(a) The first year of continuous service in the same or similar position of a preference eligible in the excepted service, or the first 2 years of continuous service in the same or similar position of an individual in the excepted service (other than a preference eligible), is a trial period.

(b) A person who is required to go through a trial period and is transferred, promoted, demoted, or reassigned before he or she completes the trial period is required to complete the remainder of the trial period in the new position.

(c) An individual who separates from the Federal service for a period of more than 30 days after completing a trial period, and who subsequently is reappointed to an excepted service position, must complete a new trial period unless such individual is appointed to the same or a substantially similar position in the same agency as their most recently held position.