What must a candidate be certified for when a position is announced at multiple grade levels?

When a position is announced at multiple grade levels, a candidate must be certified for all positions up to the highest grade they qualify for. This requirement ensures that the selection process has a broader pool of qualified candidates available, enabling hiring managers to fill various levels within the same announcement. By being certified for all appropriate grade levels, candidates can be considered for positions that align with their skills and experience, even if they initially express interest in only one level. This approach facilitates flexibility in hiring and helps to match candidates with positions that suit their qualifications, thereby optimizing the workforce effectively.

The process benefits both the candidates and the organization by widening the range of potential matches for job openings across different grades, which is particularly important in competitive hiring situations where the needs of the agency may vary by level.