Section 8: Hiring Paths at NIST

NIST fills positions using several federal hiring paths, also known as hiring authorities. Each hiring path has specific eligibility requirements, documentation standards, and evaluation rules. Vacancy announcements will identify which hiring paths apply.

Applicants may be eligible under more than one hiring path and should review each vacancy announcement carefully to determine which options apply.

Direct Hire Authority (DHA)

Direct Hire Authority allows NIST to fill positions for occupations where the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has identified a critical hiring need or a severe shortage of qualified candidates.

Under Direct Hire Authority:

• Veterans’ preference does not apply
• Rating and ranking procedures do not apply
• Applicants must still meet all qualification requirements, including specialized experience or qualifying education
• Required assessments (such as USA Hire or other vacancy-specific assessments) must still be completed
• Qualified applicants may be referred directly to the hiring official

Direct Hire streamlines certain procedural steps but does not eliminate qualification standards or assessment requirements.

Delegated Examining (DE)

Delegated Examining is used to recruit applicants from the general public. U.S. citizenship is required.

Under Delegated Examining:

• Applicants must meet all qualification requirements
• Veterans’ preference applies
• Applicants must complete all required assessments

NIST uses the Rule of Many under the 2025 OPM Merit Hiring Plan. Any number of qualified applicants may be referred, with veterans’ preference applied within quality groupings when required. Meeting minimum qualifications does not guarantee referral.

Merit Promotion (MP)

Merit Promotion announcements are open to applicants with federal status, including current federal employees, reinstatement eligibles, VEOA eligibles, and others.

Under Merit Promotion:

• Eligibility is verified through documentation such as SF-50s
• Veterans’ preference does not apply
• Applicants must meet specialized experience requirements at the advertised pay band

Not all qualified applicants will be referred. Merit Promotion announcements may also require USA Hire assessments when OPM has established an assessment for the occupation.

Special Hiring Authorities

Some applicants may be eligible under special appointing authorities, including but not limited to:

• Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA)
• Schedule A (Individuals with Disabilities)
• Pathways Programs (Interns, Recent Graduates)
• Military Spouse Appointing Authority

Applicants must provide required eligibility documentation, meet minimum qualification requirements, and complete all required assessments.

Career Transition Programs (CTAP / ICTAP)

Federal employees who are displaced or facing separation may be eligible for priority consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP).

To receive CTAP or ICTAP priority consideration, applicants must:

• Apply under the appropriate hiring path
• Submit all required CTAP/ICTAP documentation
• Meet all qualification requirements
• Be determined well-qualified

Priority consideration does not guarantee referral, interview, or selection.

Required documentation for all hiring paths is listed at:

https://www.nist.gov/careers/applying-jobs-required-forms