In this subpart-
Advancement means a promotion (including a temporary promotion) or any type of appointment resulting in a higher grade or higher rate of basic pay.
Competitive appointment means an appointment based on selection from a competitive examination register of eligibles or under a direct hire authority.
Hardship to an agency involves serious difficulty in filling a position, including when:
Inequity to an employee involves situations where a position is upgraded without change in the employee's duties or responsibilities, or where discrimination or administrative error prevented an employee from reaching a higher grade.
Nontemporary appointment means any appointment other than a temporary appointment pending establishment of a register (TAPER) or a temporary or excepted appointment not to exceed 1 year or less.
5 C.F.R. § 300.602