1035 - Public Affairs Series

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Federal Occupation Description

Federal Occupation Description

This series covers positions responsible for administering, supervising, or performing work involved in establishing and maintaining mutual communication between Federal agencies and the general public and various other pertinent publics including internal or external, foreign or domestic audiences. Positions in this series advise agency management on policy formulation and the potential public reaction to proposed policy, and identify and carry out the public communication requirements inherent in disseminating policy decisions. The work involves identifying communication needs and developing informational materials that inform appropriate publics of the agency's policies, programs, services and activities, and plan, execute, and evaluate the effectiveness of information and communication programs in furthering agency goals. Work in the series requires skills in written and oral communication, analysis, and interpersonal relations.

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 INFORMATION AND ARTS 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.

  • 1001 - General Arts and Information Series
  • 1008 - Interior Design Series
  • 1010 - Exhibits Specialist Series
  • 1015 - Museum Curator Series
  • 1016 - Museum Specialist and Technician Series
  • 1020 - Illustrating Series
  • 1021 - Office Drafting Series
  • 1040 - Language Specialist Series
  • 1046 - Language Clerical Series
  • 1051 - Music Specialist Series
  • 1054 - Theater Specialist Series
  • 1056 - Art Specialist Series
  • 1060 - Photography Series
  • 1071 - Audiovisual Production Series
  • 1082 - Writing and Editing Series
  • 1083 - Technical Writing and Editing Series
  • 1084 - Visual Information Series
  • 1087 - Editorial Assistance Series
  • 1099 - Information and Arts Student Trainee Series

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 Manager (CM) In DemandIs In Demand Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Project Management Professional (PMP) In DemandIs In Demand Project Management Institute (PMI) mostMost GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Electronic Document Professional (EDP) Is Not In Demand Xplor International (The Electronic Document Systems Association) someSome    
IC3 Digital Literacy Certification (IC3) Is Not In Demand Certiport someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Program Management Professional (PgMP) In DemandIs In Demand Project Management Institute (PMI) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) Is Not In Demand Informs mostMost GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) In DemandIs In Demand International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) someSome   AccreditationAccreditation
Communication Management Professional (CMP) Is Not In Demand Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) mostMost    
Accreditation in Public Relations + Military Communication (APR+M) Is Not In Demand Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) someSome    
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft Office 2013 Is Not In Demand Microsoft Corporation someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft Office 2016 Is Not In Demand Microsoft Corporation someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) Is Not In Demand Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) someSome    

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 1035 - Public Affairs Series. 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
Advertising and Promotions Managers someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Broadcast News Analysts someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Copy Writers someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Interpreters and Translators someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Management Analysts someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Producers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Public Relations Specialists mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Regulatory Affairs Specialists someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Reporters and Correspondents someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Technical Writers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
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This is an official U.S. Navy websiteUpdated: October 16, 2019
Click here to go to Certified Manager (CM) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 1 year

The Certified Manager (CM) is a general management certification. It is appropriate for supervisors, managers and leaders at all levels, in any industry, and benefits certificate recipients and their organizations. The CM program consists of 3 course modules of which each includes a study manual, online learning resources, practice exams and a certification exam. To earn the CM certification one must pass three certification exams. Successful completion of the CM exams is a reliable indicator that an individual possesses the skills that leaders and managers need. Eligibility for the CM certification is determined by a point system that considers both experience and education. A candidate must have at least 10 points including at least 3 Education points, and at least 4 Experience points. Candidates may count a maximum of 6 Education points and 7 Experience Points toward eligibility. Those who do not qualify for CM status may still participate in the CM program if they have met at least one of the minimum eligibility requirements. These individuals will earn Associate Certified Manager (ACM) status upon completion of the program. An ACM may earn full CM status through additional education and/or experience.

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 Electronic Document Professional (EDP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Electronic Document Professional (EDP) is an industry designation awarded to qualified individuals who have demonstrated broad knowledge of and experience in digital communication-whether in print, over internal networks, or online-from document creation to distribution. EDP certification ensures that the recipient has demonstrated excellence by a thorough examination of his or her work, business ethics, and overall contributions to the industry through a rigorous evaluation process. The EDP certification is awarded to individuals currently working in the electronic document industry, with a minimum of five years active work experience in the industry, who accept the EDP Code of Ethics, who earn an equivalent of 100 education credits, and submit a portfolio of actual business examples that demonstrate and document the candidate's capabilities.

Click here to go to IC3 Digital Literacy Certification (IC3) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: Lifetime

The IC3 Digital Literacy Certification (IC3) is an entry level certification for candidates to demonstrate general computing and internet skills. The exam covers a variety of commonly used software products and Internet protocols and is ideal for beginners. The certification is relevant to any occupation requiring a general knowledge of how computers function and an ability to use word processing, spreadsheet and internet applications. There are no experience or education requirements that must be met prior to taking the IC3 exams. The IC3 Global Standard 4 (GS4) exams apply to Windows 7 and Office 2010, while the IC3 Global Standard 5 (GS5) exams apply to Windows 10 and Office 2016. Candidates must pass the three exams for either GS4 or GS5 to be certified.

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 Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

INFORMS, Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) certification advances the use of analytics by setting agreed upon standards for the profession and advances the profession by providing a means for organizations to identify and develop qualified analytics professionals, by contributing to the career success and continued competence for analytics professionals, and by improving the credibility and visibility of the analytics profession. The CAP examination measures acceptable performance across seven major areas or domains of practice that adhere to the analytics end-to-end process: business problem framing, analytics problem framing, data, methodology selection, model building, deployment, and model life cycle management. Candidates must have a minimum of a BA/BS degree and at least 7 years of professional analytics related experience.

Click here to go to Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) credential demonstrates a strong foundation in U.S. privacy laws and regulations and understanding of the legal requirements for the responsible transfer of sensitive personal data to/from the U.S., the EU and other jurisdictions. Candidates must have knowledge of the U.S. legal system; U.S. federal laws for protection of personal data; U.S. federal regulation of marketing practices; U.S. state data breach notification; and regulation of privacy in the U.S. workplace. There are no prerequisites to take the CIPP exam.

Click here to go to Communication Management Professional (CMP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 1 year

The Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC), Communication Management Professional (CMP) is for generalists, specialists and other business communicators established in their careers as managers. To earn the CMP, candidates must have eight years of experience and 40 hours of training or six years of experience, two years of education and 40 hours of training. Candidates must also pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Accreditation in Public Relations + Military Communication (APR+M) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The PRSA Accreditation in Public Relations + Military Communication (APR+M) certification is an intermediate-level credential for military public affairs professionals. The APR+M program is a joint effort between DoD and PRSA. The APR+M aims at improving the military public affairs practice and establishing a standard of knowledge within the public affairs community that is transferable to civilian work. PRSA requires that candidates prepare responses to a panel questionnaire prior to sitting for the panel presentation; once the panel requirements are satisfied, candidates may then take the written exam.

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 Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 1 year

The Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC), Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) is for highly skilled business communicators practiced in providing strategic communication advice and counseling to an organization’s leadership. To earn the SCMP, candidates must have 11 years of experience and 20 hours of training. Candidates must also provide a letter of recommendation and pass a written exam.

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 - Advertising and Promotions Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Advertising and Promotions Managers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Broadcast News Analysts
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Broadcast News Analysts
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Copy Writers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Copy Writers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Interpreters and Translators
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Interpreters and Translators
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan
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Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Management Analysts
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Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
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Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Public Relations Specialists
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Public Relations Specialists
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 - Reporters and Correspondents
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Reporters and Correspondents
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Technical Writers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Technical Writers