Qualified employees can be considered for covered promotions without first completing 52 weeks at a lower grade; agencies retain authority to set job-related requirements

WASHINGTON, DC – The US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has finalized a rule removing the governmentwide time-in-grade restriction for advancement to covered competitive-service General Schedule positions at GS-6 and above. The restriction generally required employees to spend 52 weeks at a lower grade before they could be considered for promotion, even if they met the qualifications for higher-level work.

“The old rule made the calendar a gatekeeper. If someone is qualified and ready to take on more responsibility, the government shouldn’t make them wait another year just because the clock says so,” said OPM Director Scott Kupor. “This rule allows agencies to reward demonstrated merit over tenure. Employees still have to meet the standards for the job, and promotions still have to follow merit procedures.”

The final rule removes the time-in-grade restriction from OPM regulations. It does not guarantee a promotion, waive qualification standards, or change the competitive procedures agencies use to evaluate and select candidates. Agencies may continue to establish job-related promotion prerequisites, including a period of service in grade, through their written merit-promotion plans, provided those requirements are consistently applied.

The rule takes effect January 14, 2027. It also makes related changes to regulations governing student appointments, training, and other personnel matters.

OPM said eliminating the governmentwide waiting period supports its effort to make federal service more competitive for early-career talent. The agency’s Early Careers Initiative and U.S. Tech Force recruit emerging talent for public-service careers.