What Is an Eligible List?

When an exam is scored, DCAS establishes an eligible list ranking everyone who passed, best score first. Each person gets a list number. Agencies hire by requesting a 'certification' of candidates from the top of the active list. As people are hired, decline, or are removed, the list moves. Lists are typically active for one to four years. Watching where the list has been certified to historically gives you a sense of movement — but past reach is descriptive, not a promise of when you'll be reached.