United States Department of Agriculture

Agricultural Marketing Service

Federal Grain Inspection Service

Administrative Directive 4335.3 October 17, 1978

Distribution: FGIS Originating Office: FMD PPMAB

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, 

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Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal employment opportunity 

employer.

PROFICIENCY EVALUATION FOR GRAIN UNDER THE USGSA

AND RICE UNDER THE AMA

Contents

PROFICIENCY EVALUATION FOR GRAIN UNDER THE USGSA ����������������������������������������1

AND RICE UNDER THE AMA 1

1. PURPOSE �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

2. GENERAL �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

3. PROFICIENCY EVALUATION INSTRUCTIONS �����������������������������������������������������������������

4.THE SCORING SYSTEM FOR GRAIN AND RICE PROFICIENCY EVALUATIONS ��������

5. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL GRADED COMMODITIES ��������������������������������

EXHIBIT A �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8

POSSIBLE POINTS-GRAIN �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8

EXHIBIT B �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������9

POSSIBLE POINTS-RICE �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������9
FGIS Directive 4335.3 October 17, 1978

Page 2

1. PURPOSE

This Instruction outlines the procedures to be followed for the Proficiency Evaluation 

required by FGIS Instruction 302-2, “Grading Proficiency Required for Promotion to GS-9.”

2. GENERAL

The Board of Appeals and Review (BAR) will prepare, upon request of the Field Office 

Supervisor (FOS), a Proficiency Evaluation for wheat and other graded commodities 

routinely processed in the Field Office in which the Agricultural Commodity Grader 

(ACG) is located. It is imperative that all FOS’s and ACG trainees have a complete 

understanding of the material covered in the evaluation and the methods used for 

scoring it

3. PROFICIENCY EVALUATION INSTRUCTIONS

a. The Proficiency Evaluation administered by the BAR for grains covered by the 

U.S. Grain Standards Act will be given as follows:

(1) The Grain Proficiency Evaluation consists of three parts: 

(a) ITEM 1 - written questions on the appropriate chapter from the Grain 

Inspection Manual, GR-918-6. The use of reference material during the 

evaluation is not permitted.

(b) ITEM 2 - assignment of correct grades for a series of inspection results. 

The use of the Official U.S. Standards for Grain during the evaluation is 

permitted.

(c) ITEM 3 - grading of samples. The use of the Official U.S. Standards for 

Grain; the Grain Inspection Manual, GR-918-6; the Interpretive Line 

Slides; Personal Reference Material; and Visual Aids as references 

during the evaluation is permitted. 

(2) Grading of Samples 

(a) The ACG shall use the “Grain Sample Ticket” (GR-189) included with 

each sample to record portion sizes, factor results, and final grade. The 

GR-189 must be filled out according to GR-Instruction 929-2, Rev. 4, 

“Grain Sample Ticket, Form GR-189.” The ACG must be familiar with 

the correct standard abbreviations of grading factors for the grain being 

evaluated.

(b) All factors listed in Section 26.60(a)(l) through (4) of the regulations for 

the applicable grain must be analyzed and the results recorded on the 

GR-189. For factors other than those listed in Section 26.60(a)(l) through 

(4); e.g., stones, garlic, etc., for which a determination was made, the 

appropriate standard abbreviations and the results shall be recorded on 

the GR-189
FGIS Directive 4335.3 October 17, 1978

Page 3

(c) The percentage of Dark, Hard, and Vitreous kernels (DHV); hard and 

vitreous kernels of amber color (hvac); and hard kernels (hard) shall be 

determined for each sample of Hard Red Spring wheat, Durum wheat, 

or White wheat, respectively.

(d) The ACG shall analyze the prescribed portion sizes outlined in the Grain 

Inspection Manual, GR-918-6. Multiple or double portion plans will not be 

accepted

(3) Time Limits

(a) The maximum time allowed for ITEM 1, written questions, and ITEM 2, 

assignment of grades, combined, is one hour per grain (no exceptions). 

(b) The maximum time allowed for ITEM 3, grading of samples, will depend 

on the number of samples being evaluated. One sample per hour shall 

be used to determine the maximum time allowed for this item. Example: 

There are three corn samples in the evaluation, so the maximum time 

allowed for corn grading is 3 hours. The ACG may spend more than 1 

hour on a sample, but it is the FOS’s responsibility to stop the ACG at 

the end of the total maximum allotted time.

(c) The BAR will not grade the part of the evaluation on which the time limit 

has been exceeded. The value of the portions of the evaluation not 

completed will be deducted from the ACG score.

a, The Proficiency Evaluation for Rice will be given as follows:

(1) The Rice Proficiency Evaluation consists of three parts:

(a) ITEM 1 - written questions on the appropriate chapter from the Rice 

Inspection Handbook HB 918-11. The use of reference material during 

the evaluation is not permitted.

(b) ITEM 2 - assignment of correct grades for a series of inspection results. 

The use of U.S. Standards for Rice is permitted during the evaluation. 

(c) ITEM 3 - grading of samples. The use of the U.S. Standards for Rice, the 

Rice Inspection Handbook HB 918-11, the Interpretive Line Slides, and 

Visual Aids as reference is permitted during the evaluation. 

(2) Grading of Samples. The ACG shall: 

(a) Use the “Rice Sample Ticket” (IN-185) included with each sample to 

record portion sizes, color, milling degree, factor results, and final grade. 

The IN-185 must be filled out according to instructions contained in Rice 

Inspection Handbook HB 918-11. 

The ACG must be familiar with the correct standard abbreviations for the 

type of rice being evaluated.
FGIS Directive 4335.3 October 17, 1978

Page 4

(b) Analyze all grading factors on every sample using the prescribed portion 

sizes outlined in the Rice Inspection Handbook HB 918-11. 

(3) Time Limits

(a) The maximum time allowed for ITEM 1, written questions, and ITEM 2, 

assignment of grades, combined, is one hour per ITEM (no exceptions). 

(b) The rnaximum’time allowed for ITEM 3, grading of samples, will depend 

on the number of samples being evaluated. One sample per hour will be 

used to determine the maximum time. Example: There are three milled 

rice samples in the evaluation, so the maximum time allowed for grading 

the milled rice samples is 3 hours. An ACG may spend more than one 

hour on an individual sample, but it is the Field Office Supervisor’s 

responsibility to stop the ACG at the end of the total allotted time. 

(c) The BAR will’ not grade that part of the evaluation for which the time 

limit has been exceeded. The value of the portions of the evaluation not 

completed will be deducted from the ACG score.

4. THE SCORING SYSTEM FOR GRAIN AND RICE PROFICIENCY EVALUATIONS

a. The samples will be scored on a factor-by-factor basis. Each factor, for every grain, 

has been assigned a point value (Exhibit A (Grain) and Exhibit B (Rice)). 

A standard formula is used to calculate the amount of points earned by the ACG 

on. each factor being reviewed.

b. The BAR will review all factors determined by the ACG in order to score the ACG’s 

accuracy. To determine the score for a factor, the material removed from the 

portion being worked and the material remaining in the portion after separation will 

be reviewed and corrected if necessary. The corrections to both parts of the portion 

are totaled to determine the total change for a factor.

c. Points earned for each factor are calculated as follows:

STEP 1: Total Change (BAR) = Percent Error

 ACG Results

STEP 2: 100% - Percent Error = Percent Correct

STEP 3: Percent Correct x Factor Value = Score

ILLUSTRATION: Scoring of DKT in wheat or RR & DK in rice is worth 5 possible 

points:
FGIS Directive 4335.3 October 17, 1978

Page 5

1. ACG’s Percentage Shown 2.7%

2. BAR Correction(+ or -) -1.0%

3. ACG’s Adjusted Percentage 1.7%

4. BAR Correction(+ or -) +1.2%

5. BAR DKT 2.9%

6. Total Correction 2.2%

The Total Change in STEP 1 of the formula represents the corrections to the ACG’s 

separation (1.0% + 1.2%) The BAR Results in STEP 1 of the formula includes all 

corrections made to the ACG’s separation (1.7% + 1.2% = 2.9%). The amount of 

points earned by the ACG using the standard formula is calculated as follows:

STEP 1: 2.2% (Total Change) (BAR) = 81.0% (Percent Error)

 2.7% (ACG Results) 

STEP 2: 100% - 81.0% (Percent Error) = 19.0% (Percent Correct)

STEP 3: 19.0% (Percent Correct) x 5 (Factor Value) = 0.95 = 1.0% Score

The score for any factor may not be less than zero.

d. Penalty Deductions

(1) Five percent of the total possible points for a sample will be deducted from 

the ACG’s score for improper procedures such as:

a. Showing the wrong grade on the grade li

b. Using improper portion sizes.

c. Failure to follow written instructio

(2) Not more than 5% of the total possible points for a sample may be deducted 

from the ACG’s score for wrong grade or failing to follow instructions. 

e. The ACG must have a combined score of 70%. or better on both ITEM 1, written 

questions, and ITEM 2, assignment of grades, to be rated proficient on this part of 

the evaluation.

f. ITEM 3 (Grain), grading of samples, has two scores: Total Score and Interpretiv

Score
FGIS Directive 4335.3 October 17, 1978

Page 6

(1) The “Total Score” is based on the ACG’ s overall performance on the samples 

being evaluated. This score is calculated by adding up all the points the ACG 

scored for every sample and dividing it by the total possible points. 

(2) The “Interpretive Factor Score” reflects the ACG’s ability to make accurate 

separations on the specific interpretive factors designated by an asterisk in 

Exhibit A. “The Interpretive Factor Score” is calculated by adding up all points 

the ACG scored on the interpretive factors in every sample and dividing it by 

the total possible points for the interpretive factors.

(3) To be rated proficient on ITEM 3, grading of samples, the ACG must score 

70% or better on each of these two scores

g. ITEM 3 (Rice), grading of samples, has one score: Total Scor

(1) The “Total Score” is based on the ACG’ s overall performance on the samples 

being evaluated. This score is calculated by adding up all the points the ACG 

scored for every sample and dividing it by the total possible points.

(2) To be rated proficient on ITEM 3, grading of samples, the ACG must score 

70% or better.

5. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL GRADED COMMODITIES

a. The FOS is responsible for assuring that:

(1) The ACG is administered the Proficiency Evaluation as soon as possible after 

receiving it. If delays occur, contact the BAR for instructions.

(2) The ACG does not receive assistance from anyone and uses only authorized 

reference materials.

(3) Time is monitored closely and the ACG is stopped when the maximum time 

for each part has expired.

(4) Evaluation papers are not duplicated or reviewed by Field Office personnel or 

FOS

(5) All samples and papers are returned to the BAR immediately after completion 

of the evaluation. Specific mailing instructions will be included with each set of 

samples and must be followed.

(6) All instructions sent with every set of samples are read prior to administering 

the evaluation.

(7) Any questions concerning these instructions should be cleared up before 

starting the evaluation.
FGIS Directive 4335.3 October 17, 1978

Page 7

(8) If questions arise that cannot be answered, the BAR shall be contacted for 

assistance

b. The following procedures shall be in effect in the event of an ACG’s failure to 

successfully complete the evaluation:

(1) One more attempt during the following 4-month period will be allowed.

(2) If ITEMS 1 and 2 for grain or rice are failed, the ACG must be reevaluated for 

these items.

(3) If any part of ITEM 3 (Grain) is failed--”Total Score” or “Interpretive Factor 

Score”--a new set of· samples will be completely analyzed and reevaluated 

for both scores

(4) If ITEM 3 (Rice) is failed, a new set of samples will be completely analyzed 

and reevaluated.

(5) If a reevaluation is not requested within 4 months, the ACG will be required to 

be reevaluated on all items involved with the Proficiency Evaluation in 

question

c. Results of the evaluation and any comments the BAR might have will be furnished 

to the ACG and FOS as soon as possible

 
FGIS Directive 4335.3 October 17, 1978

Page 8

 

EXHIBIT A 

POSSIBLE POINTS-GRAIN 

WHEAT 

CL 5

DHV,HVAC, HARD* 5

TW 1

HD* 3

DKT* 5

FM 1

SHBN 1

DEF 2

CCL* 5

WOCL* 7

SPECIAL GRADES 3

DKG 3

OTHER FACTORS 5

ODOR (If applicable) 5

SORGHUM 

CL 3

TW 1

M 1

DKT* 5

HT* 2

MSFM 2

HPFM 2

BNFM 2

OCL* 3

DKG 1

DLQ 3

SPECIAL GRADES 3

ODOR (If applicable) 5

OATS 

CL 1

TW 1

SD* 5

HT* 4

FM 2

WO* 2

DLQ 3

SPECIAL GRADES 3

ODOR (If applicable) 5 

SOYBEANS 

CL 3

TW 1

M 1

ODK* 5

SKD* 5

HD* 3

DKT* 5

COARSE FM 4

FINE FM 4

FM 4

SPL* 3

BBB 1

DLQ 5

SPECIAL GRADES 4

OTHER FACTORS 4

ODOR (If applicable) 5

BARLEY 

CL 3

TW 1

SD 4

DKT* 5

HT* 4

FM 1

BN* 2

THIN 1

BL 1

PLUMP 1

OTHER FACTORS 3

SPECIAL GRADES 3

ODOR (If applicable) 5

6-ROW MALTING BARLEY

CL 3

TW 1

SMT* 1

SD 4

DKT* 5

FM 1

OG 1

SKBN* 5

THIN 1

BL 1

PLUMP 1

OTHER FACTORS 5

CORN 

CL 4

TW 1

M 1

DKT* 5

HD* 5

BCFM 4

OCL* 2

DLQ 5

SPECIAL GRADES 5

OTHER FACTORS 3

ODOR (If applicable) 5

2-ROW MALTING BARLEY

CL 3

TW 1

SMT* 1

SD 5

WO 1

FM 1

SKBN* 5

THIN 1

BL 1

PLUMP 1

OTHER FACTORS 3
FGIS Directive 4335.3 October 17, 1978

Page 9

* Interpretive Factors for “Interpretive Factor Score”

EXHIBIT B

POSSIBLE POINTS-RICE

ROUGH RICE 

MY 5

RR & DK 5

OBS & HT 5

TS 4

OT 4

C 4

OTHER FACTORS 3

BROWN RICE FOR PROCESSING

MY 5

RR & DK 5

HT 5

P 4

OBS 3

TSHTP 3

OT 3

BK REMOVED BY A 3

6 P OR 6 1/2 S

WM 2

CH 2

OTHER FACTORS 3

MILLED RICE 

TB.K 5/ 6 P I 6 S 4

RR & DK 5

OBS & HT 4

TS 3

OT 4

MR.EQ 

C 5

CH 3

OTHER FACTORS 3