# OPM Revises Federal Employee Probation Policy

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has proposed a new rule to eliminate the standard one-year probationary period for Schedule Policy and Career federal employees. Instead, these employees will be required to complete a two-year waiting period to obtain competitive status. This change affects federal employment status, removal procedures, and competitive status acquisition, particularly impacting Schedule Policy/Career appointees and participants in the Pathways Program. The public comment period for this rule is open until November 17, 2026.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals managing federal workforce contracts should anticipate adjustments in employee status timelines and related human resources processes.
- Agencies and contractors involved in federal staffing and human capital services may need to revise onboarding, probation tracking, and compliance procedures to align with the new two-year waiting period.
- This rule signals a shift in federal employment policy that could affect contract labor classifications and competitive status determinations.
- Organizations supporting federal workforce programs should prepare for potential impacts on recruitment, retention, and employee status verification workflows.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Professional Services
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 22, 2026

### Government Entities
- Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

### Sources
- [New OPM Rule Would Skip Trial Period For Schedule Policy/Career Employees | FedSmith.com](https://www.fedsmith.com/2026/09/22/new-opm-rule-would-skip-trial-period-for-schedule-policy-career-employees) - FedSmith.com