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OPM.gov / Policy / Classification & Qualifications / General Schedule Qualification Standards
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Security Guard Series 0085

Security Guard Series, 0085

Note:

Competition for Security Guard positions is restricted by law to persons entitled to veterans' preference as long as such applicants are available for appointment.

Individual Occupational Requirements

Experience, Education, and Training Requirements

The following table shows the amounts of education and/or experience required to qualify for positions covered by this standard.

GRADEEXPERIENCEEDUCATION/TRAINING
GeneralSpecialized
GS-2 3 months None High school graduation or equivalent
GS-3 6 months None 1 year above high school
GS-4 6 months 6 months 2 years above high school
GS-5 and above None 1 year equivalent to at least next lower grade level None

Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for grade levels for which both education and experience are acceptable.

Experience

General Experience (for positions at GS-4 and below): Experience such as administrative, technical, clerical, military, or other work that involved following written procedures, rules, or regulations in contacts with coworkers, supervisors, or members of the public to provide a service, respond to inquiries, or obtain information.

Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-4 and above): Experience such as work with a Federal, State, municipal, local, or private protective organization that involved the protection of property against such hazards as fire, theft, damage, accident, or trespass; or maintaining order and protecting life. Such experience must have provided a knowledge of protective systems and techniques. Acceptable experience includes service in the Armed Services or Coast Guard that involved the performance of guard duties on a regular or intermittent basis. For Security Guard positions in a hospital setting, experience as a psychiatric nursing assistant or a similar position safeguarding patients is qualifying.

OR

Education/Training

Education: Successfully completed study at an accredited college or university in any subject is fully qualifying in the amount and level specified in the table.

Training: Successful completion of training in an accredited technical school that covered subjects such as physical security procedures, local laws, or investigative techniques is considered qualifying for specialized experience at the GS-4 level on a month-for-month basis.

Test Requirements

Refer to Section V of this Manual for information about test requirements.

Investigation of Fitness

A character investigation may be conducted on applicants selected for employment. The purpose of such an investigation is to secure evidence of the candidate's honesty, integrity, general character, and loyalty to the U.S. Government. Such investigations will be conducted under the security requirements of the hiring agency.

Medical Requirements

The duties of these positions require moderate to arduous physical exertion and/or duties of a hazardous nature. The following medical requirements apply to all applicants: good near and distant vision, ability to distinguish basic colors, and ability to hear the conversational voice. Agencies may establish additional, job-related physical or medical requirements provided that the specific position(s) involves the arduous or hazardous duties to which the requirements relate.

Applicants and employees must have the capacity to perform the essential functions of the position without risk to themselves or others. In most instances, a specific medical condition or impairment will not automatically disqualify an applicant or employee. A medical condition or impairment is disqualifying only if the condition, for good medical reason, precludes assignment to or warrants restriction from the duties of the specific position. For some positions, the loss or impairment of a specific function may be compensated for by the satisfactory use of a prosthesis or mechanical aid. Reasonable accommodation shall also be considered in determining an applicant's ability to perform the duties of a position. Reasonable accommodation may include, but is not limited to the use of assistive devices, job modification or restructuring, provision of readers and interpreters, or adjusted work schedules.

All positions involving Federal motor vehicle operation carry the additional medical requirements specified in 5 CFR 930 and the "General Policies and Instructions" section of this Manual.

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