If there are fewer than three candidates in the highest quality category, are you required to merge categories?

In situations where there are fewer than three candidates identified in the highest quality category, merging categories is an optional step rather than a mandatory requirement. This allows the selecting official greater discretion on how to proceed with the candidate pool. The intent behind not mandating the merging of categories is to maintain the integrity of the qualification standards and to ensure that the best candidates are being considered without diluting the evaluation process.

By not merging categories automatically, agencies can still uphold a competitive environment that thoroughly evaluates each candidate's qualifications while providing the flexibility to make an informed choice based on the quality of the available candidates. It is also important to remember that the rules discourage the exclusion of candidates solely based on their category placements unless certain specific criteria or situations warrant it.