5 U.S.C. § 9602: Competitive service; time-limited appointments

the employee was appointed initially under open, competitive examination under subchapter I of chapter 33 to the time-limited appointment; the employee has served under 1 or more time-limited appointments by a land management agency for a period or periods totaling more than 24 months without a break of 2 or more years; and the employee’s performance has been at an acceptable level of performance throughout the period or periods (as the case may be) referred to in paragraph (2). In determining the eligibility of a time-limited employee under this section to be examined for or appointed in the competitive service, the Office of Personnel Management or other examining agency shall waive requirements as to age, unless the requirement is essential to the performance of the duties of the position. becomes a career-conditional employee, unless the employee has otherwise completed the service requirements for career tenure; and acquires competitive status upon appointment. such employee applies for a position covered by this section within the period of 2 years after the most recent date of separation; and such employee’s most recent separation was for reasons other than misconduct or performance. The Office of Personnel Management shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this section.