On Monday, June 29, President Trump signed an Executive Order requiring federal agencies to revise their hiring criteria to focus on the skill set of an applicant, rather than academic credentials. The order requires federal agencies to revise and update outdated federal job qualification standards and candidate assessments, improving the quality and competency of the civil service. Unnecessary college degree requirements exclude otherwise qualified Americans from federal employment, impose the expense of college on prospective workers and disproportionately harm low-income Americans. The order also implements best practices already adopted by private sector leaders to promote equity and inclusion. As a result of this reform, talented individuals with apprenticeships, technical training and appropriate skills will have more opportunities to pursue careers in the federal civil service, according to the White House.

Read this factsheet from the White House for additional information.