AFSCVA36-203 — Merit Promotion Principles

AFSCVA36-203 governs Air Force civilian merit promotion principles and requirements for identifying, evaluating, and selecting candidates.

Search AFSCVA36-203

  • Publication number: AFSCVA36-203
  • Title: Merit Promotion Principles
  • Date: 2024-09-26

View AFSCVA36-203 on armypubs.army.mil


It addresses affirmative employment, temporary and competitive promotions, USAJOBS applications, resumes, appraisal factors, and 120-day registers. It requires selection based solely on job-related criteria and permits noncompetitive temporary promotions for up to 120 days within a 12-month period.

Applies to: The merit promotion principles apply to all employees and the factors that compose the promotion process are described below.

Topics covered

  • Merit promotion principles
  • Affirmative employment
  • Temporary promotions
  • Competitive promotions
  • USAJOBS applications
  • 120-day registers

Questions and answers

What factors must be used to identify, evaluate, and select merit promotion candidates?

The underlying principle of the Merit Promotion Program is the identification, qualification evaluation, and selection of candidates made without regard to lawful political affiliation race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, prior EO activity, or any other non-merit factors prohibited by statute, regulation, or Executive Order, and shall be based solely on job-related criteria in accordance with legitimate position requirements.

What recruitment program must Air Force actions follow when filling positions?

In this regard, Air Force actions must adhere to the requirements of the Federal Equal Opportunity Recruitment Program (FEORP) when filling positions.

How long can civilian employees receive noncompetitive temporary promotions?

Civilian employees are eligible to be noncompetitively temporary promotion up to 120 days within a 12-month period.

What agreement applies to temporary promotions in bargaining unit positions?

Temporary promotions under this procedure for bargaining unit positions must adhere to the terms of the AFMC Master Labor Agreement (Link to MLA).

Where can employees apply for positions through the competitive promotion process?

Employees have the right to apply through the USAJOBs website for positions that through the competitive promotion process provides for the opportunity for career advancement.

Ask Reggie.Bot a question about AFSCVA36-203