You must file a classification or job grading appeal in writing.
Info that Should be Included in a Position Classification Appeal Filed with OPM
You may have a representative (designated in writing) help you prepare and submit your appeal case, but the representative cannot be someone with management or classification authority over your position. You or your designated representative, who must be designated in writing, should send your appeal to
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Classification Appeals and FLSA Claims Program Manager
1900 E. ST NW Room 6484
Washington, DC 20415
* OPM will accept electronic filings of classification appeals during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, you should also follow up with a written, signed, and dated copy of the appeal request sent to the above address. Appeals can be sent to FEDCLASS_APPEALS.INTERNET@opm.gov.
If you decide to submit a classification appeal to us, it should contain the following information in writing and must be signed by you or your duly authorized representative:
- Your name, email address, mailing address, and commercial office telephone number;
- The present classification of your position and the requested classification;
- The name of the department or agency and the office in which you work;
- The name, mailing and email address of the servicing Human Resources office having classification authority over the appealed position;
- The city where you are employed and the installation's mailing address;
- A copy of your official position description and either a statement affirming that it is accurate or a detailed explanation of the inaccuracies and an explanation of the efforts made to correct the position description;
- Any additional information about the position that will aid in understanding it; and
- Arguments supporting the requested classification by referencing the appropriate classification standards.
Specific Requirements for Filing a Federal Wage System (FWS) Job Grading Appeal with OPM
- If you are a FWS employee, you must first appeal to your agency. If you are dissatisfied with your agency’s decision, you may then appeal to OPMIf you are a FWS employee, you must first appeal to your agency. If you are dissatisfied with your agency’s decision, you may then appeal to OPM.
- Your appeal to OPM must be filed within 15 calendar days of the date you receive your agency's decision. You must specify that part of your agency's decision with which you disagree. OPM may extend the time limit for filing if circumstances beyond your control prevented you from filing within 15 days, or if you were not notified or were otherwise unaware of the 15-day time limit.
OPM Fact Finding
Our appeal decision is based on information supplied by you and your agency. If we need additional information, we will call, write, or visit the work site. If we conduct an interview or desk audit, you will be the only person present unless you are in a General Schedule position and we ask another person to participate. We do not conduct appeal hearings
When we conduct fact finding, it is important that you emphasize the major areas of your work and how your position fits into your unit's and agency's operations. Most importantly, do not understate or exaggerate your duties and responsibilities.
Effective Dates and Back Pay
The effective date of a classification appeal decision can be retroactive only if it corrects a classification action that resulted in an actual decrease in pay.
In order for the decision to be made retroactive, the employee must appeal the classification to either the agency or the Office of Personnel Management, but not both at the same time, within 15 calendar days after the effective date of the reclassification action.
Retroactivity may be based only on duties and responsibilities existing at the time of demotion and cannot be based on duties and responsibilities assigned later.
Cancellation or Withdrawal of an Appeal
You may withdraw your appeal at any time before we issue a decision.
We may cancel your appeal if you or your designated representative fail to provide requested information or if you leave the position that is being appealed.
Cautionary Note
These pages explain the position classification appeals process available to current employees of the United States Federal Government. Former employees of the United States Federal Government may not file a classification appeal.
You should be aware that there might be a delay between official publication of materials and their change or appearance on these pages. We will make every effort to correct errors that come to our attention.
The Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations, published by the National Archives and Records Administration, remain the official sources for regulations published by the Office of Personnel Management. The Office of Personnel Management's regulations for classification appeals for General Schedule employees are in subpart F of part 511 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations. Regulations for job grading appeals for Federal Wage System employees are in subpart G of part 532 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations. You must file a classification or job grading appeal in writing. However, you may send comments or general questions to us electronically.
Why You Must File a Classification Appeal in Writing
You must file a classification appeal in writing because the appeal must have an original signature by you or your designated representative. Additionally, a classification appeal frequently contains supporting documentation such as position descriptions, organizational charts, and work samples that are not available electronically.
Please see our frequently asked questions section if you have any additional questions about how to file a classification appeal.
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