New employees must serve a probationary period when they begin state employment. The probationary period lasts for the first 1040 regular hours of work, excluding overtime. This amounts to approximately six months for full-time employees who have not taken leave without pay during the probationary period.

An employee may be dismissed at any time during the probationary period. Their only right to appeal a termination during the probationary period is on the basis of a prohibited form of discrimination. During the probationary period, an employee is to have two formal reviews of performance. These will be at the end of three and five months of employment. Following successful completion of the probationary period, an employee achieves status in the Career Service.