Hiring and Staffing

NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

20210721_KK

NASA Applicant Eligibility 

Questions Resource Guide

A guide for applicants to navigate USA 

Jobs eligibility questions when applying to 

NASA positions.
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NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide

NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions

Resource Guide

Table of Contents

Background ................................................................................................................... 3

Announcements open to center employees only....................................................... 4

Announcements open to NASA employees only ....................................................... 8

Announcements open to status candidates ............................................................. 12

Announcements open to status candidates – VEOA and ICTAP only.................... 22

Announcements open to the public - Delegated Examining and Direct Hire......... 24

Announcements open to the public - Distinguished Scholar ................................. 25
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NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide

Hiring and Staffing

NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource 

Guide

Background

This purpose of this guide is to provide information to applicants for NASA vacancy 

announcements. It was created to help applicants for General Schedule (GS) positions 

be aware of the type of questions asked during the application process. Executive 

Services and Pathways announcements use different eligibility questions, which have 

not been included in this guide at this time.

Prior to implementation of USA Staffing (USAS) in November 2020, NASA used a talent 

acquisition system called NASA STARS. In the NASA STARS application process, 

applicants were presented eligibility questions which varied for current federal 

employees and members of the general public. 

USAS includes functionality to ask applicants questions about their eligibility for different 

hiring authorities. The NASA hiring process uses a variety of types of vacancy 

announcements and areas of consideration, depending on where a good applicant pool 

can be found. Due to this variety of announcements, the eligibility questions we ask vary 

by type of announcement. The sets of questions below are applicable to different types 

of vacancy announcements. 

NASA’s Office of Chief Human Capital Officer encourages all applicants to apply for any 

type of announcement for which they are eligible and qualified. Applicants may find this 

information by reviewing vacancy announcements on USA Jobs. To determine if you 

are eligible, review the “This job is open to...” section, typically at the top right corner of 

the screen. To determine if you are qualified, review the “Requirements” section. We 

also encourage applicants to carefully review the entire vacancy announcement for 

important information about the position, the application process, and other information.

You will find the different sets of questions on the following pages. Each question in 

orange on this document will be followed with the opportunity for the applicant to answer 

yes or no. 
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NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide

Announcements open to center employees only

1. Please carefully review and answer the questions below regarding your current 

status as a NASA employee.

To be considered for this vacancy announcement, you must:

• Meet one of the eligibilities below; AND,

• Answer "yes" to one of the eligibility questions; AND,

• As part of your application, submit the required documents to support your

claim.

You will typically submit a Notification of Personnel Action Standard Form 50 (SF-50), 

which can be found in your electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF). You will only be 

considered for claimed eligibilities that are supported by your submitted documents. 

If you answer "no" to all of the eligibility questions, your application will be found 

ineligible for this position, as this means you have self-identified that you do not meet 

the requirements in the "This job is open to..." section of the vacancy announcement.

Please be advised that NASA HR staff rely on applicants' careful consideration and 

responses to the questions. If you make a mistake in answering "no" to all of the

questions or respond "yes" only to eligibilities that you do not have, NASA HR

staff will not change the responses you submit as a part of your application.

Please indicate if you have read these eligibility instructions.

2. Are you a current NASA federal employee assigned to the center for which this 

position is being advertised, serving on a career or career conditional appointment, 

whose current grade and promotion potential are both lower than the grade of the 

promotion potential listed in the announcement?

If you are unsure if you are serving on a career or career-conditional appointment, you 

can review your most recent SF-50. This SF-50 must reflect:

• Career or career-conditional (tenure in block 24 is 1 or 2); AND

• Status in the competitive service (position occupied in block 34 is 1).

To find your promotion potential, you can review your latest promotion, reassignment or 

appointment SF-50.

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit both your most recent SF-50 that 

reflects your current title, series and grade, and the SF-50 that shows when you began 

serving in a position that meets the time in grade requirements for the advertised 

position, such as a promotion or appointment SF-50.
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NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide

3. Are you a current NASA federal employee assigned to the center for which this 

position is being advertised, serving on a career or career conditional appointment, 

whose current grade is the same or greater than the promotion potential listed in the 

announcement, OR whose current promotion potential is the same or greater than the 

promotion potential listed in the announcement?

If you are unsure if you are serving on a career or career-conditional appointment 

and/or if your current grade is the same or greater than the promotion potential listed in 

the announcement, you can review your most recent SF-50. This SF-50 must reflect:

• Career or career-conditional (tenure in block 24 is 1 or 2); AND,

• Status in the competitive service (position occupied in block 34 is 1); AND,

• Your current grade is the same or greater than the promotion potential listed in 

the announcement.

If you are unsure if you are serving on a career or career-conditional appointment 

and/or if your current promotion potential is the same or greater than the promotion 

potential listed in the announcement, you can review your most recent appointment of 

promotion SF-50. This SF-50 must reflect:

• Career or career-conditional (tenure in block 24 is 1 or 2); AND,

• Status in the competitive service (position occupied in block 34 is 1); AND,

• A remark in block 45 that states, "Full performance level of employee's position is 

(pay plan and grade)." The listed grade must match the promotion potential listed 

in the announcement.

If you answer yes to one of these questions, you must submit both your most recent 

SF-50 that reflects your current title, series and grade, and the SF-50 that shows when 

you began serving in a position at the same or greater grade or promotion potential as 

the advertised position, such as a promotion or appointment SF-50.

4. Are you a current NASA federal employee assigned to the center for which this 

position is being advertised, on a term appointment under the NASA Flexibility Act of 

2004 with current eligibility to convert to a permanent appointment?

If you are unsure if you are on an eligible term appointment, you can review your SF-50 

that documents your term appointment. This SF-50 must reflect:

• In block 5-B, Term Appt NTE, AND

• In block 45, a remark that states "Employee has competed under an 

announcement offering the potential for conversion to permanent appointment 

under P.L. 108-201, as codified in 5 U.S.C. 9806."

• If your term appointment SF-50 contains the remark above, you also must have 

completed at least two years of continuous service under a term 

appointment AND your performance rating must be at least fully successful.
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NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit both the SF-50 that documents 

your term appointment, and the SF-50 that shows when you began serving in a position 

that meets the time in grade requirements for the advertised position, such as a 

promotion or appointment SF-50.

5. Are you a current NASA federal employee assigned to the center for which this 

position is being advertised on a current Schedule A appointment for individuals with 

disabilities?

If you are unsure if you are on a current Schedule A appointment for individuals with 

disabilities, you can review your SF-50 that documents your excepted appointment. This 

SF-50 must reflect:

• In block 5-B, Exc Appt or Exc Appt NTE, AND

• In block 5-C, WUM, WTA or WTB.

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit both your most recent SF-50 that 

reflects your current title, series and grade, and the SF-50 that shows when you began 

serving in your Schedule A appointment.

6. Are you a current NASA federal employee assigned to the Center for which this 

position is being advertised on a current Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA)?

If you are unsure if you are on a current Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA), you 

can review your SF-50 that documents your excepted appointment. This SF-50 must 

reflect:

• In block 5-B, Exc Appt or Exc Appt NTE, AND

• In block 5-C, J8M.

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit both your most recent SF-50 that 

reflects your current title, series and grade, and the SF-50 that shows when you began 

serving in your VRA appointment.

7. Are you a current NASA federal employee on a long-term rotational assignment to 

the NASA Engineering and Safety Center or the NASA Safety Center?

If you are unsure if you are eligible, you can review your most recent SF-50. This SF-50 

must reflect in block 22:

• The NASA Engineering Safety Center, OR

• The NASA Safety Center.

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit both your most recent SF-50 that 

includes your current grade and position title, and the SF-50 that shows when you 
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NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide

began serving in a position that meets the time in grade requirements for the advertised 

position, such as a promotion or appointment SF-50.

8. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from NASA?

If you are unsure if you are eligible, confirm the following:

• You are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,

• You are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position 

from which you were or will be separated; AND,

• You are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential 

than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,

• Your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the 

equivalent.

If you answer yes to this question you must submit the following:

• A Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation 

notice to include your most recent performance rating (if the notice does not have 

this information included, you must submit your most recent performance 

appraisal), AND

• Your most recent SF- 50 that includes your position title and grade.

For more information on qualifying conditions for CTAP you may go to: The Employee's

Guide to Career Transition (opm.gov)
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NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide

Announcements open to NASA employees only

1. Please carefully review and answer the questions below regarding your current 

status as a NASA employee.

To be considered for this vacancy announcement, you must:

• Meet one of the eligibilities below; AND,

• Answer "yes" to one of the eligibility questions; AND,

• As part of your application, submit the required documents to support your

claim. 

You will typically submit a Notification of Personnel Action Standard Form 50 (SF-50), 

which can be found in your electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF). You will only be 

considered for claimed eligibilities that are supported by your submitted documents. 

If you answer "no" to all of the eligibility questions, your application will be found 

ineligible for this position, as this means you have self-identified that you do not meet 

the requirements in the "This job is open to..." section of the vacancy announcement.

Please be advised that NASA HR staff rely on applicants' careful consideration and 

responses to the questions. If you make a mistake in answering "no" to all of the

questions or respond "yes" only to eligibilities that you do not have, NASA HR

staff will not change the responses you submit as a part of your application.

Please indicate if you have read these eligibility instructions.

2. Are you a current NASA federal employee serving on a career or career conditional 

appointment, whose current grade and promotion potential are both lower than the 

grade of the promotion potential listed in the announcement?

If you are unsure if you are serving on a career or career-conditional appointment, you 

can review your most recent SF-50. This SF-50 must reflect:

• Career or career-conditional (tenure in block 24 is 1 or 2); AND,

• Status in the competitive service (position occupied in block 34 is 1).

To find your promotion potential, you can review your latest promotion, reassignment or 

appointment SF-50.

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit both your most recent SF-50 that 

reflects your current title, series and grade, and the SF-50 that shows when you began 

serving in a position that meets the time in grade requirements for the advertised 

position, such as a promotion or appointment SF-50.
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NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide

3. Are you a current NASA federal employee serving on a career or career conditional 

appointment, whose current grade is the same or greater than the promotion potential 

listed in the announcement, OR whose current promotion potential is the same or 

greater than the promotion potential listed in the announcement?

If you are unsure if you are serving on a career or career-conditional appointment 

and/or if your current grade is the same or greater than the promotion potential listed in 

the announcement, you can review your most recent SF-50. This SF-50 must reflect:

• Career or career-conditional (tenure in block 24 is 1 or 2); AND,

• Status in the competitive service (position occupied in block 34 is 1); AND,

• Your current grade is the same or greater than the promotion potential listed in 

the announcement.

If you are unsure if you are serving on a career or career-conditional appointment 

and/or if your current promotion potential is the same or greater than the promotion 

potential listed in the announcement, you can review your most recent appointment of 

promotion SF-50. This SF-50 must reflect:

• Career or career-conditional (tenure in block 24 is 1 or 2); AND,

• Status in the competitive service (position occupied in block 34 is 1); AND,

• A remark in block 45 that states, "Full performance level of employee's position is 

(pay plan and grade)". The listed grade must match the promotion potential listed 

in the announcement.

If you answer yes to one of these questions, you must submit both your most recent 

SF-50 that reflects your current title, series and grade, and the SF-50 that shows when 

you began serving in a position at the same or greater grade or promotion potential as 

the advertised position, such as a promotion or appointment SF-50.

4. Are you a current NASA federal employee on a term appointment under the NASA 

Flexibility Act of 2004 with current eligibility to convert to a permanent appointment?

If you are unsure if you are on an eligible term appointment, you can review your SF-50 

that documents your term appointment. This SF-50 must reflect:

• In block 5-B, Term Appt NTE, AND

• In block 45, a remark that states "Employee has competed under an 

announcement offering the potential for conversion to permanent appointment 

under P.L. 108-201, as codified in 5 U.S.C. 9806."

• If your term appointment SF-50 contains the remark above, you also must have 

completed at least two years of continuous service under a term 

appointment AND your performance rating must be at least fully successful.
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NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit both the SF-50 that documents 

your term appointment, and the SF-50 that shows when you began serving in a position 

that meets the time in grade requirements for the advertised position, such as a 

promotion or appointment SF-50.

5. Are you a current NASA federal employee on a current Schedule A appointment for 

individuals with disabilities?

If you are unsure if you are on a current Schedule A appointment for individuals with 

disabilities, you can review your SF-50 that documents your excepted appointment. This 

SF-50 must reflect:

• In block 5-B, Exc Appt or Exc Appt NTE, AND

• In block 5-C, WUM, WTA or WTB.

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit both your most recent SF-50 that 

reflects your current title, series and grade, and the SF-50 that shows when you began 

serving in your Schedule A appointment.

6. Are you a current NASA federal employee on a current Veterans' Recruitment 

Appointment (VRA)?

If you are unsure if you are on a current Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA), you 

can review your SF-50 that documents your excepted appointment. This SF-50 must 

reflect:

• In block 5-B, Exc Appt or Exc Appt NTE, AND

• In block 5-C, J8M.

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit both your most recent SF-50 that 

reflects your current title, series and grade, and the SF-50 that shows when you began 

serving in your VRA appointment.

7. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from NASA?

If you are unsure if you are eligible, confirm the following:

• You are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,

• You are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position 

from which you were or will be separated; AND,

• You are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential 

than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,

• Your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the 

equivalent.
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NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide

If you answer yes to this question you must submit the following:

• A Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation 

notice to include your most recent performance rating (if the notice does not have 

this information included, you must submit your most recent performance 

appraisal), AND

• Your most recent SF- 50 that includes your position title and grade.

For more information on qualifying conditions for CTAP you may go to: The Employee's

Guide to Career Transition (opm.gov)
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NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide

Announcements open to status candidates

Status candidates include current and former federal employees and individuals eligible 

for special hiring authorities.

1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? 

A. No, I do not claim Veterans' Preference

B. 0-point Sole Survivorship Preference (SSP)

C. 5-point preference based on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (TP)

D. 10-point preference for non-compensable disability or Purple Heart (XP)

E. 10-point preference based on a compensable service-connected disability of at least 

10% but less than 30% (CP)

F. 10-point preference based on widow/widower or parent of a deceased veteran, or 

spouse or parent of a disabled veteran (XP)

G. 10-point preference based on a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or 

more (CPS)

2. Please carefully review and answer the questions below regarding your status as a 

current or former federal employee, a non-competitive eligible or a special appointing 

authority eligible.

To be considered for this vacancy announcement, you must:

• Meet one of the eligibilities below; AND,

• Answer "yes" to one of the eligibility; AND,

• As part of your application, submit the required documents to support your

claim.

You will typically submit a Notification of Personnel Action Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or 

an equivalent personnel action form. If you are a current federal employee you can find 

your SF-50 in your Electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF). You will only be 

considered for claimed eligibilities that are supported by your submitted documents. 

If you answer "no" to all of the eligibility questions, your application will be found 

ineligible for this position, as this means you have self-identified that you do not meet 

the requirements in the "This job is open to..." section of the vacancy announcement.

Please be advised that NASA HR staff rely on applicants' careful consideration and 

responses to the questions. If you make a mistake in answering "no" to all of the

questions or respond "yes" only to eligibilities that you do not have, NASA HR

staff will not change the responses you submit as a part of your application.

Please indicate if you have read these eligibility instructions.

3. Are you a current or former federal employee who:

• Serves or has served on a career appointment; AND,
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• Has held a LOWER grade or promotion potential than the position being 

advertised?

OR

Are you a former federal employee who:

• Served on a career-conditional appointment; AND,

• Is within 3 years of the separation date of that appointment OR is a veteran’s 

preference eligible that has been separated for more than 3 years; AND,

• Has held a LOWER grade or promotion potential than the position being 

advertised?

If you are unsure if you serve/served on a career or career conditional appointment, you 

can review your SF-50s. You must have an SF-50 that reflects:

• A career or career-conditional appointment (Tenure in block 24 is 1 or 2), AND

• Status in the competitive service (Position Occupied in block 34 is 1).

To find your grade or promotion potential, you can review an SF-50 that shows your 

highest grade or promotion potential, which is most likely an appointment, promotion, or 

reassignment. This SF-50 should reflect

• Your current or former grade is the lower than the promotion potential listed in 

the announcement, AND

• A remark in block 45 that states, "Full performance level of employee's position is 

(pay plan and grade)". The listed grade must be lower than the promotion 

potential listed in the announcement.

If you are a current federal employee or a former federal employee with a break in 

service of less than 52 weeks, and answer yes to this question, you must submit both

your most recent SF-50 that reflects your current title, series and grade, and an SF-50 

that shows when you began serving in a position that meets the time in grade 

requirements for the advertised position, such as a promotion or appointment SF-50.

If you are a former federal employee with break in service of more than 52 weeks, and 

answer yes to this question, you must submit your most recent SF-50 that reflects that 

reflects your career or career-conditional status.

4. Are you a current or former federal employee who:

• Serves or has served on a career appointment; AND,

• Has held the SAME OR HIGHER grade or promotion potential as the position 

being advertised.

OR

Are you a former federal employee who:

• Served on a career-conditional appointment; AND,

• Is within 3 years of the separation date of that appointment OR is a veteran’s 

preference eligible that has been separated for more than 3 years; AND,

• Has held the SAME or HIGHER grade or promotion potential as the position 

being advertised.
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If you are unsure if you serve/served on a career or career conditional appointment, you 

can review your SF-50s. You must have an SF-50 that reflects:

• A career or career conditional appointment (Tenure in block 24 is 1 or 2); AND,

• Status in the competitive service (Position Occupied in block 34 is 1).

To find your grade or promotion potential, you can review an SF-50 that shows your 

highest grade or promotion potential, which is most likely an appointment, promotion, or 

reassignment. This SF-50 should reflect

• Your current or former grade is the same or greater than the promotion potential 

listed in the announcement, OR

• A remark in block 45 that states, "Full performance level of employee's position is 

(pay plan and grade)". The listed grade must be the same or greater than the 

promotion potential listed in the announcement.

If you are a current federal employee or a former federal employee with a break in 

service of less than 52 weeks, and answer yes to this question, you must submit both

your most recent SF-50 that reflects your current title, series and grade, and an SF-50 

that shows when you began serving in a position that meets the time in grade 

requirements for the advertised position, such as a promotion or appointment SF-50.

If you are a former federal employee with break in service of more than 52 weeks, and 

answer yes to this question, you must submit your most recent SF-50 that reflects that 

reflects your career or career-conditional status.

5. Are you a current NASA federal employee serving on a term appointment under the 

NASA Flexibility Act of 2004 with current eligibility to convert to a permanent 

appointment?

If you are unsure if you are on an eligible term appointment, you can review your SF-50 

that documents your term appointment. This SF-50 must reflect:

• In block 5-B, Term Appt NTE, AND

• In block 45, a remark that states "Employee has competed under an 

announcement offering the potential for conversion to permanent appointment 

under P.L. 108-201, as codified in 5 U.S.C. 9806."

• If your term appointment SF-50 contains the remark above, you also must have 

completed at least two years of continuous service under a term 

appointment AND your performance rating must be at least fully successful.

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit both the SF-50 that documents 

your term appointment and the SF-50 that shows when you began serving in a position 

that meets the time in grade requirements for the advertised position, such as a 

promotion or appointment SF-50.
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6. Do you have a severe physical, psychiatric or mental disability that qualifies you for a 

Schedule A Disability appointment?

For more information, review USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities resources.

If you answer yes to this question, you must provide appropriate medical 

documentation, i.e., a letter signed by a licensed medical professional or licensed 

vocational rehabilitation specialist stating your condition and restrictions.

If you are also a current General Schedule employee who holds a permanent or term 

appointment in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch (or has held 

one in the previous 52 weeks), you must also submit both your most recent SF-50 that 

reflects your current title, series and grade, and an SF-50 that shows when you began 

serving in a position that meets the time in grade requirements for the advertised 

position, such as a promotion or appointment.

7. Are you a veteran requesting Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 

(VEOA) consideration whose most recent discharge was under honorable 

conditions AND you:

• Served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military 

(Note: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to 

meet the eligibility), OR

• Are entitled to veterans' preference?

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit your most recent Certificate of 

Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or 

other proof of service which includes character of service.

If you are also a current General Schedule employee who holds a permanent or term 

appointment in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch (or has held 

one in the previous 52 weeks), you must also submit both your most recent SF-50 that 

reflects your current title, series and grade, and an SF-50 that shows when you began 

serving in a position that meets the time in grade requirements for the advertised 

position, such as a promotion or appointment.

8. Are you a veteran requesting Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA) 

consideration who separated from active duty with an honorable or general 

discharge AND you:

• Served during a war or are in receipt of a campaign badge for service in a 

campaign or expedition; OR,

• Are a disabled veteran; OR,
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• Are in receipt of an Armed Forces Service Medal (includes the Global War on 

Terrorism Service Medal)for participation in a military operation; OR,

• Are a recently separated veteran (within 3 years of discharge)?

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit the following:

• Your most recent Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 

(copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which 

includes character of service.

• If you are claiming disability preference, you must also submit:

o The Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15, AND

o The associated documentation required by the SF-15, such a disability 

letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service. 

If you are also a current General Schedule employee who holds a permanent or term 

appointment in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch (or has held 

one in the previous 52 weeks), you must also submit both your most recent SF-50 that 

reflects your current title, series and grade, and an SF-50 that shows when you began 

serving in a position that meets the time in grade requirements for the advertised 

position, such as a promotion or appointment.

9. Are you a veteran requesting 30 Percent or More Disabled Veteran consideration 

who separated from active duty under honorable conditions AND you:

• Have a rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable 

service-connected disability of 30% or more, OR

• Are retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating 

of 30% or more?

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit the following:

• Your most recent Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 

(copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which 

includes character of service; AND,

• The Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15; AND,

• The associated documentation required by the SF-15, such a disability letter from 

the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service.

If you are also a current General Schedule employee who holds a permanent or term 

appointment in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch (or has held 

one in the previous 52 weeks), you must also submit both your most recent SF-50 that 

reflects your current title, series and grade, and an SF-50 that shows when you began 

serving in a position that meets the time in grade requirements for the advertised 

position, such as a promotion or appointment.
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10. Are you a disabled veteran requesting consideration based on Disabled Veterans 

Enrolled in a VA Training Program consideration who successfully completed training 

under the Department of Veterans Affairs vocational rehabilitation program and received 

a Certificate of Training from a government agency?

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit your Certificate of Training from a 

government agency.

If you are also a current General Schedule employee who holds a permanent or term 

appointment in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch (or has held 

one in the previous 52 weeks), you must also submit both your most recent SF-50 that 

reflects your current title, series and grade, and an SF-50 that shows when you began 

serving in a position that meets the time in grade requirements for the advertised 

position, such as a promotion or appointment.

11. Are you the spouse or widow/widower that meets one of the following conditions:

(A) Are you the spouse of an active duty member of the Armed Forces? OR

(B) Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired with a disability 

rating at the time of retirement of 100%? OR

(C) Are you the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who retired or separated from 

the Armed Forces who has a disability rating of 100% from the Department of Veterans 

Affairs? OR

(D) Are you the un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the Armed Forces killed 

while in active duty status?

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.

If you are the spouse of an active duty member of the Armed Forces, you must submit 

your spouse's active military orders and documentation verifying marriage, for example 

a marriage certificate.

If you are the spouse of a retired or separated member of the Armed Forces with a 

disability rating of 100% or an un-remarried widow or widower of a member of the 

Armed Forces killed while in active duty status, you must submit:

• The Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15, AND

• All supporting documentation identified on that document. Those documents can 

include a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy 

indicating character of service) or other proof of service which includes character 

of service; death certificate and documentation identifying marital status at the 

time of death; disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed 

Service, etc.
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NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide

If you are also a current General Schedule employee who holds a permanent or term 

appointment in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch (or has held 

one in the previous 52 weeks), you must also submit both your most recent SF-50 that 

reflects your current title, series and grade, and an SF-50 that shows when you began 

serving in a position that meets the time in grade requirements for the advertised 

position, such as a promotion or appointment.

12. Are you a current, permanent employee of an excepted service federal agency that 

has a valid interchange agreement with the Office of Personnel Management?

For more information, review Interchange Agreements with Other Merit Systems.

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit your most recent SF-50 or the 

equivalent reflecting your status, current title, series and grade, and an SF-50 or 

equivalent that shows when you began serving in a position that meets the time in 

grade requirements for the advertised position, such as a promotion or appointment.

13. Are you a current:

• Postal Career Service employee; OR,

• Postal Rate Commission employee; OR,

• Government Accountability Office (GAO) employee; OR,

• Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts employee?

For more information, review Miscellaneous Authorities Not Regulated By U.S. Office of 

Personnel Management.

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit your SF-50 or the equivalent 

reflecting your status, current title, series and grade, and an SF-50 or equivalent that 

shows when you began serving in a position that meets the time in grade requirements 

for the advertised position, such as a promotion or appointment.

14. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from NASA or any other 

federal agency?

If yes, confirm:

• You are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,

• You are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position 

from which you were or will be separated; AND,

• You are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential 

than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,

• Your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the 

equivalent.

For more information on qualifying conditions for ICTAP or CTAP you may go to: The
19 Hiring and Staffing

NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide

Employee's Guide to Career Transition (opm.gov)

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit the following supporting 

documentation:

• A Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation 

notice to include your most recent performance rating (if the notice does not have 

this information included, you must submit your most recent performance 

appraisal), AND

• Your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.

15. Were you employed overseas as an Appropriated Fund employee and meet all of 

the following requirements:

• You completed 52 weeks of creditable overseas service in an appropriated fund 

position(s) as a family member during the time you accompanied a sponsor 

officially assigned to an overseas area; AND,

• You received a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance 

rating; AND,

• You returned to the United States to resume residence less than 3 years ago?

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit your most recent SF-50, AND most 

recent performance appraisal.

If you are also a current General Schedule employee who holds a permanent or term 

appointment in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch (or has held 

one in the previous 52 weeks), you must also submit both your most recent SF-50 that 

reflects your current title, series and grade, and an SF-50 that shows when you began 

serving in a position that meets the time in grade requirements for the advertised 

position, such as a promotion or appointment.

16. Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed 

your service within the past twelve months?

OR

Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your 

service within the past 36 months and are requesting an extension of your noncompetitive eligibility due to your military service, status as a full-time student or other 

experience related to this position?

If you are also a current General Schedule employee who holds a permanent or term 

appointment in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch (or has held 

one in the previous 52 weeks), you must also submit both your most recent SF-50 that 

reflects your current title, series and grade, and an SF-50 that shows when you began 

serving in a position that meets the time in grade requirements for the advertised 

position, such as a promotion or appointment.
20 Hiring and Staffing

NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide

17. Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who has completed at least 36 

months of continuous service and has been separated from the Peace Corps for less 

than three years?

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit your Non-competitive Eligibility 

Letter issued by the Peace Corps Office of Human Resources.

If you are also a current General Schedule employee who holds a permanent or term 

appointment in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch (or has held 

one in the previous 52 weeks), you must also submit both your most recent SF-50 that 

reflects your current title, series and grade, and an SF-50 that shows when you began 

serving in a position that meets the time in grade requirements for the advertised 

position, such as a promotion or appointment.

18. Have you completed at least 1 year of continuous service immediately before 

separation from one or more non-temporary Foreign Service appointments, AND your 

separation from a Foreign Service career-type appointment occurred in the last 3 years 

(individuals entitled to veterans' preference do not need to meet this 3-year 

requirement)?

OR

Have you completed at least 3 years of substantially continuous service under one or 

more non-temporary appointments in the Foreign Service immediately before 

separation from an unlimited, career-type appointment in that Service?

OR

Are you a current or former limited non-career appointee with the Foreign Service and 

have at least 48 months of continuous service, a performance rating of satisfactory or 

better, and if a former employee, no more than a one year break in service since your 

qualifying appointment?

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit:

• Your SF-50 reflecting your non-temporary status OR your SF-50 reflecting your 

limited non-career appointment; AND, your performance rating or separation SF50.

• If you are outside of the 3-year requirement but are entitled to veteran's 

preference, submit your most recent Certificate of Release or Discharge from 

Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your 

service which includes character of service.

If you are also a current General Schedule employee who holds a permanent or term 

appointment in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch (or has held 

one in the previous 52 weeks), you must also submit both your most recent SF-50 that 

reflects your current title, series and grade, and an SF-50 that shows when you began 

serving in a position that meets the time in grade requirements for the advertised 

position, such as a promotion or appointment.
21 Hiring and Staffing

NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide

19. Are you current or former Land Management employee who worked in a term or 

temporary job and meets the following requirements?

• You worked for a land management agency for more than 24 months - it does 

not have to be continuous, as long as there is no break of two or more years.

• You received acceptable performance ratings throughout your term or temporary 

employment.

• You did not leave your job due to misconduct or performance.

• You are applying within two years of your last term or temporary job.

Land Management agencies include: The Department of Interior's Bureau of Land 

Management, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs 

and Bureau of Reclamation, The Department of Agriculture's Forest Service

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit your SF-50 that shows when you 

left your last term or temporary land management position AND relevant performance 

appraisals.

If you are also a current General Schedule employee who holds a permanent or term 

appointment in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch (or has held 

one in the previous 52 weeks), you must also submit both your most recent SF-50 that 

reflects your current title, series and grade, and an SF-50 that shows when you began 

serving in a position that meets the time in grade requirements for the advertised 

position, such as a promotion or appointment.

20. Are you current or former employee of the Department of Defense, Defense 

Industrial Base Facility or the Department of Defense Major Range and Test Facilities 

Base who works or worked in a term or temporary job and were hired by applying to a 

vacancy announcement?

If you answer yes to this question you must submit your most recent SF50.

If you are also a current General Schedule employee who holds a permanent or term 

appointment in the competitive or excepted service in the executive branch (or has held 

one in the previous 52 weeks), you must also submit both your most recent SF-50 that 

reflects your current title, series and grade, and an SF-50 that shows when you began 

serving in a position that meets the time in grade requirements for the advertised 

position, such as a promotion or appointment.
22 Hiring and Staffing

NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide

Announcements open to status candidates – VEOA and ICTAP only

Status candidates include current and former displaced or surplus federal employees

eligible and veterans eligible for consideration under the Veterans Employment 

Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA)

Please carefully review and answer the questions below regarding your status as a 

displaced federal employee or an individual who is eligible for consideration under the 

Veterans’ Employment Opportunities Act of 1998. 

To be eligible, you must answer “yes” to one of the eligibility questions and, as part of 

your application, submit the required documents to support your claim. 

If you answer “no” to all of the eligibility questions your application will be found 

ineligible for this position, as this means you have self-identified that you do not meet 

the requirements in the “This job is open to...” section of the vacancy announcement. 

Please be advised that NASA HR staff rely on applicant’s careful consideration and 

responses to the questions. If you make a mistake in answering these questions, 

NASA HR staff will not change the responses you submit as a part of your 

application.

Please indicate if you have read these eligibility instructions.

1. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from NASA or any other 

federal agency? 

If yes, confirm:

• You are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,

• You are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position 

from which you were or will be separated; AND,

• You are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential 

than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,

• Your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the 

equivalent.

For more information on qualifying conditions for ICTAP or CTAP you may go to: The

Employee's Guide to Career Transition (opm.gov)

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit the following supporting 

documentation:
23 Hiring and Staffing

NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide

• A Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed 

Removal/Separation notice to include your most recent performance rating (if 

the notice does not have this information included, you must submit your most 

recent performance appraisal), AND

• Your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.

2. Are you a veteran requesting Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 

(VEOA) consideration whose most recent discharge was under honorable conditions 

AND you:

• Served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military (Note: if 

released shortly before completing a 3-year tour, you are considered to meet the 

eligibility); OR

• Are entitled to veterans' preference?

For more information, review USAJOBS Veterans resources.

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit your most recent Certificate of 

Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or 

other proof of service which includes character of service.
24 Hiring and Staffing

NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide

Announcements open to the public - Delegated Examining and Direct Hire 

1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? 

A. No, I do not claim Veterans' Preference

B. 0-point Sole Survivorship Preference (SSP)

C. 5-point preference based on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (TP)

D. 10-point preference for non-compensable disability or Purple Heart (XP)

E. 10-point preference based on a compensable service connected disability of at least 

10% but less than 30% (CP)

F. 10-point preference based on widow/widower or parent of a deceased veteran, or 

spouse or parent of a disabled veteran (XP)

G. 10-point preference based on a compensable service connected disability of 30% or 

more (CPS)

2. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from NASA or any other 

federal agency? 

If yes, confirm:

• You are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,

• You are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position 

from which you were or will be separated; AND,

• You are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential 

than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,

• Your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the 

equivalent.

For more information on qualifying conditions for ICTAP or CTAP you may go to: The

Employee's Guide to Career Transition (opm.gov)

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit the following supporting 

documentation:

• A Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed 

Removal/Separation notice to include your most recent performance rating (if 

the notice does not have this information included, you must submit your most 

recent performance appraisal), AND

• Your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
25 Hiring and Staffing

NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide

Announcements open to the public - Distinguished Scholar 

1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? 

A. No, I do not claim Veterans' Preference

B. 0-point Sole Survivorship Preference (SSP)

C. 5-point preference based on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (TP)

D. 10-point preference for non-compensable disability or Purple Heart (XP)

E. 10-point preference based on a compensable service-connected disability of at least 

10% but less than 30% (CP)

F. 10-point preference based on widow/widower or parent of a deceased veteran, or 

spouse or parent of a disabled veteran (XP)

G. 10-point preference based on a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or 

more (CPS)

2. Have you received, or will you have received one of the following degrees within two 

years of the anticipated start date for this position:

• A bachelor’s degree with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 

cumulative and a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale in the field of study? OR

• A graduate degree with a 3.5 GPA in the field of study?

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit transcripts showing completion of 

your degree, including your grade point average.

2. Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from NASA or any other 

federal agency? 

If yes, confirm:

• You are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,

• You are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position 

from which you were or will be separated; AND,

• You are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential 

than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,

• Your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the 

equivalent.

For more information on qualifying conditions for ICTAP or CTAP you may go to: The

Employee's Guide to Career Transition (opm.gov)

If you answer yes to this question, you must submit the following supporting 

documentation:

• A Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed 

Removal/Separation notice to include your most recent performance rating (if 
26 Hiring and Staffing

NASA Applicant Eligibility Questions Resource Guide

the notice does not have this information included, you must submit your most 

recent performance appraisal), AND

• Your most recent Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.