The probationary or trial period is the last step in evaluating a new employee and is one of the most highly effective and reliable tools in determining a candidate's potential before their appointment becomes final. Exactly who is on a probationary or trial period? Do they have MSPB appeal rights? What about excepted service and all those special appointments?

Learn the legal basis for probationary appointments — and how to use the process to build a quality team.

David Orr, renowned federal HR-management consultant and trainer, reviews the rationale behind probationary periods and examines their role in assessing federal employees. You learn the differences between probationary and trial periods, plus specific tips on how to properly classify employees as probationary, trial or career.

In just 90 minutes, you gain a complete understanding of how the MSPB looks at probationary separations since the Van Wersch and McCormick decisions — so you can confidently determine whether an employee has full procedural and appeal rights.

Plus, you get expert guidance on:

• Reducing your agency’s vulnerability to appeals
• Handling problematic cases
• What unions can bargain over

Areas covered:

• History and purpose of probationary periods
• Probationary v. trial periods
• Implications of Van Wersch and McCormick
• The supervisor's role
• How to administer the probationary/trial process
• Consequences of mistakes