What does status candidate mean?
Status candidates are current or former federal employees who have worked in the competitive service, in a permanent appointment for a total of three years of qualifying service. Sometimes this is also called having status or a career appointment.
If you have status, you’re eligible for jobs that are open to Federal employees—competitive service. These are also known as merit promotion jobs.
Look for the This job is open to section in the job announcement. If the job lists Federal employee—competitive service, you’re most likely eligible. You can also look at the Clarification from agency—it might say status candidates or merit promotion.