PROBATIONARY PERIOD

An employee must serve a probation period during the first year of his/her first permanent Federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. This probation is an extension and continuation of the merit system competitive examination process required for initial entry into Federal service. During this probationary period, one must evaluate the employee's job performance and work behavior, as well as his/her character, conduct, and attitude that directly affect job performance. Throughout the period the supervisor should document performance and conduct activity in the Supervisor's Employee Work Folder. Prior to the end of the one-year probation period, the Servicing Personnel Office will notify the requirement for a written certification of the probationer's performance. If the supervisory certification is not timely, an employee who does not deserve continued employment may attain that status by default. If an employee fails to successfully complete the probation period, then one must take action early. Options may include Reassignment, Demotion and Removal.