0342 - Support Services Administration

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Federal Occupation Description

Federal Occupation Description

This series includes all positions the primary duties of which involve supervising, directing, or planning and coordinating a variety of services functions that are principally work-supporting, i.e., those functions without which the operations of an organization or services to the public would be impaired, curtailed, or stopped. Such service functions include (but are not limited to) communications, procurement of administrative supplies and equipment, printing, reproduction, property management, space management, records management, mail service, facilities and equipment maintenance, and transportation.

For job opportunities in this series, go to the Office of Personnel Management USAJOBS website.

Other Federal Occupations

It is not uncommon for individuals in one federal occupational series to perform duties related to another series within the same federal occupational group. To find out about the certifications for another series in the GENERAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, CLERICAL, AND OFFICE SERVICES GROUP, click on that series below. Note that credentials have not yet been identified for all series – links are provided only to those series for which the identification of credentials has been completed. Additional series will be added over time.

The following certifications have been identified as most relevant to the broad duties of this federal occupational series. Please note that these credentials may not reflect all of the unique job functions that you perform within your organization. Also these credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about any credential, click on the credential title below.

Compare Credential Agency Related As GI Bill® Accreditation ID
Certified Records Manager (CRM) In DemandIs In Demand Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM) mostMost    
Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) In DemandIs In Demand American Society for Quality (ASQ) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) Is Not In Demand American Society for Quality (ASQ) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Professional in Human Resources (PHR) In DemandIs In Demand Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) someSome GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Facility Manager In DemandIs In Demand International Facility Management Association (IFMA) mostMost GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Mail Manager (CMM) Is Not In Demand In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association (IPMA) mostMost    
Certified Professional Property Administrator (CPPA) Is Not In Demand National Property Management Association (NPMA) someSome    
Certified Professional Property Manager Is Not In Demand National Property Management Association (NPMA) mostMost    
Certified Professional Property Specialist Is Not In Demand National Property Management Association (NPMA) someSome    
Project Management Professional (PMP) In DemandIs In Demand Project Management Institute (PMI) someSome GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Performance Technologist (CPT) Is Not In Demand International Society of Performance Improvement someSome    
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) In DemandIs In Demand Project Management Institute (PMI) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Program Management Professional (PgMP) In DemandIs In Demand Project Management Institute (PMI) mostMost GI BillGI Bill  
PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) Is Not In Demand Project Management Institute (PMI) mostMost GI BillGI Bill  
SHRM - Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) In DemandIs In Demand Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) someSome    
Certified Emergency Disaster Professional (CEDP) Is Not In Demand International Board for Certification of Safety Managers (IBFCSM) mostMost    
Certified Property Manager (CPM) Is Not In Demand Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) mostMost    
Federal Acquisition Certification - Program and Project Managers (FAC-P/PM) Is Not In Demand Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) mostMost    
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft Office 2013 Is Not In Demand Microsoft Corporation mostMost GI BillGI Bill  
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft Office 2016 Is Not In Demand Microsoft Corporation mostMost GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Records Analyst (CRA) Is Not In Demand Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM) mostMost    

State Licenses

Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Related Civilian Private Sector Occupations

The following civilian private sector occupations are similar to the duties performed by 0342 - Support Services Administration. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below.

Civilian Job Duties Matched Bright Outlook Registered Apprenticeship Local Salary Info
Administrative Services Managers mostMost Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Computer and Information Systems Managers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Document Management Specialists mostMost     find local salaryfind local salary
Emergency Management Directors mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Librarians someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Logistics Analysts someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Postmasters and Mail Superintendents someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Purchasing Managers mostMost     find local salaryfind local salary
Regulatory Affairs Specialists someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Security Managers mostMost     find local salaryfind local salary
Storage and Distribution Managers someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Travel Agents someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Top
This is an official U.S. Navy websiteUpdated: October 16, 2019
Click here to go to Certified Records Manager (CRM) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM), Certified Records Manager (CRM) certification requires candidates to meet both educational and work experience certification requirements. A minimum of one year of professional records and information management (RIM) work experience is required, regardless of the level of education a candidate possesses. The minimum acceptable education is graduation from high school (completion of 12 grades) or equivalent (e.g., GED credential or equivalency diploma) in conjunction with five years of professional level RIM experience. The preferred qualifications are a college degree (four-year or bachelor’s degree) and one year of professional RIM experience. CRM candidates must pass a six-part written examination.

Click here to go to Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) is a professional who leads and champions process-improvement initiatives everywhere from small businesses to multinational corporations that can have regional or global focus in a variety of service and industrial settings. A CMQ/OE facilitates and leads team efforts to establish and monitor customer/supplier relations, supports strategic planning and deployment initiatives, and helps develop measurement systems to determine organizational improvement. The CMQ/OE should be able to motivate and evaluate staff, manage projects and human resources, analyze financial situations, determine and evaluate risk and employ knowledge management tools and techniques in resolving organizational challenges. Candidate must have ten years of on-the-job experience in one or more of the areas of the CMQ/OE Body of Knowledge. A minimum of five years of this experience must be in a decision-making position. Candidate must pass a written examination.

Click here to go to Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is a professional who can explain Six Sigma philosophies and principles, including supporting systems and tools. A Black Belt should demonstrate team leadership, understand team dynamics and assign team member roles and responsibilities. Black Belts have a thorough understanding of all aspects of the DMAIC model in accordance with Six Sigma principles. They have basic knowledge of Lean enterprise concepts, are able to identify non-value-added elements and activities and are able to use specific tools. Six Sigma Black Belt requires two completed projects with signed affidavits or one completed project with signed affidavit and three years of work experience in one or more areas of the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge. Candidates do not need to be a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt to qualify for the CSSBB. Each candidate is required to pass a written examination that consists of multiple-choice questions that measure comprehension of the Body of Knowledge.

Click here to go to Professional in Human Resources (PHR) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification is designed for the HR professional who focuses on program implementation, has a tactical/logistical orientation, is accountable to another HR professional within the organization and has responsibilities that focus on the HR department rather than the whole organization. Candidates should have knowledge in areas including, Business Management, Talent Planning and Acquisition, Total Rewards, Employee and Labor Relations, and Learning and Development. Candidates must meet experience and/or education requirements and pass a written examination.

Click here to go to Certified Facility Manager COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Certified Facility Manager (CFM) credential validates an individual's knowledge and competency to practice as a facility manager. The certification process is designed to assess competency in the field through work experience, education and a written exam. The comprehensive exam is designed to assess an applicant's knowledge and experience in areas necessary to be a successful facility manager such as operations and maintenance, project management, finance and business, leadership and strategy, environmental stewardship and sustainability, communication, emergency preparedness and business continuity, human factors, quality, real estate and property management and technology.

Click here to go to Certified Mail Manager (CMM) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association (IPMA), Certified Mail Manager (CMM) is for managers who have attained a high level of competence and professionalism. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of mail management experience and be currently employed in an in-plant environment. Candidates must also be able to demonstrate, through three letters of recommendation, acceptable character, ability and reputation. Candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Certified Professional Property Administrator (CPPA) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Professional Property Manager COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Professional Property Specialist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Project Management Professional (PMP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Project Management Institute (PMI), Project Management Professional (PMP) is an advanced skill level credential for professionals who lead and direct projects. Project Managers perform their duties under general supervision for the duration of a project and are responsible for all aspects of a project. PMPs lead cross-functional teams to deliver projects within the constraints of schedule, budget, and scope. Project Management Professionals seeking certification through PMI demonstrate knowledge and experience to apply a methodology to projects that have well-defined requirements and deliverables. To apply for the PMP, candidates must meet experiential and educational requirements and are required to pass the written exam.

Click here to go to Certified Performance Technologist (CPT) COOL Snapshot page.

Certified Performance Technologist (CPT). This certification recognizes professionals who have demonstrated the ability to use a systematic process to add value and produce measurable results while collaborating with stakeholders and working within the constraints of an organization. The eligibility requirements to apply for certification include a minimum of three years of experience in performance improvement or a related field, and a detailed description of work performed in multiple projects in a manner that demonstrates the use of each of the certifying agency's standards with attestations from internal/external clients or supervisors. All candidates for the certification must commit to the Code of Ethics. Once certified, performance improvement professionals must apply for re-certification every three years to maintain the CPT designation.

Click here to go to Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Project Management Institute (PMI), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is an entry-level certification for project practitioners. Designed for those with less project experience, the CAPM demonstrates an understanding of the fundamental knowledge, terminology and processes of effective project management. The written exam covers project management areas such as initiation, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, closing, and professional and social responsibility. Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 1500 hours professional experience on a project team or 23 hours of project management education.

Click here to go to Program Management Professional (PgMP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Project Management Institute (PMI), Program Management Professional (PgMP) is an advanced career certification for professionals who oversee multiple, related projects and their resources to achieve strategic business goals. PgMPs are senior-level practitioners who identify ways to group multiple related projects to achieve benefits that may not be realized if the projects were managed in a stand-alone fashion. Candidates for the PgMP must meet educational and experiential requirements; they are also evaluated by both a panel and with an exam.

Click here to go to PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Project Management Institute (PMI), Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) is an intermediate level credential for project schedulers. Candidates for the SP credential have advanced knowledge and experience developing, managing and maintaining project schedules. To apply for the PMI-SP, candidates must meet experiential and educational requirements and are required to pass the written exam.

Click here to go to SHRM - Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), is an intermediate-level credential for human resource professionals who implement policies and strategies, serve as point of contact for staff and stakeholders, deliver HR services, and perform operational HR functions. Candidates must meet the minimum of work and education requirements. Candidates with less than a bachelor's degree must have a minimum of three years of work experience with a HR related degree or four years of work experience with a non-HR related degree. Candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Certified Emergency Disaster Professional (CEDP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 1 year

The International Board for Certification of Safety Managers (IBFCSM), Certified Emergency Disaster Professional (CEDP) certification is for individuals working in any position related to emergency management and disaster response. Candidates can qualify for the CEDP certification on a professional or an associate level. Professional level candidates must have eight (8) years of education and experience combined with at least three (3) years of relevant experience; or the candidate must hold a Bachelor's or Graduate degree in a safety or related discipline and provide documentation for at least two (2) years of relevant experience. Associate level candidates must document four years of education and experience combined with at least one year of relevant experience. Candidates are required to take and pass a written examination.

Click here to go to Certified Property Manager (CPM) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Federal Acquisition Certification - Program and Project Managers (FAC-P/PM) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft Office 2013 COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: Lifetime

The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft Office 2013 credential is an entry-level certification for individuals who wish to demonstrate expertise in using Microsoft Office programs. Key technologies include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, SharePoint and OneNote. Candidates must pass one certification exam. There are no experience requirements for this certification but Microsoft Learning recommends that a candidate have hands-on experience with the product prior to testing.

Click here to go to Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft Office 2016 COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: Lifetime

The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft Office 2016 credential is an entry-level certification for individuals who wish to demonstrate expertise in using Microsoft Office programs. Key technologies include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook. Candidates must pass one certification exam. There are no experience requirements for this certification but Microsoft Learning recommends that a candidate have hands-on experience with the product prior to testing.

Click here to go to Certified Records Analyst (CRA) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill. Click for external link to GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click here to go to the GI Bill site.

ANSI

This credential has been accredited by ANSI. Click for external link to the ANSI web site.

ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC. Click for external link to the ICAC web site.

NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA. Click for external link to the NCCA web site.

ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC. Click for external link to the ABSNC web site.

IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS. Click for external link to the IAS web site.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the rating (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the rating (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

Most – Tasks in these careers match most duties of the military job or specialty (approximately 80% or greater)
Some – Tasks in these careers match some duties of the military job or specialty (greater than 20% but less than 80%)
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
Registered Apprenticeship
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Administrative Services Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Administrative Services Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Computer and Information Systems Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Computer and Information Systems Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Document Management Specialists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Document Management Specialists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Emergency Management Directors
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Emergency Management Directors
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Librarians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Librarians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Logistics Analysts
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Logistics Analysts
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Postmasters and Mail Superintendents
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Postmasters and Mail Superintendents
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Purchasing Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Purchasing Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Security Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Security Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Storage and Distribution Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Storage and Distribution Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Travel Agents
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Travel Agents