Final answer:
The general requirement for advancement in the civil service is to fulfill special requirements for certain ratings, called grades. These grades, ranging from GS-1 to GS-15, determine the level of education, experience, and skills required for each position and also the corresponding pay. Employees start at the lowest step of their grade and can move up to higher levels over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The general requirement for advancement in the civil service is to fulfill special requirements for certain ratings. The civil service positions are categorized into grades, from GS-1 to GS-15, each requiring ascending levels of education, experience, and skills. Higher grades require specific, specialized experience and education, and offer higher pay. Employees start at the first step of their grade and progress through the various levels over time, assuming they receive satisfactory assessment ratings.