Transcripts and Certification Requirements
Acceptable Documentation
If transcripts or proof of education are required at time of application, the following documentation is acceptable as proof of education.
- Official transcripts
- Unofficial transcripts
- Listing of courses, grades earned, completion dates and quarter/semester hours earned
- Be sure to document your degree information in your resume.
Document Requirements
- Your current name must be on the transcript or proof of education.
- Coursework will only be accepted from an accredited institution. To determine if your school is accredited and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education refer to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and U.S. Department of Education for a list of accredited schools.
- If you attended a foreign college or university, you must provide a letter from a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign education credentials. For a list of evaluators, you may go to National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. The letter needs to state whether the courses were at least equivalent to those gained in conventional U.S. education programs.
- The announcement's "How to Apply" tab will have all other pertinent directions for submitting application.
Once selected and prior to the appointment, you will be required to submit official transcripts. Please note, grade reports are not considered official transcripts. The following documentation is acceptable.
- Official transcripts including the college or university registrar's (or other authorized official's) signature, seal or stamp.
- A photocopy of the transcript(s) is acceptable as long as the signature, seal or stamp is clearly legible.
When proof of education must be submitted with your application:
Always read the "Qualifications" and "How to Apply" tabs of the vacancy announcement and follow the instructions for submitting proof of education. If required proof of education has not been received by the closing date or by the date your resume is reviewed for an open continuous announcement, your application will be deemed incomplete and you will not be considered for the position(s).
Vacancies open to the public through the DEU:
When applying through the Delegated Examining Unit (DEU), proof of education is required at the time of application for all applicants, including DFAS employees, in the following situations.
- You are substituting education for specialized experience or using a combination of education and experience to qualify for a position.
- You are meeting a basic education requirement for positions such as accounting, auditing or contracting.
- You indicate you have a degree.
Vacancies open to Status applicants through Merit Promotion procedures:
When applying through Merit Promotion procedures, proof of education is required at the time of application in the following situations.
- You are using a combination of education and experience to qualify for a position. This applies to all applicants, including current DFAS employees.
- You are meeting a basic education requirement for positions other than the GS-510 or 511 series. This applies to all applicants, including current DFAS employees.
- You are meeting an education requirement for a GS-510 Accountant or GS-511 Auditor position and are not a current DFAS employee.
- You are a current DFAS employee and have not previously been determined to meet the basic education requirement for the GS-510 Accountant or GS-511 Auditor series.
Professional credentials or licenses
Acceptable Documentation
When applying through the DEU, proof of certification or license is required at the time of application for all applicants, including current DFAS employees and the following documentation is acceptable.
- Copy of certification
- Copy of license
- Official correspondence from the credentialing or licensing agency stating you have passed all requirements and your certification or license is forthcoming
Vacancies open to Status applicants through Merit Promotion procedures:
When applying through Merit Promotion procedures, proof of certification or license is not required at the time of application; however, the type of certification or license and the date granted must be clearly stated in your resume. Otherwise, your application will either be deemed incomplete and you will lose consideration or you will not receive credit for your certification or license.
USA Staffing Application Manager
If applying through the DEU, you must upload your certifications or licenses into your USAJOBS account, USA Staffing account or fax them in accordance with the instructions in the vacancy announcement and at the time of application.
DFAS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. We are committed to cultivating a diverse, results-oriented, high-performing workforce and fostering a flexible, inclusive work environment to provide the highest level of service to our customers. We know that we are at our best when we draw on the talents of all parts of our society and that diverse perspectives are one of our greatest strengths.