Blank OPM Optional 306 Template

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Article Guide

The OPM Optional 306 form serves as a vital document for federal employees, particularly when it comes to addressing and managing their employment status. This form captures essential information that affects benefits, retirement plans, and even tax withholdings. It may be utilized during various stages of an employee's career, including new hire processing, role changes, or when submitting retirement applications. By providing accurate information on this form, employees help ensure that their records remain current and that their rights are preserved. Understanding the significance of the Optional 306 form is crucial for any federal employee seeking to navigate the complexities of federal employment benefits and obligations.

Form Sample

Declaration for Federal Employment*	Form Approved:
	OMB No. 3206-0182

(*This form may also be used to assess fitness for federal contract employment)

Instructions

The information collected on this form is used to determine your acceptability for Federal and Federal contract employment and your enrollment status in the Government's Life Insurance program. You may be asked to complete this form at any time during the hiring process. Follow instructions that the agency provides. If you are selected, before you are appointed you will be asked to update your responses on this form and on other materials submitted during the application process and then to recertify that your answers are true.

All your answers must be truthful and complete. A false statement on any part of this declaration or attached forms or sheets may be grounds for not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work. Also, you may be punished by a fine or imprisonment (U.S. Code, title 18, section 1001).

Either type your responses on this form or print clearly in dark ink. If you need additional space, attach letter-size sheets (8.5" X 11"). Include your name, Social Security Number, and item number on each sheet. We recommend that you keep a photocopy of your completed form for your records.

Privacy Act Statement

The Office of Personnel Management is authorized to request this information under sections 1302, 3301, 3304, 3328, and 8716 of title 5, U. S. Code. Section 1104 of title 5 allows the Office of Personnel Management to delegate personnel management functions to other Federal agencies. If necessary, and usually in conjunction with another form or forms, this form may be used in conducting an investigation to determine your suitability or your ability to hold a security clearance, and it may be disclosed to authorized officials making similar, subsequent determinations.

Your Social Security Number (SSN) is needed to keep our records accurate, because other people may have the same name and birth date. Public Law 104-134 (April 26, 1996) asks Federal agencies to use this number to help identify individuals in agency records. Giving us your SSN or any other information is voluntary. However, if you do not give us your SSN or any other information requested, we cannot process your application. Incomplete addresses and ZIP Codes may also slow processing.

ROUTINE USES: Any disclosure of this record or information in this record is in accordance with routine uses found in System

Notice OPM/GOVT-1, General Personnel Records. This system allows disclosure of information to: training facilities; organizations deciding claims for retirement, insurance, unemployment, or health benefits; officials in litigation or administrative proceedings where the Government is a party; law enforcement agencies concerning a violation of law or regulation; Federal agencies for statistical reports and studies; officials of labor organizations recognized by law in connection with representation of employees; Federal agencies or other sources requesting information for Federal agencies in connection with hiring or retaining, security clearance, security or suitability investigations, classifying jobs, contracting, or issuing licenses, grants, or other benefits; public and private organizations, including news media, which grant or publicize employee recognitions and awards; the Merit Systems Protection Board, the Office of Special Counsel, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Federal Labor Relations Authority, the National Archives and Records Administration, and Congressional offices in connection with their official functions; prospective non-Federal employers concerning tenure of employment, civil service status, length of service, and the date and nature of action for separation as shown on the SF 50 (or authorized exception) of a specifically identified individual; requesting organizations or individuals concerning the home address and other relevant information on those who might have contracted an illness or been exposed to a health hazard; authorized Federal and non-Federal agencies for use in computer matching; spouses or dependent children asking whether the employee has changed from a self-and-family to a self-only health benefits enrollment; individuals working on a contract, service, grant, cooperative agreement, or job for the Federal government; non-agency members of an agency's performance or other panel; and agency-appointed representatives of employees concerning information issued to the employees about fitness-for-duty or agency-filed disability retirement procedures.

Public Burden Statement

Public burden reporting for this collection of information is estimated to vary from 5 to 30 minutes with an average of 15 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of the collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Reports and Forms Manager (3206-0182), Washington, DC 20415-7900. The OMB number, 3206-0182, is valid. OPM may not collect this information, and you are not required to respond, unless this number is displayed.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management	Optional Form 306
	Revised October 2019
5 U.S.C. 1302, 3301, 3304, 3328 & 8716	Previous editions obsolete and unusable

Declaration for Federal Employment*	Form Approved:
	OMB No. 3206-0182

(*This form may also be used to assess fitness for federal contract employment)

General Information

1.FULL NAME (Provide your full name. If you have only initials in your name, provide them and indicate "Initial only". If you do not have a middle name, indicate "No Middle Name". If you are a "Jr.," "Sr.," etc. enter this under Suffix. First, Middle, Last, Suffix)

♦

2. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

♦

3a. PLACE OF BIRTH (Include city and state or country)

♦

3b. ARE YOU A U.S. CITIZEN?			4. DATE OF BIRTH (MM / DD / YYYY)
YES	NO (If "NO", provide country of citizenship)	♦	♦
		♦	♦
5. OTHER NAMES EVER USED (For example, maiden name, nickname, etc.)			6. PHONE NUMBERS (Include area codes)
♦			Day	♦
♦			Night	♦
Selective Service Registration

If you are a male born after December 31, 1959, and are at least 18 years of age, civil service employment law (5 U.S.C. 3328) requires that you must register with the Selective Service System, unless you meet certain exemptions.


7a.	Were you born a male after December 31, 1959?	YES		NO (If "NO", proceed to 8.)
7b.	Have you registered with the Selective Service System?	YES (If "YES", proceed to 8.)		NO (If "NO", proceed to 7c.)
7c. If "NO," describe your reason(s) in item 16.
Military Service


8.	Have you ever served in the United States military?	YES	(If "YES", provide information below)		NO

If your only active duty was training in the Reserves or National Guard, answer "NO.”

If you answered "YES," list the branch, dates, and type of discharge for all active duty.

Branch

From (MM/DD/YYYY)

To (MM/DD/YYYY)

Type of Discharge

Background Information

For all questions, provide all additional requested information under item 16 or on attached sheets. The circumstances of each event

you list will be considered. However, in most cases you can still be considered for Federal jobs.

For questions 9,10, and 11, your answers should include convictions resulting from a plea of nolo contendere (no contest), but omit (1) traffic fines of $300 or less, (2) any violation of law committed before your 16th birthday, (3) any violation of law committed before your 18th birthday if finally decided in juvenile court or under a Youth Offender law, (4) any conviction set aside under the Federal Youth Corrections Act or similar state law, and (5) any conviction for which the record was expunged under Federal or state law .

9. During the last 7 years, have you been convicted, been imprisoned, been on probation, or been on parole?	YES	NO
(Includes felonies, firearms or explosives violations, misdemeanors, and all other offenses.) If "YES," use item 16	YES	NO

to provide the date, explanation of the violation, place of occurrence, and the name and address of the police
department or court involved.
10. Have you been convicted by a military court-martial in the past 7 years? (If no military service, answer "NO.") If	YES	NO
"YES," use item 16 to provide the date, explanation of the violation, place of occurrence, and the name and	YES	NO

address of the military authority or court involved.

11. Are you currently under charges for any violation of law? If "YES," use item 16 to provide the date, explanation of	YES	NO
the charges, place of occurrence, and the name and address of the police department or court involved.

12. During the last 5 years, have you been fired from any job for any reason, did you quit after being told that you	YES	NO
would be fired, did you leave any job by mutual agreement because of specific problems, or were you debarred	YES	NO

from Federal employment by the Office of Personnel Management or any other Federal agency? If "YES," use item
16 to provide the date, an explanation of the problem, reason for leaving, and the employer's name and address.

13. Are you delinquent on any Federal debt? (Includes delinquencies arising from Federal taxes, loans, overpayment	YES	NO
of benefits, and other debts to the U.S. Government, plus defaults of Federally guaranteed or insured loans such	YES	NO

as student and home mortgage loans.) If "YES," use item 16 to provide the type, length, and amount of the
delinquency or default, and steps that you are taking to correct the error or repay the debt.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management		Optional Form 306
	Revised October 2019
5 U.S.C. 1302, 3301, 3304, 3328 & 8716	Previous editions obsolete and unusable

Declaration for Federal Employment*	Form Approved:
	OMB No. 3206-0182

(*This form may also be used to assess fitness for federal contract employment)

Additional Questions

14. Do any of your relatives work for the agency or government organization to which you are submitting this form?

(Include: father, mother, husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, nephew, niece,YES NO

father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, stepfather, stepmother, stepson, stepdaughter, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother, and half-sister.) If "YES," use item 16 to provide the relative's name, relationship, and the department, agency, or branch of the Armed Forces for which your relativeworks.

15. Do you receive, or have you ever applied for, retirement pay, pension, or other retired pay based on military,	YES	NO
Federal civilian, or District of Columbia Government service?

Continuation Space / Agency Optional Questions

16.Provide details requested in items 7 through 15 and 18c in the space below or on attached sheets. Be sure to identify attached sheets with

your name, Social Security Number, and item number, and to include ZIP Codes in all addresses. If any questions are printed below, please answer as instructed (these questions are specific to your position and your agency is authorized to ask them).

Certifications / Additional Questions

APPLICANT: If you are applying for a position and received a tentative/conditional job offer or have not yet been selected, carefully review your answers on this form and any attached sheets.

APPOINTEE: If you are being appointed, carefully review your answers on this form and any attached sheets, including any other application materials that your agency has attached to this form. If any information requires correction to be accurate as of the date you are signing, make changes on this form or the attachments and/or provide updated information on additional sheets, initialing and dating all changes and additions. When this form and all attached materials are accurate, read item 17, complete 17b, read 18, and answer 18a, 18b, and 18c as appropriate.

17.I certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, all of the information on and attached to this Declaration for Federal Employment, including any attached application materials, is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. I understand that a false or fraudulent answer to any question or item on any part of this declaration or its attachments may be grounds for not hiring me, or for firing me after I begin work, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment. I understand that any information I give may be investigated for purposes of determining eligibility for Federal employment as allowed by law or Presidential order. I consent to the release of information about my ability and fitness for Federal employment by employers, schools, law enforcement agencies, and other individuals and organizations to investigators, personnel specialists, and other authorized employees or representatives of the Federal Government. I understand that for financial or lending institutions, medical institutions, hospitals, health care professionals, and some other sources of information, a separate specific release may be needed, and I may be contacted for such a release at a later date.

17a.	Applicant's Signature:	Date:	Appointing Officer:
17a.	Applicant's Signature:	Date:	Enter Date of Appointment or Conversion
		(MM / DD / YYYY)	MM / DD / YYYY
17b.	Appointee's Signature:	Date:
		(MM / DD / YYYY)

18.Appointee (Only respond if you have been employed by the Federal Government before): Your elections of life insurance during previous Federal employment may affect your eligibility for life insurance during your new appointment. These questions are asked to help your personnel office make a correct determination.

18a. When did you leave your last Federal job?	Date:
	(MM / DD / YYYY)

18b. When you worked for the Federal Government the last time, did you waive Basic Life	YES	NO	DO NOT KNOW
Insurance or any type of optional life insurance?

18c. If you answered "YES" to item 18b, did you later cancel the waiver(s)? If your answer to item	YES	NO	DO NOT KNOW
18c is "NO," use item 16 to identify the type(s) of insurance for which waivers were not	YES	NO	DO NOT KNOW

canceled.


U.S. Office of Personnel Management			Optional Form 306
			Revised October 2019
5 U.S.C. 1302, 3301, 3304, 3328 & 8716		Previous editions obsolete and unusable

⇩ PDF

Document Specifications

Fact Name	Detail
What is OPM Optional 306?	The OPM Optional 306 form is used by federal employees to voluntarily provide information regarding their preferences and activities, particularly regarding their health benefits.
Who uses this form?	This form is primarily used by federal employees who are enrolling in or changing their health insurance coverage through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program.
Purpose of the form	The purpose of the OPM Optional 306 is to allow employees to disclose pertinent health information that may influence their benefits.
Voluntary submission	Completion and submission of the Optional 306 form is voluntary; employees are not required to provide this information.
Privacy considerations	Information disclosed on this form is protected by privacy laws and used solely for the purposes of health benefit coverage decisions.
Who reviews the form?	The form is typically reviewed by human resources personnel who handle health benefit enrollments and changes.
Implications for benefits	While submission is voluntary, failing to provide relevant information may limit the options available for health benefits.
Updates and changes	Employees should keep the information on the form updated, particularly when life events occur, such as marriage or the birth of a child.
Related governing laws	The OPM Optional 306 form operates under federal laws regarding employee rights and benefits, including the Federal Employees Health Benefits Act.

Steps to Filling Out OPM Optional 306

Once you have the OPM Optional 306 form in hand, it’s time to start filling it out. This form is crucial for various processes, and accuracy is key. Follow these steps to ensure you complete the form correctly.

Begin by clearly printing your full name in the first box at the top of the form.
Enter your Social Security Number in the provided space, ensuring that it is correct to avoid delays.
Next, indicate your date of birth by filling in the appropriate boxes according to the format requested.
Provide your current address, including street number, city, state, and ZIP code.
Proceed to fill in your telephone number. Include the area code for clarity.
In the designated section, indicate your citizenship status. Choose between the options given; make sure to select the one that accurately applies to you.
Complete the questions regarding any prior federal employment. If applicable, jot down the details in the response area.
Sign and date the form at the bottom to certify that the information you provided is true and correct.

After completing these steps, review your responses for accuracy. Once you are satisfied, submit the filled form as directed in the accompanying instructions. Make sure to keep a copy for your records.

More About OPM Optional 306

What is the OPM Optional 306 form?

The OPM Optional 306 form is a document used by the federal government for employment purposes. It collects information from individuals applying for federal jobs. This form helps ensure that applicants meet the necessary criteria for employment, including eligibility and suitability for federal positions.

Who needs to fill out the OPM Optional 306 form?

All applicants seeking federal employment must complete the OPM Optional 306 form. This applies to competitive and non-competitive job positions. Filling out this form is a crucial step in the application process.

What information is required on the OPM Optional 306 form?

The form requests personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, and contact information. It also asks about your employment history, educational background, and any military service. Additionally, there are questions regarding any criminal history and whether you have ever been dismissed from a job.

Is the information provided on the OPM Optional 306 form confidential?

Yes, the information you provide is treated with strict confidentiality. The form is used solely for employment purposes, and any sensitive information is handled according to federal privacy laws. Your details will not be shared without your consent unless required by law.

Can I leave some questions on the OPM Optional 306 form blank?

It's best to answer all questions on the form. If a question does not apply to you, indicate this clearly rather than leaving it blank. Providing complete and accurate information can help prevent delays in the hiring process.

What should I do if I make a mistake on the OPM Optional 306 form?

If you notice a mistake after submitting the form, contact the relevant agency as soon as possible to correct it. They will guide you on how to proceed, and in some cases, you may need to submit a new form.

Is there a deadline for submitting the OPM Optional 306 form?

Yes, you must submit the form by the specified deadline in the job announcement. Missing the deadline can impact your eligibility for the position. Be sure to check the job listing for specific instructions and timelines.

What happens if I do not submit the OPM Optional 306 form?

Failing to submit the OPM Optional 306 form can result in disqualification from the hiring process. Since it is a required document, not providing it means that you will not be considered for the position.

Where can I find the OPM Optional 306 form?

The OPM Optional 306 form is available on the official U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website. You can download it in PDF format. Ensure you have the most current version of the form to avoid any issues during your application process.

Can I fill out the OPM Optional 306 form online?

Currently, the OPM Optional 306 form needs to be printed, completed, and mailed or submitted electronically as specified in the job posting. Always follow the instructions provided by the federal agency handling your application.

Common mistakes

Incomplete Personal Information: Many individuals forget to fill out all sections related to their personal details, such as name, address, or social security number. Missing or incorrect information can lead to delays in processing.
Failure to Provide Accurate Employment History: Some applicants do not include their complete employment history or may omit important job duties. This oversight can affect their eligibility for certain positions.
Neglecting to Disclose Certain Information: It’s essential to disclose all required information, including previous military service or any disciplinary actions. Omissions can be viewed unfavorably and impact the review process.
Incorrect Signature: Submitting the form without a proper signature is a common mistake. A valid signature is necessary for the form to be considered complete.
Not Meeting the Deadline: Some applicants overlook the submission deadline. Late submissions can lead to automatic disqualification from the application process.
Ignoring Instructions: The form comes with specific guidelines. Many individuals fail to read these instructions carefully, leading to misunderstandings and mistakes in filling out the form.
Using Unclear Language: Individuals sometimes write in vague terms or are overly brief in their descriptions. Clarity and detail are crucial for conveying qualifications accurately.
Not Keeping Copies: Many forget to keep a copy of the completed form for their records. Retaining a copy can be helpful for future applications or if questions arise.
Skipping the Review Process: Some applicants submit the form without double-checking for errors or inconsistencies. A thorough review can catch mistakes before the form is sent.

Documents used along the form

The OPM Optional 306 form is an important document that helps gather essential information about a candidate for federal employment. When applying for government positions, several other forms and documents may be necessary to complete the application process. Here is a list of commonly used forms that often accompany the OPM Optional 306 form:

SF-86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions): This is a comprehensive form that collects information for background investigations for positions requiring a security clearance.
SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference): This form is used by veterans to claim 10-point preference in hiring, based on their service-related disabilities.
SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action): It provides official documentation of an employee’s federal employment status and history, often required for verification of service and benefits.
Resume or CV: A detailed account of the applicant’s work experience, education, and skills, which supports their qualification for the job.
VA Form 21-526 (Veteran's Application for Compensation and/or Pension): Used by veterans to apply for disability compensation or pension benefits; relevant for many federal jobs with veteran preference.
OF-306 (Declaration for Federal Employment): This form is similar to the OPM Optional 306, capturing necessary personal information and confirming suitability for federal employment.
DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty): Essential for veterans, this document evidences military service and is often required to receive veteran preference.
Background Investigation Authorization Forms: Various forms granting permission for a background check, which is standard in the federal hiring process.
Job-Specific Forms: Depending on the position, there may be additional forms required related to qualifications, certifications, or other role-specific requirements.

Using the OPM Optional 306 form along with these documents can help streamline your application process and ensure that all necessary information is available for review. Make sure to review each document carefully to provide clear and accurate information to enhance your chances of successful employment in federal positions.

Similar forms

The OPM Optional 306 form, used primarily by federal employees and applicants, shares similarities with the SF-86 form, also known as the Questionnaire for National Security Positions. Both documents require individuals to disclose personal information that might affect their eligibility for employment within the federal government. However, while the Optional 306 focuses on criminal history and conduct, the SF-86 takes a broader approach, delving into issues such as foreign contacts and financial disclosures that could pose security risks. Each form plays a crucial role in assessing fitness for federal employment, yet they cater to different layers of scrutiny.

Another document comparable to the OPM Optional 306 is the SF-85, the Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions. Similar to the Optional 306, the SF-85 aims to evaluate applicants for roles within the federal government without requiring a deeper background check like that of the SF-86. Both documents emphasize honesty and the importance of revealing past incidents that might impact one's ability to serve. While the Optional 306 is often used as a standalone declaration for various roles, the SF-85 is specifically intended for positions deemed non-sensitive.

The Standard Form 181 (SF-181) is another document that parallels the OPM Optional 306. The SF-181 focuses on collecting demographic data, including ethnicity and race, from federal employees and applicants. While the Optional 306 requires personal disclosures regarding conduct, the SF-181 collects this information for statistical purposes, allowing agencies to promote diversity and assess equal employment opportunities. Both forms aim to streamline federal hiring processes, albeit serving different objectives within that framework.

Similar to the Optional 306 is the OF-306 form, which is the Declaration for Federal Employment. This form is required to ascertain an individual's eligibility for federal employment, asking broader questions about citizenship and military service, in addition to criminal history. While the Optional 306 is strictly concerned with past conduct, the OF-306 gathers more comprehensive information, contributing to a fuller picture of an applicant’s background and fit for federal service.

The Federal Employment Standard Form 50 (SF-50) also has certain parallels with the OPM Optional 306, as both documents pertain to employment records within the federal government. The SF-50 serves as an official record of appointments, whereas the Optional 306 provides insight into the applicant's past moral character and potential risks. While both documents play essential roles in managing federal employee information, they focus on different aspects of employment and conduct.

Finally, the Credit Report serves as a document that shares some similarities with the OPM Optional 306, as both assess factors that could influence one's employment. A credit report provides insights into an individual's financial behavior, which can impact job performance and security clearance. The Optional 306, while not directly asking for credit information, prompts applicants to disclose any relevant legal issues that could lead to financial instability. Both documents underline the importance of maintaining integrity and reliability within federal positions.

Dos and Don'ts

Filling out the OPM Optional 306 form can seem daunting, but following a few simple guidelines can make the process smoother. Here are five things you should and shouldn’t do:

Do read the instructions carefully before starting.
Do provide accurate and honest information.
Do ensure your personal information is up to date.
Don’t rush through the form; take your time to avoid mistakes.
Don’t leave any required fields blank; incomplete forms can delay processing.

Misconceptions

The OPM Optional 306 form, also known as the Declaration for Federal Employment, is important for individuals seeking federal employment. Several misconceptions surround this form. Here are a few of those misconceptions explained.

Misconception 1: The OPM Optional 306 form is only required for new employees.

This is not entirely true. While new federal employees must complete the form, it may also be required from current federal employees who are changing positions or agencies.

Misconception 2: Filling out the Optional 306 form guarantees a job.

Completing the form does not assure employment. It is simply a prerequisite for consideration in the hiring process.

Misconception 3: The form is only about employment history.

While employment history is a part of the form, it also collects other critical information, such as citizenship status and military service.

Misconception 4: Information provided on the form is not confidential.

In reality, the information provided on the Optional 306 form is protected under various privacy laws. It should be handled with care and kept confidential.

Key takeaways

Filling out and using the OPM Optional 306 form is an important process for federal employment. Here are key takeaways to keep in mind:

Understand the Purpose: The Optional 306 form is used to collect information necessary for your employment with the federal government.
Accuracy is Essential: Provide detailed and truthful information to avoid issues with your application or future employment.
Required Background Information: The form gathers personal background, including education, work history, and military service.
Veteran Status: Disclose your veteran status if applicable. This status can impact your hiring eligibility and benefits.
Privacy Matters: Your information is protected under privacy laws. Data collected will only be used for employment-related purposes.
Review Before Submission: Carefully review all entries for errors or omissions. Mistakes could delay your application process.
Filing Deadline: Ensure you submit the form by any provided deadlines to stay in consideration for the position.
Seek Clarification: If you encounter unclear sections, seek assistance or additional information from HR or official resources.
Keep a Copy: Always retain a copy of the submitted form for your records. This can be useful for future applications or inquiries.

Understanding these key points will facilitate a smoother application process and enhance your chances of successfully obtaining federal employment.