OPM Proposes Changes to Excepted-Service Hiring Rules
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) proposed changes to excepted-service hiring rules to align them with Trump administration executive orders. The proposal would update regulations governing Schedules E, Policy/Career and G, modernize excepted-service hiring procedures, and make changes to the Pathways Programs, a program that provides entry points into federal employment for students and recent graduates.
The proposal would modernize part 302 procedures by replacing “legacy” employment lists and selection procedures with a streamlined process. OPM called such lists “outdated and difficult-to-administer.”
Instead of using existing employment lists and Orders A, B, and C, agencies would use a “simpler framework centered on veterans' preference, qualification requirements, job-related evaluation methods, and priority consideration for employees with legally required restoration or reemployment rights.”
The proposed changes would preserve applicable veterans' preference and priority placement protections. It would also encourage the use of shared hiring and multi-agency certificates when appropriate.
The rule also would eliminate OPM’s requirement to publish monthly Federal Register notices of agency-specific Schedule A, B, C, Policy/Career and G hiring authorities. An annual consolidated notice would remain in place. OPM said the change would make it easier for the public to access such information without reducing oversight.
Pathways Changes
In addition, changes would be made to the Pathways Programs. The rule would allow eligible participants to move into permanent Schedule Policy/Career appointments when authorized.
Also, the default maximum grade for recent graduates’ appointments would be raised to GS-11, with a GS-12 exception for certain research positions.
Administrative Law Judge Appointments
The proposal would also update regulations governing administrative law judge (ALJ) appointments to reflect their placement in Schedule E, as they have been made since 2018.
The proposed rule would remove outdated references to competitive examinations while preserving applicable statutory protections.
Comments on the proposed rule must be received by November 17, 2026.
