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Performs education and training work including program development, instruction, and educational administration.
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1701
Degree: that included or was supplemented by major study in education or in a subject-matter field appropriate to the position.
or
• Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in education, or in a subject-matter field appropriate to the position, plus appropriate experience or additional course work that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study described in A above.
For Child Development Training and Curriculum Specialist positions with the Departments of the Air Force and Navy, and Education Program Specialist positions with the Department of the Army, the education must have been in child development or early childhood education.
For Child Development Director and Assistant Director positions with the Department of the Air Force; Child Development Services Coordinator, Child Development Center Director and Assistant Director, Family Child Care Director, Outreach Worker, and Supplemental Programs and Services Director positions with the Department of the Army; and Child Development Program Administrator and Child Development Center Director positions with the Department of the Navy; the education must have been in child development, early childhood education, home economics (early childhood emphasis), elementary education, special education, or other fields appropriate to the position to be filled. For director and administrator positions with the Department of the Navy, education in child care administration, in addition to the above fields, is qualifying, and qualifying education in special education must have had a concentration in early childhood education.
Evaluation of Experience: Some positions appropriately classifiable in this series involve work in connection with grants or similar funding activities to further educational progress. For such positions, experience gained in an occupational area similar or closely related to the position is qualifying experience, provided such experience involved judgment of a kind and level of difficulty and responsibility essential to successful performance in the position to be filled.
For Child Development Director and Assistant Director positions with the Department of the Air Force, and Child Development Services Coordinator, Child Development Center Director and Assistant Director, Family Child Care Director, Outreach Worker, and Supplemental Programs and Services Director positions with the Department of the Army, specialized experience must have been in group child care or other work that demonstrated the ability to:
• Manage the operation of a child care center.
• Select, train, and supervise child care and preschool employees, family child care providers, or other care-giving adults.
• Develop and implement child development programs, including family day care programs, part-day preschool programs, and before and after school programs.
• Work with individuals and groups to solve complex problems related to the care and education of children.
The following are examples of qualifying specialized experience for Air Force and Army child development positions:
• For GS-5 and GS-7, experience that involved teaching young children in a preschool, early elementary school, church school, or day care center.
• For GS-9, experience in managing an entire cycle of operation of an early childhood program, including budgeting; facility management; supply management; program development; implementation; selection, training, and supervision of personnel; and curriculum oversight.
• For GS-11 and above, experience in managing a large, complex child development program offering a wide range of services, in a variety of settings.
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Step-by-step guide to landing a federal general education and training position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Ability to design effective training programs.
Skill in delivering training to various audiences.
Ability to develop course content and materials.
Skill in identifying training needs.
Ability to evaluate training effectiveness.
Knowledge of adult learning principles.
Proficiency in training technologies and LMS.
Skill in presenting and facilitating learning.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-1701 General Education and Training Specialist develops, delivers, and administers educational and training programs for federal agencies. These specialists design curricula, deliver instruction, evaluate training effectiveness, coordinate training activities, and advise leadership on education matters—serving military and civilian training commands, agency learning centers, and child development programs.
Federal Education and Training Specialists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-9 through GS-12. A GS-11 Training Specialist earns $63,163-$82,108. DOD (largest employer), VA, OPM, and agencies with training programs hire extensively.
GS-1701 requires a degree that included or was supplemented by major study in education or a subject-matter field appropriate to the position. For child development positions, specialized education in early childhood, child development, or elementary education is required. Instructional design skills, adult learning knowledge, and training technology proficiency are essential.
Relevant military instructor and training experience combined with education coursework can qualify. Veterans who served as military instructors, drill sergeants, training NCOs, or taught in military schools have directly transferable skills. Experience developing training programs, delivering instruction, and evaluating learning provides excellent background when combined with required education.
Training Specialists follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-11 or GS-12. Senior specialists and training program managers reach GS-12/13. Career paths include specializing in specific domains (leadership, technical, safety), transitioning to instructional systems design, or advancing to training director positions.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Training Specialist" or "Education Specialist" under series 1701. DOD training commands, VA, OPM, and agency training centers are primary employers. Highlight instructional experience, curriculum development skills, and LMS proficiency. Include specific training programs developed, student populations served, and evaluation methodologies used.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.