Competitive service

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The competitive service is a part of the United States federal government civil service. Applicants for jobs in the competitive civil service must compete with other applicants in open competition under the merit system administered by the Office of Personnel Management.

According to US Code Title 5 § 2102, The "competitive service" consists of—

1. all civil service positions in the executive branch, except:—
   1. positions which are specifically excepted from the competitive service by or under statute;
   2. positions to which appointments are made by nomination for confirmation by the United States Senate, unless the Senate otherwise directs; and
   3. positions in the Senior Executive Service;

Notably, the procedures for firing and demoting a member of the competitive service are extraordinary. A written notice of thirty days, a statement of reasons for dismissal, and a right to a hearing must be granted.