238. TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENTS

TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENTS Employees may advance by promotion or appointment no more than one (1) grade interval, except when he or she meets the following time-in-grade requirements: For employees at grade 12 or above, only after he or she has served one (1) year at the next lower grade, or the equivalent; For an employee at grades 6 through 11, only after he or she has served: One (1) year in a position two (2) grades lower, or its equivalent, when the position to which he or she is advanced is in a line of work properly classified at two (2) grade intervals; or One (1) year at the next lower grade, or its equivalent, when the position to which he or she is advanced is in a line of work properly classified at one (1) grade intervals; and An employee may be advanced to a position at grade 5 or below without regard to time-in-grade requirements. Notwithstanding § 238.2, the personnel authority may, but is not required to, waive the time-in-grade requirement when the employee competes for the higher-graded position and is selected based on objective business criteria. Objective business criteria include: The employee’s work experience, including prior work performed at or above the new grade; The employee’s education, superior academic credentials, or superior academic achievements; and Internal equity. If selected for the higher-grade position, an employee who was granted a waiver of the time-in-grade requirements shall be required to complete one (1) year of service in the new position before he or she is eligible for further promotion. When applying the time-in-grade requirements of this section and crediting prior service and experience towards meeting time-in-grade, an employee will receive credit for: Prior District or federal government service under an appointment at the same or higher grade than the employee’s current appointment; Any relevant specialized experience with the military, state, or local governments, or with the private sector; and Any relevant college or university education. The personnel authority shall develop procedures for the granting of waivers of the time-in-grade requirements and the circumstances and conditions for crediting prior service towards meeting time-in-grade. The personnel authority may not grant time-in-grade waivers for career ladder promotions. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 68 DCR 2869 (March 19, 2021). District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Government Personnel 6-B DCMR § 238