5 CFR §300.602

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.