Administrative Careers with America (ACWA)
Questions and answers
Yes, the ACWA occupational questionnaires were designed for entry-level applicants who are expected to have only limited work experience. ACWA assessments are intended to distinguish among applicants on the basis of their self-reported education and life experiences rather than occupation-specific work experience.
The accomplishment-related questions give credit for experience gained through not only paid work, but other types of work as well (e.g., school, voluntary, charitable). Applicants who have worked on a temporary or part-time basis in the occupations they are applying for do receive credit, but only to the extent that their work experience provides evidence of demonstrating entry-level competencies.
More information about ACWA is provided in Chapter 2 of the Delegated Examining Operations Handbook: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-authorities/competitive-hiring/deo_handbook.pdf
If you would like to find out more about ACWA, please contact Assessment_Information@opm.gov.