State Applications
Examination bulletins may include the following:
1)Types of Examinations:
a) Open Examinations -- Open to anyone who meets the minimum qualifications.
b) Promotional Examinations --These examinations are limited to state employees with permanent status, and include classes up to designated supervisory positions. Additionally, some examinations are administered for a single department. In those cases, the examination may be limited to employees who have permanent civil service appointments with a specific agency, which is named in the bulletin.
c) Open Non-Promotional -- Open to anyone who meets the minimum qualifications. State employees who are successful in the exam get 3 career credit points.
d) Continuous Testing -- Competition is open to all interested applicants. Applications are accepted on an on-going basis.
2) Final File Date -- Applications must be received or postmarked no later than the Final File Date. Applications postmarked, personally delivered or received via interoffice mail after the final file date will not be accepted. Applications will not be accepted prior to the bulletin release date.
3) Minimum Qualifications -- Similar to prerequisites in course work, the Minimum Qualifications outline the minimum amount of specific education and/or experience that a candidate must possess to be admitted to the examination.
4) Examination Information -- The Examination Information section of the bulletin describes the type of test to be used. In some cases, two or more types of tests will be combined to determine the final score. For example, it is very common to combine a written test with an interview panel, in which case, the bulletin will show the weighting of each part of the exam. The most common types of tests are:
a) Written -- This consists of multiple choice questions; but may also include essay questions.
b) Interview Panel -- This is a scored interview conducted by a panel including a Chairperson representing the State Personnel Board who assures State requirements are maintained during the interview, and subject matter experts who evaluate the answers provided by the candidate.
c) Performance Test -- This test requires the candidate to replicate certain duties actually performed on the job.
d) Education and Experience Evaluation -- This method simply compares the candidates' education and experience as reflected on the application, against a pre-set rating standard. No other test is required.
5) The Position -- This describes typical duties performed by the incumbents in the classification for which the examination is being given.
6) Scope -- The Scope identifies which Knowledge's, Skills and Abilities will be tested in the examination. This important information can guide you in determining which areas to use in developing your own personalized study plan that will help you prepare for the test. The State Personnel Board classification specification also includes the Knowledge's, Skills and Abilities required for success in the classification.
7) Eligible List Information -- This section includes information about how long the civil service eligibility list, created by the examination, is expected to exist (generally from 1 to 4 years).
8) General Information -- This includes a variety of information that applies to all examinations such as, where to call if you have questions or don't receive a response your application, where to find applications, general qualifications, etc. It is to your benefit to read and understand this general information, as well as the examination bulletin which is tailored to the specific classification being tested.
If you have additional questions regarding terms and conditions of exams described in bulletins, you may contact us at (916) 845-8321.