Summary
Permanent full-time (PFT) employees are hired through a competitive process that includes an application and interview. They may gain competitive status after one year of continuous service and full career tenure after three years of continuous service.
Competitive Service
PFT positions are “Competitive Service” jobs. This means they are filled based on ability. The competitive process includes an application and interview. There may also be a written test and an evaluation of an applicant’s education, experience, and any other qualities needed to be successful in the job.
Through fair and open competition, PFT jobs may be filled by previous or current federal employees or those from outside the federal government. Rarely, certain types of PFT jobs fall under the excepted service, which excuses applicants from the competitive process, but does not allow the employee to gain competitive status.
Career Tenure and Competitive Status
After one year of continuous service PFTs, hired through the competitive process, gain competitive status. After three years of continuous service PFTs, hired through the competitive process, gain full career status. Full career status allows an employee to keep their competitive status if they leave the federal government and later reapply for federal jobs.