In this subpart:

(a) Category rating is synonymous with alternative rating as described at 5 U.S.C. 3319, and is a process of evaluating qualified eligibles by quality categories rather than by assigning individual numeric scores. The agency assesses candidates against job-related criteria and then places them into two or more pre-defined categories.

(b) Quality categories are groupings of individuals with similar levels of job-related competencies or similar levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities.