For a full-time general government employee, the seniority date is the employee's most recent date of hire into state service (including exempt service) as adjusted for any period of leave without pay which exceeds fifteen consecutive calendar days except when the leave without pay is taken for reasons listed in WAC 357-46-055.

For a part-time general government employee, the seniority date is calculated by determining the number of actual hours worked and/or in paid status, excluding compensatory time off. Actual hours worked includes overtime hours regardless of whether or not the employee receives monetary payment or compensatory time for the hours worked. Time spent in leave without pay status is not credited unless the leave without pay is taken for reasons listed in WAC 357-46-055.