Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Office of Personnel Management today announced it will open the Administrative Law Judge Examination to interested applicants in the near future by posting a notice on USAJOBS (www.usajobs.gov).

Due to the overwhelming volume of applications OPM expects to receive, the number of applications the agency will accept for processing will be determined on the basis of projected government-wide hiring needs. OPM will announce the limit at the time the examination opens to applicants. Completed applications will be accepted in the order they are received until 11:59 p.m. (EST) the day in which the limit has been reached.

Individuals who are interested in applying are urged to closely monitor the USAJOBS web site in the coming weeks. When OPM last opened the ALJ Examination in July 2008, it received its target of 600 completed applications within two days.

Administrative Law Judges serve as impartial arbiters at regulatory and benefits-granting agencies. As of March 2009, there were 1,422 Administrative Law Judges employed at 30 Federal agencies and sub-agencies.

The ALJ Examination involves a multi-part assessment of qualifications, including proof of specific legal experience and submission of a written Accomplishment Record. Individuals with higher scores on their Accomplishment Record will then take a written exam and participate in a structured interview. Applicants who complete the examination in its entirety will be given a final numerical rating (including points for Veterans' Preference, as applicable). Their names will be entered into a register that will be used by agencies as hiring needs arise.

Our mission is to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce. OPM supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.