OPM Steps Up Focus on Diplomas

Federal employment and background investigations forms will be revamped to require that employees and job applicants distinguish between diplomas and other academic training received from schools accredited by an organization recognized by the Department of Education versus those from all other sources, including so-called diploma mills, the Office of Personnel Management has told agencies. OPM also is expanding the staff of its investigative office to oversee personnel background investigations where diploma mill and other significant issues are identified. OPM has been looking into the issue of questionable academic degrees since last year; congressional committees and the General Accounting Office are also investigating.