Delegated Examining Unit (DEU) Certification Practice Exam

How can direct-hire authority be initiated by an agency?

1. By directly hiring without prior approval

2. By OPM independently or requesting from OPM

3. Through a state recruitment office

4. Only by the President's executive order

The correct answer is: By OPM independently or requesting from OPM

Direct-hire authority allows agencies to recruit and hire candidates quickly without going through the traditional competitive hiring process. The correct answer indicates that this authority can be initiated through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), either at their discretion or upon a request from an agency. When an agency identifies a critical need for talent that cannot be met through the standard procedure, they may approach OPM to establish direct-hire authority for specific occupations or skills. This mechanism is designed to streamline hiring practices, particularly in response to labor shortages or urgent needs where the conventional process may be too slow. The other options do not accurately reflect the established protocols for initiating direct-hire authority. Direct hiring cannot be conducted indiscriminately without prior approval from OPM, nor can it be triggered solely by state recruitment offices or by presidential executive order without following prescribed procedures through OPM. Understanding the formal channels through which direct-hire authority is implemented is crucial for effective workforce management in federal agencies.