Delegated Examining Unit (DEU) Certification Practice Exam

Which statement best describes a term appointment?

1. A status appointment with indefinite duration

2. A non-status appointment for more than one year but less than four years

3. A permanent appointment with specific duties

4. A temporary position lasting less than a year

The correct answer is: A non-status appointment for more than one year but less than four years

A term appointment is a specific type of employment status within federal agencies that is defined by its duration. It typically involves a non-status position that is established for a definite period, usually more than one year and less than four years. This type of appointment allows agencies to fulfill certain needs without granting permanent status, thereby providing flexibility in workforce management. The duration of the term appointment is critical: it is longer than the typical temporary position, which generally lasts less than one year, making option B the most accurate descriptor of a term appointment. Additionally, a term appointment is not classified as a permanent appointment, which would imply an ongoing, indefinite engagement without a specified end date, thus eliminating the other options that describe permanent or indefinite appointments.