Office of Personnel Management

Office of Personnel Management (OPM), independent agency of the United States government, which administers a nationwide merit system for federal employment, including recruitment, examination, and training programs. It was established by executive order in 1979. The agency carries out many of the functions of the former U.S. Civil Service Commission.

The OPM operates out of eight regional offices as well as various federal job information and testing centers. Its activities involve administering examinations for positions in the competitive service and establishing qualifications for promotion of federal employees; classifying federal positions according to duties and responsibilities; conducting investigations as to the loyalty, character, and background of applicants for positions; handling insurance, leave, retirement, and incentive-award benefits; coordinating and promoting training activities; carrying out a program for equal opportunity employment in the federal government without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or age; and operating the Senior Executive Service for classification, qualification, and appointment determinations of persons in the three highest civil service levels.

See also Civil Service.