§ 2102. The competitive service

• (a) The “competitive service” consists of—
  • (1) all civil service positions in the executive branch, except—
    • (A) positions which are specifically excepted from the competitive service by or under statute;
    • (B) positions to which appointments are made by nomination for confirmation by the Senate, unless the Senate otherwise directs; and
    • (C) positions in the Senior Executive Service;
  • (2) civil service positions not in the executive branch which are specifically included in the competitive service by statute; and
  • (3) positions in the government of the District of Columbia which are specifically included in the competitive service by statute.
• (b) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(1)(B) of this section, the “competitive service” includes positions to which appointments are made by nomination for confirmation by the Senate when specifically included therein by statute.
• (c) As used in other Acts of Congress, “classified civil service” or “classified service” means the “competitive service”.