Elimination of Time-in-Grade

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Office of Personnel Management 5 CFR Parts 300, 315, 316, 352, and 410 [Docket ID: OPM-2026-0067] RIN 3206-AP05 ( printed page 65887) AGENCY: Office of Personnel Management. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: 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. DATES: This rule is effective January 19, 2027. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Melissa Cuffari (202) 936-2638 or by email at WPIntake@opm.gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Executive Summary OPM is finalizing its proposal ( 91 FR 31669 ; May 28, 2026) to eliminate the Time-in-Grade (TIG) restriction in 5 CFR part 300, subpart F , and to make conforming amendments to 5 CFR parts 315 , 316 , 352 , and 410 . This rule removes the requirement that a candidate for advancement to a covered General Schedule position in the competitive service at GS-6 or above have completed 52 w…