Final rule · 2026-21319

Elimination of Time-in-Grade

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is adopting, substantially as proposed, its proposed rule eliminating the Time-in- Grade (TIG) restriction on advancement to competitive service positions in the General Schedule (GS). Under the prior regulations, a candidate generally could not be advanced to a covered position at GS-6 or above without completing 52 weeks in a position no more than one grade lower--or two grades lower for certain positions in two-grade-interval lines of work. This final rule removes that requirement. Employees remain subject to all applicable occupational qualification standards and any additional job-related qualification requirements established by their employing agency.