 Dear CHCOs, Deputy CHCOs and Human Resources Directors,
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Office of Workforce Policy and Innovation is issuing this communication to clarify guidance sent on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 about agency use of four short essay questions.
The use of four short essay questions is mandatory for General Schedule (GS) 5-15 and Senior Professional (Senior Level (SL) and Scientific & Professional (ST)) positions. Use is optional for merit promotion announcements only. In all cases, an applicant must not be disqualified or screened out for not answering the questions; responses to the questions must not be marked as required, and applicants must be allowed to complete the application without answering the questions.
Agencies should continue to refrain from using these essay questions when filling Senior Executive Service (SES), teacher, seasonal, and Wage Grade (WG) positions.
For your convenience, the previously issued June 23, 2025 guidance regarding use of the four optional short essay questions is available at: Additional Merit Hiring Plan Guidance on Using the Four Short Essay Questions.
OPM Workforce Policy and Innovation
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