Federal KSA Service

Simply follow these instructions to get started now:

  • 1.
    Call 800.546.4541 to review KSA questions and receive a time/cost quote.
  • 2.
    To book our services, we will schedule a one-hour telephone interview.
  • 3.
    Reply to appointment confirmation email with any background materials.
  • 4.
    You will receive your professionally written KSAs within five days of interview.
  • 5.
    We will then revise the document until you are completely satisfied and feel ready to apply.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

What is a KSA?: A Federal KSA is a supplemental narrative statement that addresses a specific knowledge, skills, and abilities as they pertain to a job series or position. It is important to provide quantitative or qualitative evidence to support your KSA. All KSA’s are scored on a point system. Usually, specific examples score the highest while broad platitudes result in less points.

Knowledge statements refer to an organized body of information usually of a factual or procedural nature which, if applied, makes adequate performance on the job possible. A body of information applied directly to the performance of a function. Essential to the federal job evaluation process, especially for external applicants.

Skill statements refer to the proficient manual, verbal or mental manipulation of data or things. Skills can be readily measured by a performance test where quantity and quality of performance are tested, usually within an established time limit. Examples of proficient manipulation of things are skill in typing or skill in operating a vehicle. Examples of proficient manipulation of data are skill in computation using decimals; skill in editing for transposed numbers, etc.

Ability statements refer to the power to perform an observable activity at the present time. This means that abilities have been evidenced through activities or behaviors that are similar to those required on the job, e.g., ability to plan and organize work. Abilities are different from aptitudes. Aptitudes are only the potential for performing the activity.

KSAs are also known as:

Competencies
Supplemental Narrative Statements
Selective Factors
Selective Placement Factors
Evaluation Criteria
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and other Characteristics
Executive Core Qualifications
Professional/Technical Qualifications 

Why are KSA’s important?: According to the Office of Personnel Management, KSA’s or Quality Ranking Factors ” rank applicants with higher proficiency levels on a quality ranking factor above those with lower proficiency levels. Agencies should rank applicants with higher proficiency levels on a quality ranking factor above those with lower proficiency levels With quality ranking factors, the focus is on the level of proficiency the candidate brings to the job.” Simply put, KSA’s alone will not disqualify you but they are essential to receiving a high proficiency rating.

KSA Preparation : KSA’s are written in the form of well-polished narrative essays using the CCAR approach, that is, Context, Challenge, Action, Result. Quantify the results in terms of process improvement, problems eliminated, time saved, money saved, revenue gained or increased performance. If we write the KSA’s for you we will interview you to find strong examples from your experience demonstrating your knowledge, skills or abilities in the given areas.

Challenge. Describe a specific problem or goal.

Context. Talk about the individuals and groups you worked with, and/or the environment in which
you worked, to tackle a particular challenge (e.g., clients, co-workers, members of Congress,
shrinking budget, low morale).

Action. Discuss the specific actions you took to address a challenge.

Result. Give specific examples of the results of your actions. These accomplishments demonstrate
the quality and effectiveness of your leadership skills.

If a KSA requests knowledge of propriety systems or procedures such as agency regulations, operating processes and technology, research the agency to gather as much information as possible. This question indicates preference may be given to an insider, but if this is the only obstacle you may still be qualified. Simply state in the KSA the information you have learned. If you have used similar technology, include the name of the system and the functions you performed with it. Please click on OPM KSA page for more information.

Executive Core Qualifications

The Office of Personnel Management(OPM)  developed the core qualifications used to test new career appointees to the Senior Executive
Service (SES) and by administering peer review boards which evaluate whether candidates
possess these essential leadership qualifications.

1. Leading Change
This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside
the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an
organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.

2. Leading People
This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization’s vision,
mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that
fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive
resolution of conflicts.

3. Results Driven
This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations.
Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying
technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.

4. Business Acumen
This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources
strategically.

5. Building Coalitions
This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal
agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign
governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.

Prices for KSAs are charged per question and begin at $75 for GS-05 to GS-07 positions. Please call 800.546.4541 to speak with a federal KSA writer now. For more information on ECQs, please click here.