Executive Order EO 14284
Close Strengthening Probationary Periods in the Federal Service Signed Donald Trump · Apr 24, 2025
Requires federal agencies to affirmatively approve new employees before they gain job protection at the end of their probationary period.
Does not create new funding or change existing appropriations. Does not apply to Senior Executive Service probationary periods or affect union agreements or statutory protections beyond probation rules.
What it does (12) Purpose Agencies must affirmatively approve a probationary employee's conversion to permanent status rather than let it happen automatically Without written certification that employment advances the public interest, a probationary employee's job ends when probation expires Repeal of Civil Service Rule 2 Repeals existing Civil Service Rule II section 2.4 Civil Service Rule XI First year of service is a probationary period for most competitive service appointments (with limited exceptions for prior service) Probationary period continues and must be completed in full if employee is transferred, promoted, demoted, or reassigned Supervisors and managers must also serve probationary periods under terms set by the Office of Personnel Management Modifications to the Civil Service Regulations Existing federal probation regulations (subpart H of 5 CFR part 315) are rendered inoperative and replaced by this executive order Review During Probationary and Trial Periods Within 15 days: agencies must identify all probationary employees whose probation ends 90+ days out and name evaluators At least 60 days before probation expires: evaluators must meet with each employee to discuss performance and whether continued employment serves the agency's goals Within 30 days of probation expiring: agency head or designee must decide whether to finalize the appointment or terminate the employee Agency must provide written certification that the employee's continued employment advances the public interest before finalizing permanent status Effective Date Effective date: April 24, 2025, except review and certification steps become effective 90 days later (July 23, 2025) Read it on the Federal Register