USDA Job Assessments
How Do I Pass the USDA Job Assessment?
USDA job assessments are required for many federal positions in food safety, agriculture, and administration. These online tests evaluate your judgment, reading skills, and work style. To prepare, review the job announcement and use free USDA practice tests that simulate the real exam format. Practicing under time limits and understanding situational judgment scenarios can boost your score and help you qualify for a rewarding federal career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
USDA Job Assessments – What They Are and How to Prepare
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) hires thousands of employees across the country for positions ranging from administrative support and IT to field science and food safety. Most job seekers applying for federal USDA roles must complete USDA job assessments as part of the online application process.
What Are USDA Job Assessments?
USDA job assessments are designed to evaluate whether applicants possess the skills, judgment, and personality traits needed for federal employment. These assessments are typically administered online after submitting your resume through USAJOBS.gov and are tailored to the specific job series and grade level.
Depending on the position, assessments may include:
1. Occupational Questionnaire
Measures job-related experience, competencies, and self-rated skills
Often scored automatically to determine basic eligibility
2. USA Hire Assessment (for select roles)
Tests include:
Situational Judgment – how you respond to work-based scenarios
Reading Comprehension – understanding and analyzing written materials
Logical Reasoning – applying logic to workplace situations
Work Style & Personality – alignment with federal core competencies
Positions That May Require Assessments
Agricultural Technicians
Administrative Assistants
Economists
Food Safety Inspectors
IT Specialists
Forest Service Technicians
Veterinary Medical Officers
How to Prepare
Review the job announcement and required competencies
Use free federal practice tests with reading, reasoning, and SJT sections
Practice with timed simulations to improve accuracy under pressure
Be honest and consistent in personality-style assessments
Tip: Many USDA job announcements close quickly. Be sure to prepare your resume and assessment readiness in advance to apply early and confidently.
Applying for Federal Positions – USDA Jobs
Applying for a federal job with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a structured process that requires attention to detail and preparation. All USDA job openings are listed on USAJOBS.gov, the official federal government employment site.
To apply, you must first create a USAJOBS account and complete a federal-style resume. This resume should include detailed descriptions of your experience, accomplishments, and education—more detailed than a typical private-sector resume.
Next, search for USDA openings that match your qualifications. When applying, you’ll be asked to complete an occupational questionnaire or, for certain positions, a USA Hire assessment. These assessments help determine your eligibility and suitability for the role.
Make sure to follow all instructions in the job announcement. Include required documents like transcripts, certifications, or veterans’ preference forms, and submit them before the closing date.
After applying, eligible candidates may be invited to complete further assessments or interviews, depending on the role. Being well-prepared with free practice tests and resume tips can help you stand out in a competitive applicant pool and secure a position with the USDA.
USDA Positions and Required Assessments
| Position Title | Typical Assessment | Assessment Type |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Technician (GS-4/5/6) | Occupational Questionnaire | Experience & Competency-Based |
| Food Safety Inspector | Occupational Questionnaire + USA Hire | SJT, Reading, Logical Reasoning |
| Veterinary Medical Officer | Occupational Questionnaire | Experience-Based |
| IT Specialist (GS-7/9/11) | Occupational Questionnaire + USA Hire | Logic, SJT, Work Style |
| Administrative Assistant | Occupational Questionnaire | Self-Rated Competency Questionnaire |
| Forest Service Technician | Occupational Questionnaire + Physical Screening | Competency-Based |
| Economist | Occupational Questionnaire + USA Hire | Reading, Reasoning, Work Style |
| Soil Conservationist | Occupational Questionnaire | Experience-Based |
| Budget Analyst | Occupational Questionnaire + USA Hire | SJT, Numerical Reasoning, Work Style |
| HR Specialist | Occupational Questionnaire + USA Hire | Situational Judgment, Work Style |
FAQ
Most USDA positions require at least an occupational questionnaire. Some roles, especially those posted with the “USA Hire” system, include additional online assessments like reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and situational judgment.
You must apply through USAJOBS.gov. Create an account, upload your federal resume, and apply directly to open USDA positions. Be sure to submit all required documents before the deadline.
It’s a self-rated assessment included in the application. It asks about your skills, experience, and ability to perform job-specific tasks. Your answers must match the content of your resume to avoid disqualification.
USDA careers span a wide range of fields including agriculture, food safety, forestry, economics, animal health, IT, and administration. Both entry-level and advanced positions are regularly posted.
It depends. Some USA Hire assessments have retake restrictions or require you to wait before reapplying. Always review the job announcement for specific instructions.
Use free federal practice tests to get familiar with the format, especially for logic, situational judgment, and reading comprehension sections. Review the job announcement to understand which skills are being tested.
