Frequently Asked Questions in California

Where to Start

What do I do first?

The first step in getting a State job is to take a State exam for the classification (Job Title) in which you are interested.

The State department conducting the exam will review your application. If you meet the minimum qualifications for the job, the department will contact you with the date, time and place to take the test.

Once you complete the exam, you will receive your Notice of Test Results. This notice will give you a final total score and indicate if Veteran's Preference points were added (if applicable) to your exam score. All persons who pass the test (generally those who achieve an overall score of 70% or more) will be placed on the employment list for the classification.

To be eligible for consideration for a State job, you must be in the highest 3 Ranks (by score) on the employment list.

I am looking for a specific exam and can't find it, what should I do?

All examinations that are open for testing by the SPB are listed on its Web site. Additionally, other state departments may post their open examinations on the SPB Web site; however, they are not required to do so. To locate other state departments' examinations, you should either look on their Web page or contact their testing office directly. You can locate other departments' employment Web pages or contact the local testing office the local testing office.

You should note that even though you have located information on a particular job for which you are interested in applying, testing may not currently be open for that job classification. If you are unable to locate examination information on the SPB or another state departments' Web site, testing for that job classification is probably not open at this point in time. You should check these Web sites periodically to determine if testing is open for the job classification(s) in which you are interested in employment, as new examinations may be added at any time.

Where do I find out about exams open for testing?

Visit your local Library or Schools to inquire about Internet access.

How can I get assistance with my job search?

SPB offers a series of seminars in Sacramento to help individuals seeking employment with the State of California. For more information please see link below.

Lunchtime Seminars
Here is a map showing our location

How can I find out about working for the State in a specific job?

The State Personnel Board's Web site has job descriptions (Class Specifications) for every classification. Once you have identified the title of the job you are interested in, you can start searching for open exam bulletins.

Applying for a State Examination

What is an exam bulletin?

When an exam is open for testing (accepting applications), the testing department must issue an exam bulletin (notice of testing) which contains the following information:

The State department conducting the exam, and a telephone number for information
Where to send your application
The final file date (the date by which applications must be postmarked), or for file-in-person exams, the date, time, and place to bring your application
The type of examination (open, open non-promotional, or promotional for current State employees only)
The spot (locations) the employment list will be used (e.g. Statewide, Folsom Prison, Sacramento County, etc.)
The type of exam to be administered (e.g. written test, oral interview, etc.)
The Minimum Qualifications (MQs) for admittance into the exam.

What application form do I use?

The Standard State Application (Std. Form 678) is used to file for most State examinations. Always, read the exam bulletin to determine what type of application form should be filed for the exam. Some examinations use special scannable application forms (e.g., Correctional Officer).

How do I get an application form?

The testing department giving the exam can provide you with a copy of the application form, by contacting the telephone number listed on the exam bulletin.
Contact the State Personnel Board Service Center in Sacramento at (916) 653-1705 or the TTY Number (916) 651-8782. You may also write to SPB at 801 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA 95814 to request that an application form be mailed to you.
Contact your local Employment Development Department office.
Download, fill out, and save a copy of the State application from the SPB Web site. If you download the State application from the SPB Web site, you must print a copy of your application then mail or deliver it to the address indicated on the exam bulletin. Filling out the application form on-line, does not submit your application for the test.

What information should I include on my application?

The application you submit for an examination is a reflection of your ability to read, understand and follow directions, as well as your ability to present complete and accurate information. Carefully fill out your application, type when possible, and answer all questions.

You may include a resume with your application to describe in detail your education and experience; however, be sure to include the following information directly on the application form, in the event the resume gets separated from the application: the job title of each job you held, the employer you worked for, the dates you worked in each job, whether the job was full-time or part-time, and the number of hours worked each week.

Make a copy of your application and the exam bulletin for your records.

If you require Reasonable Accommodation to take a written test or interview, please check the appropriate box on the State application form.

Follow-up with the testing department if you have not been contacted regarding your request for Reasonable Accommodation prior to receiving a Notice of Testing.

How long does it take to get scheduled for a test?

The timeframe for conducting examinations varies, depending on the number of applications received, the locations where the test is being given, and other factors.

The following are general guidelines:

If you meet the minimum requirements and the examination does not include a written test, you should receive written notice within one month after the final filing date. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you should receive a written notice within two weeks after the final filing date.
If you have not received written notification one month after the final filing date, or have any questions about the status of your application, contact the testing department giving the exam.
If the Exam Bulletin indicated a written test date, and you have not received notice within five days before that date, contact the testing department.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to work for the State?

Generally, only a few State jobs (mostly Peace Officers) require U.S. Citizenship. You must have the necessary work visas and meet all requirements set forth by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) for eligibility to work in the United States.

Do I have to be able to speak English to work for the State?

The State of California does not conduct examinations in any languages other than English. You must be able to read, write and speak English to the extent necessary to perform the essential functions of the job. The test you take serves as a measure of your ability to do so. The State has a number of positions designated as bilingual, where people with language skills, including American Sign Language, are hired. You must first be on the eligible list for the classification and be successful in a bilingual proficiency exam given by the hiring department to be considered for a bilingual position.

What education and experience do I need for a State Job?

You must have at least have 2 years of High School for some jobs but most require at least a High School Diploma. Education and experience requirements will always be listed on the exam or job for which you are applying. Requirements range from no High School Diploma up through higher education.

Please refer to the following options by Educational Level.

Can I use a college degree from a foreign country?

The State of California only recognizes degrees from accredited educational Institutions. To determine if an Institution of higher education is accredited, contact:

Western Association of Schools: Junior Colleges (415) 506-0234, Senior Colleges & Universities (510) 748-9001 or Private Post-Secondary (916) 445-3427.
International Handbook of Universities
Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education Programs

Do California State Departments Offer Internships for College Students?

Yes, many State departments are able to hire Student Assistants/Interns. Please link to the following web sites to view the current opportunities.

Preparing to Take a State Test

How do I know what will be on the test?

The exam bulletin should include a section entitled Examination Information that indicates the type of test(s), how each test will be weighted (e.g., pass/fail, % of Final Test Score), and the Scope of the Exam. The scope will indicate what subject matter (knowledge, skills and abilities) the test will measure.

What are the different types of tests I might have to take?

A State exam can consist of one or more types of tests such as:

Written Test - The test date will be printed on the examination bulletin. Written tests typically consist of multiple-choice questions.
Oral Interview - Often called a Qualifications Appraisal, generally this will be a panel interview and consists of questions about your qualifications for the job or situational questions.
Performance Tests - Clerical and trades classifications often use performance tests to allow a candidate to demonstrate his or her knowledge of tools, machinery, equipment or materials.
Supplemental Applications - Supplemental applications or achievement rating tests consist of essay questions that are mailed out to candidates and must be returned before the oral test/interview. They are used to elaborate on your education and experience and provide information for the interview panel.
Education and Experience Evaluation - Your application will be used as the basis for the test score. Be sure to carefully fill out your application as completely and thoroughly as possible.
Agility/Physical Ability - For classifications where physical ability is a necessity.

Eligibility and Vacancies

How do I locate job openings/vacancies?

If you are reachable on the eligible list, you can apply for position vacancies. The SPB Web site lists vacancies at VPOS under Vacancies. Once you locate a vacancy in which you are interested in applying, you must submit an employment application to the address indicated on the vacancy notice.

What is an eligible list?

An eligible list consists of applicants who have passed all parts of the examination and can be considered for employment, based on their score. Generally the top three ranks (highest scores) are considered immediately employable and will be contacted first.

How do I know what rank I'm in?

When you receive your notice of exam results, it will indicate your total score and the rank on the list this score represents. If you are in Rank 1, 2, or 3, you can immediately begin looking for job openings/vacancies. However, even if you are in lower ranks, you could become reachable as hires are made, and employment preferences for individual positions are not selected by persons in higher ranks.

If you receive an employment contact letter from a State department, that means your name was certified on the eligible list and you are probably reachable for consideration for that position. Again, due to employment preferences, you may be contacted as reachable for one position and not be reachable for another position. To obtain point-in-time information regarding your ranking on an employment list, you can utilize the eligibility list disclosure information on the SPB Web site.

How do I know if my score includes Veteran's preferences points?

First, you need to look at the exam bulletin to determine whether or not Veteran's preference points apply to that examination. If they do, your exam results will indicate whether or not Veteran's preference points were added to your final score.

It is your responsibility to submit your letter to the testing department indicating that you are approved for Veteran's preference points and how many points you qualify to receive.

You must provide your proof of eligibility for Veteran's preference points to the testing department within 30 days after the eligible list is established.

If you need to obtain a copy of the form and instructions for applying for Veteran's preference points, you can obtain this information from form SPB1093 or contact the State Personnel Board at (916) 653-1502 or TTY Line For Hearing Impaired Persons at (916) 654-6336.

What is a contact letter?

When a department uses an employment list to fill a vacancy, it sends employment contact letters to the individuals on the eligible list to determine if they are interested in a position. Some important information you should know about employment contacts are:

It is very important that you respond to all employment contacts. If you do not respond, your name can be removed from the active eligible list and be placed inactive.
Generally, on open employment lists, an eligible is only allowed three waivers of employment contacts. A waiver is charged when you respond as not interested to the employment contact. If you reply that you are interested in a position and you are not hired, a waiver is not charged.
If you get a contact letter, you must respond by the date indicated on the letter to be considered for the position. If you do not respond by the date indicated, the department does not have to consider you for the position. Even if the date for responding has passed, you should always return the contact letter with your response.
If you are placed on the inactive list or your name is removed due to excessive waivers, you will be sent a notice stating that your name has been removed from the eligible list. To find out if it is possible to reactivate your name, you must write to the department that conducted the examination.
If you have questions regarding your list eligibility, you can request a printout of your list eligibility status by writing to the State Personnel Board, Attn: List Eligibility, 801 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA 95814. You must include the following information with your request:
- First, M.I., and Last Name
- Social Security Number
- The classification (job title) of the eligible list
- You must also sign your request

How do I find out what eligible list I am on?

You may obtain a copy of a print-out containing information regarding your list eligibilty. This printout will include the lists on which you currently have eligibility, whether you are still active on the list, what address is on file for you and what your score is. However, it is not possible to determine what your current ranking is on any list.

To obtain a copy of your print-out, you must submit a written request and include your full name and social security number.

All requests should be addressed to the State Personnel Board, Attn: List Eligibility, 801 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA 95814.

How do I change my information on an eligible list?

Each employment list is maintained by the Testing Department administering the examination. The Testing Department must be contacted to change any information regarding your eligibility.

You can change your current address, employment preference locations, and request to be placed inactive on a list. All requests to change information, must be submitted in writing to the State Personnel Board, 801 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA 95814.