Guidance on Use of Hiring Assessments When Utilizing Direct Hire Authority

This guidance document extends the Merit Hiring Plan's skills-based assessment requirements to positions filled under Direct Hire Authority (DHA), which is an expedited hiring mechanism the Office of Personnel Management authorizes if there is a severe candidate shortage or critical need. Previously, DHA's bypassing of normal competitive procedures meant assessment requirements were less stringent. This guidance directs that even when using DHA, agencies must use at least one skills-based assessment tool that does not rely on self-reporting, grounded in a current job analysis, measuring actual job-relevant skills. These tools could include USA Hire assessments, technical skills tests, work samples, structured interviews, structured resume reviews, and situational judgment tests. Self-assessment occupational questionnaires may be used only for minimum qualifications and eligibility determinations, not for ranking. This is consistent with the September 30, 2025 phase-out of self-assessments for rating and ranking applicable to all other hiring.