CIP Codes Warning

[sanantone]

This doesn't matter for federal civilian jobs; I can't speak for DoD jobs. 

I'm curious where CIP codes are used in government.  I've never heard of the requirement.  Fortunately I did the CS degree, but I'm pretty sure for a 1560 series (my original intention with it) it would count regardless of the CIP code because of the way the series is written.  Is it organization specific or series specific?

It's been almost a year, and no one has responded to you with any evidence for this claim. They haven't responded to you at all.

From ChatGPT

Yes, there are non-Department of Defense (DoD) federal jobs where the degree must match specific Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes. This requirement is often seen in specialized fields that require specific educational backgrounds. Here are a few examples:

1. GS-1320 - Chemist
Required Degree: A degree in physical sciences, life sciences, or engineering that includes 30 semester hours in chemistry, supplemented by coursework in mathematics and physics.

CIP Code Requirement: The degree typically needs to be classified under a CIP code related to Chemistry (40.05 series).

2. GS-0810 - Civil Engineer
Required Degree: A professional engineering degree, usually requiring an ABET-accredited program.

CIP Code Requirement: Degrees in Civil Engineering are classified under the CIP code 14.0801. To qualify for a Civil Engineer position, the degree must match this CIP code.

3. GS-0401 - General Natural Resources Management and Biological Sciences
Required Degree: Degrees in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

CIP Code Requirement: This series often requires a degree with a CIP code in the 26.xx series (Biological and Biomedical Sciences).

4. GS-1515 - Operations Research Analyst
Required Degree: A degree in operations research or a closely related field that includes at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or related courses.

CIP Code Requirement: Degrees in Operations Research are classified under the CIP code 14.3701.

Example Job Posting:
Here’s an example from a job listing on USAJOBS that illustrates the degree and CIP code requirement:

Position: Operations Research Analyst (GS-1515)
Qualifications: Requires a bachelor's degree in operations research or a closely related field that includes at least 24 semester hours in operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or related subjects.

CIP Code Requirement: The degree must be classified under a CIP code related to Operations Research, such as 14.3701.

While not all federal jobs require a degree that matches a specific CIP code, those in highly specialized fields often do. The CIP code ensures that the degree program provided the necessary specialized education and training relevant to the job. This requirement helps maintain standards and ensure that applicants are adequately prepared for the technical and specialized nature of these roles.

If you were my student, I would give you a zero. Please have ChatGPT produce a source, and the source must exist.

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This is why ChatGPT should not be used as a sole or primary source. ChatGPT's response below.

"The federal government does use Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes in several contexts, including education reporting, workforce analysis, and potentially in aligning educational programs with employment opportunities. However, whether CIP codes are specifically used to determine a degree's eligibility for a federal job can vary. Typically, job eligibility in federal positions is based on qualifications, experience, and sometimes specific educational requirements or certifications. CIP codes may inform broader policy decisions or program alignments but are not usually the direct criteria for job eligibility. Instead, job announcements will specify the necessary qualifications and education requirements."

Now, go to USAJobs and see how many job ads mention CIP. I can already tell you that it's only one job in the entire country, and the CIP acronym stood for something else.