journeyman job of the line of work.
Less Difficult
-Able to follow commonly used circuit diagrams after explanation by supervisor.
-Able to follow simpler circuit diagrams.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
For each kind of electrical drawing that you used, write the job numbers or other item numbers to show where you used it.
-Wiring diagrams
-Schematics, block diagrams
-Assembly drawings, showing how parts fit together.
-Two circuits, 5 to 10 connections, one or two special symbols (resistance, ground, etc.). Familiar appliance or wiring.
-Two or three circuits, 10 to 20 connections. Three or four special symbols - unusual arrangement of familiar appliance or wiring.
-Three or more circuits, more than 20 connections, four or more special symbols - unusual appliance or wiring.
For each kind of drawing, write the number of each statement that describes your experience.
1. Reading and following color codes.
2. Reading dimensions, components.
3. Interpreting drawing that is general and incomplete, to provide for a particular job. Give examples.
4. Being consulted by other workers to interpret drawings for them.
5. Preparing your own working sketches (explain on what basis and purpose).
Give examples of the more difficult ones you read.
RATING GUIDE NO. 75-F
Ability To Read Electronic Diagrams And Schematics
DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT
Ability to interpret diagrams for electronic equipment, including symbols, components, functions, part location, etc. Compare Element 75-I, Ability to Use Prints and Drawings, which covers blueprint reading more generally.
WORK EXAMPLES
The following degrees of complexity of drawings may be found in one or more lines of work:
-Drawings for complex electronic equipment such as analog to digital converters, integrated radar-navigation acquisition radar and computer systems, radio-teletype converters, nonstandard industrial equipment, etc.
-Diagram or schematic for complete complex electronic system and incomplete prototype models.
-Schematic drawings and wiring diagrams for standard electronic circuits on available equipment.
-Schematic diagrams for simple electronic circuits or components for common electrical circuits.
-Simple drawings, schematics, etc., such as shown in elementary texts and manuals.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
Most Difficult
-Expert ability; able to interpret unusually complex drawings for experimental, prototype, etc., work.
-Able to read the more complex drawings, and visualize the more complex equipment without its being available.
Common
Able to follow drawings for the more common operations of the journeyman job in the line of work.
Less Difficult
-Able to follow drawings common in the line of work, with supervisory guidance and explanation.
-Able to read the simple drawings.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. Describe the type of electronic and electrical diagrams and schematics that you have had to read. If they have been of complete systems, tell what systems.
2. What type of work did you do that required you to use electronic diagrams and schematics?
3. Describe the type of electronic equipment and components on which you had to read and interpret such diagrams, schematics, etc.
4. To what extent did you have to visualize the system from the diagram?
RATING GUIDE NO. 75-G
Ability To Use Reference Material And Manuals
DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT
Ability to use technical manuals, bulletins, supply manuals, manufacturers' specifications, trade journals, catalogues, handbooks, etc. Skill in locating and interpreting tables, graphs, formulas, nomographs, etc.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
The description of each level below pertains to the level of performance that would be expected if the applicant became a worker or supervisor in the particular trade or line of work.
Most Difficult
-Able to interpret catalogues, manuals, specifications, etc., on equipment, tools, and machines so as to make recommendations for replacement due to obsolescence, types of replacement most desirable, and types of equipment justified by future needs; able to determine overall production goals and equipment needs for many installations.
-Able to determine all necessary technical information for complex operations, with no help from supervisor.
Example on Metal Work - Determining proper bend allowances, stresses and strains, etc., when pipe bending, using various alloys and flat sheet work to tolerances of .010 inch; with no help from supervisor.
Example in Repair Work - Able to use both electrical and mechanical reference materials, for example: engine manuals; generator manuals; air conditioner specifications; carburetor guides; etc., with no help from supervisor.
Common
Able to get technical information needed for common day-to-day operations.
Less Difficult
-Able to use reference material, selected by the supervisor, to find data for operations.
-Able to get information about a subject that is limited with respect to a trade or line of work, such as tools in a machine shop, or sizes of spark plugs in a repair garage.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
For each type listed below that you can use, note job numbers or other information to show where you used it.
-Technical manuals and bulletins
-Supply catalogues and manuals
-Manufacturers' specifications
-Trade journals
-Handbooks
-Other (specify)
For each type, write the number of each statement that applies to your ability.
1. Have not used.
2. Used to get information about a limited subject, such as tools to be used, size of screws, kind of lubricant, etc.
3. Used to determine technical information needed to know how to do operations.
4. Used to see if there are better ways of doing an operation.
5. Consulted by other workers to help them interpret.
6. Selected proper reference on my own without help from supervisor.
Circle reason for use of references to determine: materials, sizes, tolerances, working speeds, formulas, allowances for bending or stress and strain, models, design, and operational procedures.
Give one or two examples of use.
RATING GUIDE NO.75-H
Ability To Follow Directions In A Shop
DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT
Ability to follow oral directions which vary from task to task. Typically, this element pertains to worker-trainee and support-type jobs. This is the lower level of Element 75-A and 75-B which give levels of ability in interpreting instructions and specifications for journeyman and higher jobs in trade and craft occupations (Element 75-A includes blueprint reading; 75-B includes other than blueprint reading). Except where Elements 75-A/B and 75-H overlap at the journeyman level of ability, the content is sufficiently different to justify separate elements.
WORK EXAMPLES
The following degree of complexity may be found in one or more lines of work:
-Operating a machine such as a lathe under close supervision.
-Following directions in disassembling a simple mechanism; recognizing by name basic machines and tools, standard shapes and types of stock; carrying out directions to check sizes of stock with scale or rule.
-Following directions in sorting items into groups when the classifications are obvious.
-Following directions in operating a machine repetitively, e.g., feeding items into machine at a certain angle or in a special manner.
-Cleaning tools, machines, and work area.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
Less Difficult
-Able to follow directions in performing tasks common to the journeyman job in the line of work under close supervision.
-Able to carry out instructions which involve simple decisions based on precedents.
-Able to carry out instructions immediately to perform simple tasks in the line of work (some of these tasks may require several steps).
-Able to carry out a single instruction after it is carefully explained.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Describe the type of instructions or directions you had to follow on jobs, in work shops, or during military service, particularly in regard to getting tools and materials, measuring stock with scale, operating machines, and maintenance.
RATING GUIDE NO. 75-I
Ability to Use Prints and Drawings
DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT
Ability to use prints and drawings as appropriate to a given line of work. Compare other elements which deal with particular kinds of blueprints:
Element 75-E, Ability to Read Electrical Circuit Diagrams, Blueprints, and Schematics
Element 75-F, Ability to Read Electronic Diagrams and Schematics
The rating guides for these elements show degrees of complexity for the different kinds of prints.
Elements 28, 80, 81, and 82 are especially appropriate when competitors in different lines of work are to be recruited under the same announcement.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
Most Difficult
- Able to interpret the most complex prints in a line of work (if this level of ability can be identified).
- Able to interpret the more technical prints in a line of work.
Common
Able to interpret prints commonly used in the line of work.
Less Difficult
- Able to use common blueprints with help from supervisor to see how views fit together and to interpret technical prints.
- Able to use simple blueprints in the line of work.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Have you used prints, drawings, sketches, and diagrams in your work? If so, tell what type you used and how you used them.
RATING GUIDE NO. 75-J
Ability To Use Electrical Drawings
DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT
Ability to read and interpret circuit diagrams, electrical blueprints, schematics, and ability to identify components and symbols.
WORK EXAMPLES
The following degrees of complexity may be found in one or more lines of work:
- Circuit diagrams for internal and external connections of complicated electrical equipment such as motor controllers, switchboxes, circuit breakers, transformers, and generators on multiphase circuits.
- Circuit diagrams as used in installing or replacing generators, motors, transformers, etc., on single-phase circuits.
- Simple circuit diagrams as used in installing or replacing simple switches, alarm systems, simple 2-station communication systems, etc.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
Most Difficult
- Able to follow the most complex circuit diagrams.
- Able to follow the more complex circuit diagrams.
Common
Able to follow circuit diagrams as used in the common operations of the journeyman job in a line of work.
Less Difficult
- Able to follow commonly used circuit diagrams after explanation by supervisor.
- Able to follow simpler circuit diagrams.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
For each line listed below that you can use, write the job numbers or other item numbers to show where you used it.
-Wiring diagrams.
-Schematics, block diagrams
-Assembly drawings, showing how parts fit together.
-Two circuits, 5 to 10 connections, one or two special symbols (resistance, ground, etc.). Familiar appliance or wiring.
-Two or three circuits, 10 to 20 connections. Three or four special symbols - unusual arrangement of familiar appliance or wiring.
-Three or more circuits, more than 20 connections, four or more special symbols - unusual appliance or wiring.
For each kind of drawing, write the number of each statement that describes your experience. Give examples of the more difficult ones.
1. Reading and following color codes.
2. Reading dimensions, components.
3. Interpreting drawing that is general and incomplete, to provide for a particular job (Give example).
4. Being consulted by other workers to interpret drawings for them.
5. Preparing your own work sketches. Explain on what basis and for what purpose.
RATING GUIDE NO.75-K
Ability To Use Shop Drawings (Mechanical)
DESCRIPTION OF JOB ELEMENT
Ability to analyze and interpret blueprints and other drawings of mechanical objects sufficiently well to understand dimensions, shape, material, finish, etc., and how the various parts fit together. Includes a realization of what computations may be missing, if any, and other details that are furnished by the drawing. The difficulty in reading blueprints is solely difficulty in understanding the drawings, and not the difficulty of laying out or making the articles shown in the drawings. Compare Element 75-I, Ability to Use Blueprints and Drawings, which covers blueprint reading more generally.
WORK EXAMPLES
The following degrees of complexity of blueprints may be found in one or more lines of work:
-Multiple views including sections for new work, prototype work, and complex objects where the finished product has to be visualized from multiple views with the following characteristics: irregular shapes, many dimensions, including angles and radii, requiring figuring.
-Auxiliary views of irregular objects, with may production directions such as "4 holes 17/32 drill," requiring ability to visualize an unseen object from the set of auxiliary and main views.
-Front, top, and side views of same object, when repetitious details are omitted and some dimensions are to be figured, requiring knowledge of mechanical drawing conventions.
-Two views of a regular object such as a shaft.
-A single view complete in all details with few dimensions and with diameters or radii labeled.
LEVELS OF ABILITY
Most Difficult
-Able to interpret the most complex prints in a line of work (if this level of ability can be identified).
-Able to interpret the more technical prints in a line of work.
Common
Able to interpret prints commonly used in the journeyman job of the line of work.
Less Difficult
-Able to interpret common blueprints with help from supervisor in seeing how the views fit together.
-Able to interpret simple blueprints in the line of work.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
For each kind of blueprint or drawing that you have used, write the job numbers or other item numbers to show where you used it.
-Single view with few dimensions labeled.
-Two or three views where all dimensions are included.
-Front, top, and side views of same object when repetitious details are omitted and some dimensions need to be figured.
-Multiple views of irregular objects with many production details, requiring ability to visualize unseen details or dimensions from a set of auxiliary and main views.
For each type of blueprint or drawing, write the number of each statement that describes your training and experience.
1. Following drawing with assistance of supervisor.
2. Interpreting it on your own, to understand dimensions, shapes, materials, finish, etc., and how parts fit together.
3. Being consulted by other workers to interpret for them (explaining on what basis and purpose).
4. Preparing your own working sketches.
Give examples of the more difficult ones you read. Show the number and kinds of views, tolerances, details omitted, computations you had to make and the purposes for which used.
Page Updated 11 July 2000
U.S. Office of Personnel Management 1900 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20415 | (202) 606-1800 | TTY (202) 606-2532