EO 14284
Strengthening Probationary Periods in the Federal Service
Government Reform
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Summary
This executive order changes how federal agencies manage probationary and trial periods for new employees. Instead of employees automatically becoming tenured after their probationary period ends, agencies must now affirmatively certify that an employee should become permanent; otherwise, the employee's employment automatically terminates when the probationary period expires.
Key Points
- 1Replaces existing probationary period regulations (5 CFR subpart H, part 315) with a new Civil Service Rule XI that reverses the default from automatic tenure to automatic termination unless the agency approves continuation
- 2Requires agencies to affirmatively determine that a probationary employee's continued employment would benefit federal service before finalizing their appointment
- 3Applies to probationary periods in the competitive service and trial periods in the excepted service, with a standard 1-year probationary period, but exempts Senior Executive Service employees
- 4Cites Government Accountability Office findings that agencies have not effectively used probationary periods to remove underperforming employees
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the executive order. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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