Delegated Examining Unit (DEU) Certification Practice Exam

Who is responsible for responding to applicant rating appeals?

1. The Human Resources department

2. The OPM

3. The agency itself

4. The hiring manager

The correct answer is: The agency itself

The agency itself is responsible for responding to applicant rating appeals because it is involved in the recruitment and assessment process of candidates for federal employment. Agencies establish their own evaluation criteria and manage the process of determining which applicants qualify for positions within them. When an applicant believes that their rating or assessment has not been fairly conducted or wants to contest the outcome, they must direct their appeal to the agency that conducted the original evaluation. This agency is equipped to review the appeal in accordance with its established guidelines and policies. The other choices involve parties that may have indirect roles in the hiring process. While the Human Resources department helps facilitate recruitment and might handle some aspects of the appeals process, the final determination lies with the agency. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) oversees federal staffing and ensures that agencies comply with regulations, but it does not respond directly to appeals for individual candidate ratings. The hiring manager, while responsible for selecting candidates, typically does not engage in the formal appeal process. Therefore, the agency maintains direct accountability for addressing appeals made by applicants regarding their ratings.