Resource: Strengthening Probationary Periods in the Federal Service

This executive order overhauls how federal agencies evaluate newly hired employees by requiring active certification of a worker’s performance before they gain permanent status. Under the new Civil Service Rule XI, probationary and trial periods will no longer result in automatic tenure; instead, employees must prove their value, and managers must affirmatively certify that continuing their employment is in the public interest. The rule also introduces clearer guidelines and stricter oversight to ensure agencies do not default into finalizing unfit appointments. The goal is to build a more accountable, efficient, and high-performing federal workforce.