Strengthening Probationary Periods in the Federal Service

The order directs federal agencies to enhance the use of probationary and trial periods for new hires. Agencies must affirmatively determine that the continued employment of individuals serving these periods would benefit the Federal service before finalizing their appointments. The directive also issues a new Civil Service Rule XI, replacing subpart H of part 315 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, and repeals Civil Service Rule 2.4. This change aims to prevent probationary employees from becoming tenured Federal employees without agency approval.