General Questions

No, but they are very similar. A performance rating is the appraisal of the employee's performance compared to the elements and standards established in the performance plan. The rating of record is a specific performance rating done at the end of the appraisal period that includes the appraisal of the elements and standards and also must include the assignment of a summary level (Levels 1-5). Performance ratings done at times other than the end of the appraisal period (such as at the mid-year review, for promotion panels, or similar situations) do not require a summary level to be assigned, although one is permitted. So, while the rating of record is often associated only with the summary level that is assigned as part of the process, it actually goes beyond that and provides a written, or otherwise recorded, record of the employee's performance on all elements in the performance plan during the applicable appraisal period.