Login to OARS!
OARS Frequently Asked Questions
Passwords, ID's and Logging In
- When I click "Login to OARS" nothing happens (or: I get an error message that I need a browser that supports 128-bit encryption.)
- Is it possible to have multiple identities or more than one email address in OARS?
- What if I submit false information?
- I'm uncomfortable using my Social Security Number. Is there any way I can fill out an application without it?
- This is the first time I have ever registered in OARS and the system is telling you that someone already registered with my Social Security Number. How could this be?
- I tried to login using my email address and it doesn't work.
- I KNOW I put in the right password, and it doesn't work.
- I forgot my password!
- Why did you make this system so difficult to use? It should be more user friendly!
Q: When I click "Login to OARS" nothing happens (or: I get an error message that I need a browser that supports 128-bit encryption.)
A: You are trying to login to OARS using an out-of-date web browser. For the security of your information OARS only allows access from web browsers that support 128-bit encryption. To use OARS you must either 1) try logging in from a different computer with a newer browser, or 2) upgrade the web browser on your computer.
Q: Is it possible to have multiple identities or more than one email address in OARS?
A: No. You are identified in OARS by your Social Security Number, your OARS user ID#, and your password which you entered in the registration process. OARS will not allow you to create more than one account using the same email address or Social Security Number.
Q: What if I submit false information?
A: OARS is a Federal job application system. Providing false information, creating fake IDs, or failing to answer all questions truthfully and completely may be grounds for not hiring, for disbarment from Federal employment, or for dismissal after you begin work. Falsifying a Federal job application, attempting to violate the privacy of others, or attempting to compromise the operation of this system may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (see US Code, Title 18, section 1001.)
Q: I'm uncomfortable using my Social Security Number. Is there any way I can fill out an application without it?
A: Your Social Security Number is one of the few reliable means government agencies have of distinguishing one applicant from another. Many applicants have the same name, may have changed their mailing address, and may even have the same birthdates. Your Social Security Number is the identifier suggested for use by the Office of Personnel Management for Federal job applications, and is the only way we can definitively differentiate between applicants. In addition, OARS is a secure, encrypted website and your Social Security Number cannot be accessed by anyone who is not directly involved in the hiring process.
Q: This is the first time I have ever registered in OARS and the system is telling me that someone already registered with my Social Security Number. How could this be?
A: More than likely you registered in OARS at some time in the past, and have simply forgotten. It is extremely unlikely that someone else is using your Social Security Number. To use OARS simply login to the system as a Registered User, using the email address and password that you originally registered with. If you can't remember your password, read the Password Help for assistance.
Q: I tried to login using my email address and it doesn't work.
A: Try using your OARS ID# that you received from the system when you first registered in OARS instead of your email address. If you don't have it, you can use your email address, but you must use the same case you used when you originally typed it into OARS. For example, if you originally typed your email address using all capital letters, you must use all capitals when trying to login. It is often easier to use your OARS ID# instead because numbers aren't case-sensitive.
Q: I KNOW I put in the right password, and it doesn't work.
A: Please review the Password Help. Remember that passwords are case-sensitive and must be typed the same way each time.
A: Please refer to the "Forgotten Password" procedures to receive a new password.
Q: Why did you make this system so difficult to use? It should be more user friendly!
A: In general, the biggest problems our applicants have is logging into the system with their ID and password. Once these problems are resolved the rest of application process is very easy and very user friendly. OARS has a very high level of security designed to protect your private information from unauthorized access. If the login process were less complex, the system wouldn't be as secure and there would be a risk of unauthorized use of your data.