Compliance
6 FLSA Exemption Classification Frameworks for Overtime Compliance
Classifying employees as exempt or nonexempt under the FLSA requires more than a salary check. This catalog presents six structured frameworks, organized by purpose (Diagnostic, Duties-Test, Special-Category, and Enforcement), that HR, payroll, and operations leaders can apply to translate DOL exemption rules into consistent, auditable classification decisions. Each framework includes its origin, components, and applicability criteria so you can pick the right methodology for any role in your organization.
The Framework at a Glance
Start every classification with the Gateway Diagnostic
Route each role to the correct exemption pathway before running any duties test. Skipping this step is the most common source of misclassification.
EAP duties tests are not interchangeable
The Executive, Administrative, and Professional exemptions each have distinct component-level criteria. Apply the correct checklist after the salary-basis and salary-level tests pass.