- Must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited high school, technical/vocational school, two-year/four-year college, university, graduate/professional school, or equivalent certificate program (at least one academic year of full-time study).
- Must be in good academic standing as defined by the school.
- Must be taking at least a half-time course load leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate (half-time as defined by the school).
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or owe permanent allegiance to the U.S. (e.g., natives of American Samoa, Swains Island, or certain CNMI inhabitants).
- Must successfully complete a background investigation for federal employment suitability.
- Must sign the Pathways Participant Agreement.
- For GS-3 level: at least 6 months of general experience, OR 1 year of education above high school, OR a combination of both.