Federal workers no longer need a year in grade before promotion to GS-6 or above
The Office of Personnel Management drops the rule that General Schedule staff spend 52 weeks one grade lower (or two lower in some jobs) before promotion to competitive service jobs at GS-6 or above. Qualification standards still apply; agencies may set job-related service rules.
Who it affects
Federal General Schedule employees and the agencies that promote them
When
This rule takes effect on January 19, 2027.
- : Published in the Federal Register
- : This rule takes effect
Official text
FR Doc. 2026-21319: Elimination of Time-in-Grade
On Federal Register. The official text is what counts; read it before you act.
Not legal advice. Plain-English summaries to help you find what changes and when. Not legal advice: read the official text, and ask a lawyer about your situation.