Personnel action coding

Describe the action

Loading coding questions…

Which personnel system covers this occupation?

Search a series or occupation. Classification is occupation-specific; one series can contain several personnel systems.

This reference helps identify the system. It does not change your selection automatically. Check the qualification standard for the particular occupation.

The coding reference is loading.

About this tool & source checks

Staffing reference · Title 5, Title 38 & hybrid Title 38

Find the nature of action, legal authorities and remarks. Follow the rule’s conditions, then keep a worksheet for your review.

OPM GPPA Navigator ↗

Loading the verified coding reference…

Choose the facts that apply. No employee information is needed. Bookmark a completed rule to return to it.

Title 5 results reproduce active OPM Navigator rules in the covered staffing, pay and administrative tables. Retired rules are excluded. VA-specific Title 38 authorities and HR Smart entry guidance are separate from OPM’s rules. SES coding and a complete separation, retirement, correction or cancellation workflow are outside this tool’s scope. This is a reviewed source snapshot; OPM links open the current official guidance. Choices stay in your browser, and completed rules can be bookmarked. Do not enter employee names or identifiers. Independent decision support; HR Smart remains the system of record.

About personnel action coding

What are NOA codes and legal authority codes?

A nature of action code (NOAC) identifies the type of personnel action on an SF-50, and a legal authority code cites the authority for it. The right pair depends on the conditions of the action.

How do I find the right code?

Choose the action, then answer the conditions from OPM’s Guide to Processing Personnel Actions one at a time until a single rule remains. You can also search rules by code or keyword.

Does it cover VA Title 38?

Yes. Full Title 38 and hybrid Title 38 actions follow VA’s coding, and VA HR Smart guidance is shown separately from OPM’s rules.