OPM is responsible for which core function in the federal civil service?

• A. The agency that approves all agency budgets
• B. Office Personal Management Advertises for employees, examines those who apply, and keeps registers, lists of those applicants who pass its test and are qualified for employment
• C. An independent court resolving employee disputes
• D. A policy unit within the White House coordinating appointments

Answer: (B)

OPM handles federal civil service recruitment and hiring, managing the merit-based process that fills civilian jobs. It advertises openings, screens applicants, administers tests, and keeps registers or lists of those who pass and are qualified for employment. This system ensures that hiring is based on demonstrated qualifications and readiness for the role, rather than other factors.

Budget approval sits with the Office of Management and Budget (and Congress), not OPM. Federal employee disputes are resolved by bodies like the Merit Systems Protection Board, not the agency that handles hiring, and White House appointment coordination is handled by White House staff, not OPM. The described duties—advertising, testing, and maintaining eligible candidate lists—are exactly the functions of OPM in managing the civil service hiring process.