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An Official Web Site of the United States Government
Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Become a PMF

Application Process

Applying is only the First Step

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The PMF Program accepts applications annually. When the application window opens, you will find an announcement on USAJOBS. Before you apply, however, we strongly encourage you to review the entire "Become a PMF" section of this website (including the Frequently Asked Questions).

Applying to the Program is only the first step in becoming a PMF. After you apply, you must take an on-line assessment. If you score at a sufficiently high level on the on-line assessment, are found eligible, and your application is complete, you will be deemed a Semi-Finalist and invited to the in-person assessment. Then, if you are selected as a Finalist, you'll be eligible to be appointed to a participating agency in a PMF position.

If you don't get the application right, you won't get to those next steps, and you'll miss this year's window. Remember, we only open the application once each year, so it's important to carefully follow the instructions below.

During the application process on USAJOBS, applicants are asked to voluntarily answer a few questions in regards to "Demographic Information on Applicants". These demographic questions are used to help the PMF Program Office plan its recruitment and outreach efforts. Answers to these questions have absolutely no impact on applicants and is strictly used for internal analysis. Applicants are encouraged to answer these questions.

USAJOBS and PMF TAS

The PMF Program uses a variety of on-line systems to conduct the application and on-line assessment: USAJOBS for the announcement, our Talent Acquisition System (TAS), and an on-line assessment process.

If you encounter technical difficulty during the application process, please follow the instructions found under the "Help" screen provided during the application; do NOT contact the PMF Program Office directly for technical inquiries. For non-technical inquiries, please send an email to pmfapplication@opm.gov. Include your name, contact information, and a detailed description of your issue. Any related emails sent to pmf@opm.gov will be rerouted to pmfapplication@opm.gov. Because of the number of applications we receive, we ask that you not contact the PMF Program Office directly. The application and on-line assessment are contracted to third-party providers who provide help desk coverage for these systems.

System and Browser Requirements

The browser requirements for the systems used during the application process appear below. Please use the recommended browsers and settings. To prevent inconsistencies and any technical problems, applicants should refrain from using other browsers not supported.

USAJOBS:

USAJOBS is compatible with all leading browsers. If you encounter any technical difficulties using USAJOBS, please go to https://my.usajobs.gov/Home/ContactUs.

PMF TALENT ACQUISITION SYSTEM (TAS):

For optimal functionality, please use Internet Explorer,Version 8. This browser version has been tested and is known to work throughout the entire PMF TAS. The system may be compatible with other versions of Internet Explorer (7.0+), as well as Firefox 4.0; however, some of the functionality may not appear as it was designed.

Make sure that you have the latest version of Adobe Flash Player installed on your computer and avoid using devices that are not compatible with Flash. It's also recommended that you clear your cache by deleting your browser history under your Tools/Internet Options menu before creating a user account and applying to the program.

ON-LINE ASSESSMENT:

The system requirements needed for the on-line assessment can be found in the Assessment Preparation Guide.

Note to Apple users: At this time, the Safari browser is not fully compatible because it did not pass our tests for proper functionality. The same applies for many smart phone and tablet applications.

Contact Information

All Program communications are conducted via email. It is your responsibility to update and maintain a current email address.

When creating a User Account to apply to the PMF Program, please ensure the email address you provide is current and accessible throughout the application, assessment, and selection process. Also, please add the following email addresses to your allowed email list and/or email address book: pmf@opm.gov and pmfapplication@opm.gov. You may want to use a third-party email provider instead of your school email address.

Should you have a name or email address change prior to becoming a Finalist, please submit it to pmfapplication@opm.gov.

Forms and Fax Cover Sheets

Document Description File Type
2013 Alternative Fax Cover Sheet This fax cover sheet is STRICTLY for 2013 applicants to use when submitting supporting documentation for claiming Indian preference DURING the application period, when submitting supporting documentation for claiming veterans' preference or a reasonable accommodation AFTER the closing of the application period, OR when requested by the PMF Program Office staff. This cover sheet is only valid through December 26, 2012. Adobe Acrobat Version [20 KB]
SF 15, Application for 10-Point Veterans Preference External Link Icon The SF 15 collects information, along with any supporting documentation, to determine eligibility for 10-point veterans' preference. Adobe Acrobat Version [152 KB]
BIA Form 4432, Indian Preference The BIA 4432 is used to claim and provide evidence of entitlement to Indian preference. Indian preference only applies to positions in the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Indian Health Service. If these agencies have PMF positions available and require Indian preference, they would be posted in the Projected Positions System for current Finalists. Adobe Acrobat Version [64 KB]  

UPDATED: 01-25-2013