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Post by gary on Oct 29, 2015 18:38:24 GMT -5
I think it depends on the interpretation of the language in the bill about administering the first examination on or before 4/1/2016.
If that means they have to start the DC stuff by then, I believe OPM'll need to open the job announcement for the receipt of new applications very soon--possibly within the next couple of weeks.
If that means the online testing must begin no later than 4/1/2016, I believe the job announcement will be opened for new applications the end of January or beginning of February.
Keep in mind I have had a lot of experience predicting OPM and SSA timelines and have a virtually unbroken string of incorrect predictions.
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Post by Judicially Imployed on Oct 29, 2015 21:30:52 GMT -5
There is a link on one of the comments from Charles Hall's website to the committee's 15 page summary of the bill. (114 page bills are too long for congresspersons to read the whole thing so the committee puts out a "cliff notes" version).
Reading that summary of the ALJ exam language, it basically says that SSA has the authority (at SSA's expense) to dictate the frequently the ALJ exam is offered by OPM in order to ensure an adequate pool of ALJ candidates. It does not mention anything about requiring a new or refreshed application pool. But this is still important, If it passes SSA would appear to get more control over size of the register since they can order large groups of people tested more frequently than once every two years.
But IMHO the bill does required (or suggest) that a new open application / refresh will happen by April 2016.
One other thought ... This is just a bill (everyone, on three, the school rocks "oh I'm just a bill, yes I'm only a bill, and I'm sitting here on Capitol Hill") that probably won't get passed until sometime mid / late December, if even at all in its current form. So, even if I'm wrong, I can't see them opening the application process up again until this actaully passes.
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Post by ba on Oct 30, 2015 12:33:43 GMT -5
I think it depends on the interpretation of the language in the bill about administering the first examination on or before 4/1/2016. If that means they have to start the DC stuff by then, I believe OPM'll need to open the job announcement for the receipt of new applications very soon--possibly within the next couple of weeks. If that means the online testing must begin no later than 4/1/2016, I believe the job announcement will be opened for new applications the end of January or beginning of February. Keep in mind I have had a lot of experience predicting OPM and SSA timelines and have a virtually unbroken string of incorrect predictions. What Gary meant to say was "Today!"
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Post by gary on Oct 30, 2015 12:42:29 GMT -5
There is a link on one of the comments from Charles Hall's website to the committee's 15 page summary of the bill. (114 page bills are too long for congresspersons to read the whole thing so the committee puts out a "cliff notes" version). Reading that summary of the ALJ exam language, it basically says that SSA has the authority (at SSA's expense) to dictate the frequently the ALJ exam is offered by OPM in order to ensure an adequate pool of ALJ candidates. It does not mention anything about requiring a new or refreshed application pool. But this is still important, If it passes SSA would appear to get more control over size of the register since they can order large groups of people tested more frequently than once every two years. But IMHO the bill does required (or suggest) that a new open application / refresh will happen by April 2016. One other thought ... This is just a bill (everyone, on three, the school rocks "oh I'm just a bill, yes I'm only a bill, and I'm sitting here on Capitol Hill") that probably won't get passed until sometime mid / late December, if even at all in its current form. So, even if I'm wrong, I can't see them opening the application process up again until this actaully passes. It has passed and the President is expected to sign it. Included are the debt limit and the two year budget deal Boehner has gifted Ryan with.
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Post by tonypitt on Nov 24, 2015 16:42:54 GMT -5
Is there any further news about a new open examination?
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Post by phoenixrakkasan on Nov 24, 2015 16:54:06 GMT -5
Yes. No. Who knows? Thanksgiving time. Forget about this until Monday!
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Post by JudgeRatty on Nov 24, 2015 17:04:15 GMT -5
Is there any further news about a new open examination? No but I recommend setting up an alert in USAJobs so you are emailed when it posts. Or just check it daily like I did for years. LOL!
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Post by gary on Nov 24, 2015 17:14:59 GMT -5
Is there any further news about a new open examination? No but I recommend setting up an alert in USAJobs so you are emailed when it posts. Or just check it daily like I did for years. LOL! Or keep coming back here.
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Post by christina on Nov 24, 2015 17:16:52 GMT -5
Heard unverified rumor that it's February
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Post by phoenixrakkasan on Nov 24, 2015 18:02:58 GMT -5
Is there any further news about a new open examination? No but I recommend setting up an alert in USAJobs so you are emailed when it posts. Or just check it daily like I did for years. LOL! I came upon the 2013 announcement by chance. Crazy how this process works.
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Post by christina on Nov 24, 2015 18:04:43 GMT -5
and others have said check here and usajobs regularly. i heartily agree on both. if i get any good intel on timing, i will post on here and i suspect many others will beat me to it. All the best and Happy Thanksgiving to all!
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Post by auroraborealis on Nov 24, 2015 18:35:17 GMT -5
Doesn't a Feb rumor (if true) mean the rest of us waiting on scores can expect them before then? Seems silly for OPM to do a refresh before they see how many make the register and also it doesn't make sense given folks who are still mid-process won't know if they should reapply without having test results. Right?
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Post by 71stretch on Nov 24, 2015 18:46:29 GMT -5
Doesn't a Feb rumor (if true) mean the rest of us waiting on scores can expect them before then? Seems silly for OPM to do a refresh before they see how many make the register and also it doesn't make sense given folks who are still mid-process won't know if they should reapply without having test results. Right? That's certainly the logical answer, so it should happen that way. They could still start the process somewhat before those NORs-- application period is longer than it used to be, so there would be time to get the NOR and then decide which path to take. I think they would still need a refresh even after adding those who get on the register from the current testing, if the hiring frenzy they want comes to pass.
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Post by gary on Nov 24, 2015 18:56:01 GMT -5
Doesn't a Feb rumor (if true) mean the rest of us waiting on scores can expect them before then? Seems silly for OPM to do a refresh before they see how many make the register and also it doesn't make sense given folks who are still mid-process won't know if they should reapply without having test results. Right? That would certainly make sense. However, OPM has a statutory deadline for the refresh, so they will start the refresh when they need to regardless of whether they've got NORs out for you guys.
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Post by christina on Nov 24, 2015 19:06:36 GMT -5
and i want to emphasize February is a rumor. im one who heard it so it's my place to emphasize it is a rumor. no corroboration of it at this point although nothing to contradict it either.
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belle
New Member
Posts: 8
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Post by belle on Nov 24, 2015 20:30:00 GMT -5
Doesn't a Feb rumor (if true) mean the rest of us waiting on scores can expect them before then? Seems silly for OPM to do a refresh before they see how many make the register and also it doesn't make sense given folks who are still mid-process won't know if they should reapply without having test results. Right? If my recollection is correct, in a past refresh of the register candidates who had received NOR's/scores within a year of the refresh were not eligible to reapply.
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Post by gary on Nov 24, 2015 20:48:40 GMT -5
Doesn't a Feb rumor (if true) mean the rest of us waiting on scores can expect them before then? Seems silly for OPM to do a refresh before they see how many make the register and also it doesn't make sense given folks who are still mid-process won't know if they should reapply without having test results. Right? If my recollection is correct, in a past refresh of the register candidates who had received NOR's/scores within a year of the refresh were not eligible to reapply. Yes: "You may retake the ALJ examination when the examination is open to the receipt of new applications if: You did not pass the preliminary qualifications screening, or did not receive a minimum required score on the WD or SI; Your score was not within the range of the higher-scored sub-group of all eligible applicants for SJT, Writing Sample, and Experience Assessment; or You received a NOR with a final numerical rating and one year has passed since the date of the final NOR."
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Post by 71stretch on Nov 24, 2015 21:02:38 GMT -5
That's right. I forgot about the one year period rule.
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Post by lawmom90 on Nov 25, 2015 9:17:02 GMT -5
and i want to emphasize February is a rumor. im one who heard it so it's my place to emphasize it is a rumor. no corroboration of it at this point although nothing to contradict it either. We can neither confirm nor deny. Furthermore all information will be disseminated on a need to know basis.
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Post by tonypitt on Nov 25, 2015 9:33:10 GMT -5
Thanks to all for responding. Happy Thanksgiving!
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