Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ)

What is a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ)?

A bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) is a very narrowly interpreted exception to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws. A BFOQ allows employers to base employment decisions for a particular job on such factors as sex, religion or national origin if they are able to demonstrate that such factors are an essential qualification for performing a particular job. 

For more information, see Can an employer advertise or state a hiring preference for a specific protected class such as veterans?


RETURN TO THE HR GLOSSARY


SHRM HR JOBS

Hire the best HR talent or advance your own career.

SPONSOR OFFERS

HR Daily Newsletter

News, trends and analysis, as well as breaking news alerts, to help HR professionals do their jobs better each business day.