Resources for Peace Corps Volunteers
Interested in Exploring the Peace Corps?
If you are interested in serving communities abroad, the Peace Corps offers opportunities to work alongside local partners in areas such as education, health, agriculture, the environment, youth development and community economic development. Peace Corps service can help you build cross-cultural, language, leadership and problem-solving skills that are valuable across public service careers, including future federal roles.
The Peace Corps builds connections across cultures through service abroad. Explore the resources below and watch the video on what service can look like.
Resources for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
If you complete a stint in the Peace Corps, you may qualify for noncompetitive eligibility, often called NCE. This hiring authority allows federal agencies to consider you outside the usual competitive hiring process. While NCE does not guarantee you a federal job, it can help you apply your Peace Corps experience to a career in federal service.
Noncompetitive Eligibility for Peace Corps Volunteers
After completing your Peace Corps service, you have one year to use your noncompetitive eligibility. During that time, you may apply for federal jobs that are open to current government employees and other eligible applicants.
Federal agencies may extend your eligibility for up to two additional years if, after your service, you are:
- Serving in the military
- Studying at an accredited college or university
- Participating in another activity that the agency determines warrants an extension
NCE does not guarantee you a federal job. You must still apply, meet the qualifications for the position and complete any additional requirements, such as a background investigation. Agencies can only use NCE if you qualify for the hiring authority and meet the minimum qualifications for the role.
To document your eligibility, request your Certification of Volunteer Service through the Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Portal. When applying for federal positions, upload and submit this documentation with your application. You may also mention your NCE status on your federal resume so hiring managers and HR specialists can identify your eligibility.
If you resigned from the Peace Corps, you are not eligible for noncompetitive appointment based on Peace Corps service.
How to Find Jobs Open to Peace Corps Alumni
To find positions, start with these common search options:
- USAJOBS: Review the “This job is open to” section of each job announcement. If the position is open to Peace Corps alumni with noncompetitive eligibility, the announcement will include the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps VISTA hiring path. You can also use the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps VISTA filter when searching USAJOBS to see jobs open to eligible alumni.
- Peace Corps Job Board: Use the Peace Corps Job Board to find opportunities for returned Peace Corps volunteers, including roles in organizations that seek candidates with Peace Corps experience.
