Summary#
This bill directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to reduce routine college degree requirements for jobs in executive branch agencies unless OPM determines a specific degree is necessary for the job. The bill defines "STAR" workers as people who are in the labor force, do not have a bachelor’s or higher degree, and gained job skills through alternative routes such as community college, apprenticeships, bootcamps, military service, partial college, other training programs, or on-the-job experience.
Key actions in the bill:
- OPM must prohibit agency heads from requiring a minimum educational attainment for a position unless OPM finds the degree is necessary for specific skills that can only be obtained through that degree.
- OPM must write regulations letting agencies accept alternative qualifications that meet the job's knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- OPM must review added educational requirements during hiring audits.
- OPM must create a dedicated hiring path on USAJOBS for positions that STAR workers are eligible for, and agencies must mark those job postings.
- OPM, the OMB Deputy Director for Management, and other agency heads must jointly study the resources needed to offer STAR employees voluntary pathways for further training and higher education (for example, fellowships, scholarships, apprenticeships, or tuition assistance) and report the study findings to two congressional committees within 180 days of enactment.
What it means for you#
- Workers with alternative credentials or relevant experience may have more access to federal job listings because agencies generally cannot require a degree unless OPM says it is necessary.
- Job seekers can look for a new STAR hiring path on USAJOBS to find positions marked for STAR eligibility.
- Federal hiring officials must consider alternative qualifications and may face audits that check for unnecessary degree requirements.
- OPM and other agencies will study options to help STAR employees get further training or education and will report findings to Congress within 180 days.
Expenses#
No publicly available information.
Proponents' View#
The bill states its purpose is to remove educational barriers to federal employment for workers who are skilled through alternative routes.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.