US Code

Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

5 U.S.C. § 3305

Competitive service; examinations; when held

(a)
The Office of Personnel Management shall hold examinations for the competitive service at least twice a year in each State and territory or possession of the United States where there are individuals to be examined.
(b)
The Office shall hold an examination for a position to which an appointment has been made within the preceding 3 years, on the application of an individual who qualifies as a preference eligible under section 2108(3)(C)–(G) of this title. The examination shall be held during the quarter following the application.

Pub. L. 89–55480 Stat. 418Pub. L. 90–83, § 1(8)81 Stat. 197Pub. L. 96–54, § 2(a)(14)93 Stat. 382(, , ; , , ; , (15), , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

1966 Act

Derivation

U.S. Code

Revised Statutes and

Statutes at Large

(a)

5 U.S.C. 635 (last 24 words of 6th sentence).

Jan. 16, 1883, ch. 27, § 3 (last 24 words of 6th sentence), 22 Stat. 404.

(b)

5 U.S.C. 859.

June 27, 1944, ch. 287, § 10, 58 Stat. 390.

Jan. 19, 1948, ch. 1, § 3, 62 Stat. 3.

Dec. 27, 1950, ch. 1151, § 2(b), 64 Stat. 1117.

Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.

Act1967

section 2108 of title 5This section amends various sections [§§ 3305, 3309, 3318] of title 5, United States Code, to reflect the redesignation of paragraphs (3)(B) through (F) of as paragraphs (3)(C) through (G) by section 1(6) of this bill.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 96–54, § 2(a)(14)1979—Subsec. (a). , substituted “Office of Personnel Management” for “Civil Service Commission”.

Pub. L. 96–54, § 2(a)(15)Subsec. (b). , substituted “Office” for “Commission”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1979 Amendment

Pub. L. 96–54section 2(b) of Pub. L. 96–54section 305 of this titleAmendment by effective , see , set out as a note under .