Understand the difference between a political appointment and a career position in the Federal Government.

1. What is a political appointment?

   At the beginning of a new Presidential administration, the incoming President makes important personnel changes. These changes include selecting new Cabinet secretaries, agency heads, ambassadors, and other government officials who support the President’s goals and policies. These officials are responsible for formulating, advocating, and directing the administration’s policies and programs. The White House Office of Presidential Personnel manages the Presidential appointment process for all political appointment positions.

2. How is a political appointment different from a career Federal position?

   The vast majority of the approximately 1.8 million executive branch civilian positions do not change with the incoming administration. A Federal career employee’s position is based on a competitive merit system. You can apply for a career position at anytime. If you are interested in a career position in the Federal Government please visit the USAJOBS site at http://www.usajobs.gov/.

   USAJOBS is the official job site of the United States Federal Government. It’s your one-stop source for career Federal jobs and employment information. The positions listed on USAjobs are NOT political appointments.

3. Learn about the different categories of appointed positions.

   Most appointments end at the conclusion of a Presidential administration. Some, such as judges, are lifetime appointments while others, such as members of boards and commissions, are term appointments for a specified number of years.

   There are four main types of political appointments, each with a slightly different appointment process.

   • Presidential Appointment Requiring Senate Confirmation (PAS) PAS positions are Presidential appointments made with the advice and consent of the Senate. These are some of the most senior positions in the Federal Government. They include Cabinet officers; heads of executive branch agencies and departments; ambassadors; Federal judges; U.S. attorneys; and chairpersons and members of boards, commissions, and committees.
   • Presidential Appointment (PA) These positions may be appointed by the President without Senate confirmation. PAs are often found on Presidentially appointed boards and commissions.
   • Non-Career Senior Executive Service (NC-SES) The SES includes most of the top managerial, supervisory, and policy positions in the executive branch. Only 10 percent of SES positions may be filled by non-career appointees. These appointees do not require Senate confirmation and may be removed from their position at any time. All SES employees, including appointees, must meet Executive Core Qualifications that are set by the Office of Personnel Management.
   • Schedule C Schedule C positions are the most common type of political appointment. Schedule C appointees generally serve a key official and are frequently found in the Office of the Secretary, Office of Public Affairs, or Office of Congressional Affairs. All Schedule C appointees are at the GS-15 level (pay level) or below and can be removed from their position at any time. These appointments do not require Senate confirmation.