Selection of the correct series for a position is an essential part of the entire human resources management process for a variety of reasons. For example, qualification requirements used in recruiting are based on the series of the position; career ladders are influenced by the series; and organizational structure is often designed with consideration of the series of assigned positions.

Determining the correct series for a position is usually apparent by reviewing the assigned duties and responsibilities and then comparing them to the series definitions and general occupational information the PCS provides. Generally, the series determination for a position is based on the primary work of the position, the highest level of work performed, and the paramount knowledge required to do the work of the position. Normally, it is fairly easy to make this decision. However, in other instances, determining the correct series may not be as obvious. 

Use the following guidelines to determine the predominant series when the work of a position matches more than one occupation or occupational group.

• Paramount knowledge Although there may be several different kinds of work in the position, most positions will have a paramount knowledge requirement. The paramount knowledge is the most important type of subject matter knowledge or experience required to do the work.
• Reason for the position’s existence. The primary purpose of the position or management’s intent in establishing the position is a positive indicator for determining the appropriate
• Organizational mission and/or function. Positions generally align with the mission and function of the organization to which they are assigned. The organization’s function is often mirrored in the organizational title and may influence the appropriate series.
• Recruitment Supervisors and managers can help by identifying the occupational series providing the best qualified applicants to do the work. This is closely related to the paramount knowledge required.

Although the work of some positions may include administrative work requiring information technology knowledge and skills, classification to the Information Technology Group, 2200, may not be appropriate. The Additional Occupational Considerations section of this PCS provides examples where the work may involve applying related knowledge and skills, but not to the extent that it warrants classification to this job family.

Additional information may be found in The Classifier’s Handbook.

 

Distinguishing Between IT Workers and IT Users

In many work situations, it is common for employees to use technology in performing assigned duties and responsibilities. This use may vary from writing documents and researching online to creating complex spreadsheets, managing databases, or designing graphics. In most of these situations, information technology (IT) systems are used as a tool to complete job-related tasks, but the work product itself is not IT-focused. Although these positions may require knowledge and proficiency in IT applications and tools, they do not involve the design, development, delivery, or direct support of IT systems and services. Instead, such positions depend on subject-matter expertise where IT is used to enhance outcomes; not as the core of the job.  In many cases, an employee with advanced knowledge and skill in the use of IT systems may be regarded as the IT “expert” in the immediate organization and relied upon by other employees for limited technical advice and assistance in the application of IT systems to the assignment area. However, in most cases, employees of this nature are sophisticated or advanced IT users and, as such, their positions should be classified to the appropriate subject-matter series associated with the assignment area rather than to an occupational series and specialty covered by this standard. The work covered by this standard requires knowledge of IT systems, concepts, and methods as the paramount requirement in comparison to IT user positions that require paramount knowledge of other subject-matter principles, concepts, and methods and ancillary knowledge of IT systems, concepts, and methods. In some cases, the ancillary knowledge of information technology may be identified as a required qualification or selective factor for rating applicants for a position, but this requirement does not justify assignment of the position to the IT occupational group. Refer to the Additional Occupational Considerations section for further information.

Distinguishing Between Administrative Work and Professional Work

It is not always easy to distinguish between administrative work classified in two-grade interval occupational series, such as the series covered by this standard, and professional work classified in two-grade interval occupational series, such as the Data Science Series, 1560, and the Computer Engineer Series, 0854. Some tasks are common to both types of occupations, particularly at the entry and developmental grade levels of professional work and the higher-grade levels of administrative work sometimes some similarities. To determine the proper occupational series, consider the characteristics and requirements of the work as well as management’s intent in establishing the position. In making this determination, the following information should be considered:

Is it a developmental position with clear progression to higher grade levels as a specialist based on progressively more difficult assignments requiring the application of:

• a broad knowledge of IT principles, concepts, and methods;
• a high degree of analytical ability;
• skill in problem solving;
• skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing; and
• an understanding of the interrelationships between the different IT specialties.

Professional Information Technology Work Involves:

• Broad range of responsibilities related to policy, planning, strategic alignment and governance.
• Focusing on IT strategy, cybersecurity policies, enterprise architecture, project management, IT business alignment.
• Understanding theories and assumptions, principles and the underlying relationship of professional IT role and its cross-functional responsibilities ensuring IT technology serves organization’s objective effectively.
• Overseeing technical teams.
• Applying a range and depth of knowledge acquired specifically through an intensive learning regimen of the phenomena, theories, and concepts of scientific body of information technology.
• Identifying, analyzing, advising, consulting, and reporting on scientific, theoretical, and factual data, conditions, and problems related to IT strategy, policymaking, compliance and resources allocation.
• Defining IT policies, framework and the best practices.
• Articulating and directing IT initiatives and vision and ensuring organization mission and goals are aligned with organization’s business objective.
• Staying abreast of, and evaluating, scientific subjects, analyses, laws, regulations, policies, and ethics in information technology.

Administrative Information Technology Work involves:

• Operation-focused and hands-on technical tasks such as system administration, network engineering, hardware maintenance troubleshooting.
• Using and completing recurring methods, standardized procedures and established processes.
• Applying basic practical technical knowledge and experience, on-the-job activities of accepted methods, processes, standards in accordance with acceptable scientific principles and results.
• Maintaining service network, servers, and cloud environment.
• Building and maintaining IT applications.
• Protecting assets based on strategic security policies.
• Ensuring implementation and operational reliability of IT systems.
• Ensuring technical compliance and security enforcement.
• Implementing and optimizing IT solutions.
• Coding, infrastructure configuration, hardware maintenance, and cybersecurity. 

Understanding the Distinction between Professional and Administrative IT Work

When classifying federal positions, it is essential to distinguish between professional and administrative work. This distinction affects not only the occupational series assigned but also the qualification requirements, career progression, and alignment with agency mission needs. Professional work typically requires a positive education requirement and involves the application of scientific or theoretical knowledge, while administrative work focuses on managing programs, policies, and operations using practical knowledge and experience.

The table below outlines the key differences between these two categories of work:

Comparison Table: Professional vs. Administrative Work

Category	Professional Work	Administrative Work
Primary Focus	Application of theoretical principles from a recognized academic discipline	Execution of programmatic, policy, or operational responsibilities
Knowledge Base	Requires a positive education requirement (e.g., degree in computer science, engineering, accounting)	Based on practical knowledge, experience, and understanding of organizational functions
Nature of Work	Involves research, analysis, evaluation, and innovation	Involves planning, organizing, coordinating, and implementing established policies or procedures
Decision-Making	Requires independent judgment in applying scientific or technical principles	Requires judgment in applying policies and procedures, often within established frameworks
Examples of Work	·      Designing algorithms ·      Conducting scientific research ·      Evaluating system architecture	·       Managing IT procurement ·       Coordinating project schedules ·       Developing administrative procedures
Series Examples	·      Computer Science (1550) ·      Computer Engineering (0854) ·      Data Science (1560) ·      Accounting (0510)	·     IT Management (2210) ·     Program Analyst (0343) ·     Management Analyst (0343)
Work Products	Results in new knowledge, systems, or innovations	Results in efficient operations, compliance, and resource management
Supervision	May lead technical teams or conduct independent research	May supervise other IT employees, lead multifunction teams, support staff or coordinate across departments
Evaluation Criteria	Based on technical accuracy, innovation, and theoretical application	Based on efficiency, effectiveness, and adherence to policy

 

Summary

The distinction between professional and administrative work is foundational to accurate position classification. Professional positions require the application of scientific, mathematical, or theoretical knowledge, typically gained through formal education, and are classified in series such as 1550 (Computer Science), 0854 (Computer Engineering), or 1560 (Data Science). In contrast, administrative positions, such as those in the 2210 IT Management Series, focus on the oversight, coordination, and implementation of IT programs and services, relying on practical knowledge and experience rather than academic specialization.

To ensure proper classification:

• Refer to the Introduction to the Position Classification Standards (PCS),
• Review the Additional Occupational Considerations section in the PCS,
• Analyze the paramount knowledge required, the nature of the work, and the qualifications needed,
• Determine whether the work aligns with the IT 2210 series or a professional series requiring a positive education requirement.