Executive Order 14284

Strengthening Probationary Periods in the Federal Service

Signed 2025-04-24 in effect
Federal WorkforceCivil ServiceProbationary Employees
Federal Workforce Firing/RIF

Extends probationary periods and makes termination of probationary employees easier.

Section by Section

What each section does, and how they differ.

Sec. 1 Purpose

Establishes probationary periods as critical assessment tools requiring affirmative agency determination for continued employment.

Sec. 2 Repeal of Civil Service Rule 2.4

Removes section 2.4 from CFR part 2 related to probationary civil service appointments.

Sec. 3 Civil Service Rule XI

New rule governing probationary and trial periods with requirements for agency review and certification before appointment finalization.

Sec. 4 Modifications to the Civil Service Regulations

Renders existing probation regulations inoperative; Director of OPM to rescind within 30 days.

Sec. 5 Review During Probationary and Trial Periods

Requires agencies to identify employees, designate evaluators, meet with employees 60 days before period expiration, and determine continued employment within 30 days after.

Sec. 6 Effective Date

Order effective immediately; sections 5(b) through 5(d) effective 90 days after order date.

Sec. 7 General Provisions

Standard boilerplate: preserves existing agency authority, conditions the order on appropriations, and creates no enforceable private rights.