Can an agency extend a term appointment beyond four years without additional approval?

The correct answer states that an agency cannot extend a term appointment beyond four years without additional approval. This is based on federal regulations that are designed to prevent the indefinite use of term appointments. When an employee is appointed to a term position, it is understood that the appointment is for a specified duration, which typically cannot exceed four years.

After a term appointment reaches the four-year limit, the employee must either be converted to a permanent position, given another term appointment, or let go. The necessity for additional approval for any extension beyond four years serves to ensure that the use of temporary appointments does not circumvent the Federal merit principles or lead to job insecurity for employees in these positions. Therefore, the requirement for additional approval establishes a framework in which the terms of service are regulated and validated, reinforcing the principles of transparency and fairness within federal employment.