STEP 1. OBTAINING
INFORMATION
STEP 2.
APPLY FOR AN EXAMINATION
STEP 3. PREPARE FOR THE
EXAMINATION
STEP 4. EMPLOYMENT LIST
STEP 5. HIRING INTERVIEW
STEP 6. PROBATION
STEP 1. OBTAINING INFORMATION
How to Find it: The easiest way to learn what
examinations are open for testing is to browse the SPB web site. You may also visit
the SPB Sacramento Employment Services Center to
access the SPB Web site, obtain examination announcements, applications
for examinations, forms, and other brochures on the civil service
examination process. Local Employment Development Department (EDD) offices
may receive announcements for State civil service examinations
and may also have applications and other brochures available.
Examination Announcements: When you
find an examination you are interested in applying for, obtain
a copy of the exam announcement (bulletin) and an application
from the department conducting the examination. Read it over
carefully, as you are filling out your application.
You may also wish to refer back to it as the examination process
continues.
STEP 2. APPLY FOR AN EXAMINATION
How to Apply: The State Examination Application (Form STD.678)
is available from SPB Web site. Read it over
carefully and answer all questions that apply to you. Your
cooperation in answering the questions on the last page is
greatly appreciated. Type or print in ink neatly.
The completed application is an example of your reading comprehension
skills, your ability to follow directions, and your attention
to detail.
You may want to make a copy for yourself in case you want
to refer to it later. The bulletin will tell you where
to send your application, or if you must apply in person, and
the last date to apply. The postmark on the envelope is
used to determine whether you meet the final filing deadline.
Late applications are not accepted.
Application Review: If you do not meet
the minimum requirements, you should receive a letter within
two weeks after the final filing date. If you do meet the
requirements and the examination does not have a written test,
you should receive a letter within a month after the final filing
date. If you have not received your acknowledgement one
month after the final filing date, you should contact the department
conducting the examination.
If the examination has a written test and you have not received
your admittance letter five days before the announced written
test date, telephone the department conducting the examination.
Staff there will determine if your application was accepted and
tell you where the test will be given and how to identify yourself
to the proctor.
STEP 3. PREPARE FOR THE
EXAMINATION
Refer to the examination announcement and read the section entitled
"Examination Information". It will tell you what
type of test will be used and what effect (known as "weight")
each test will have on your final score. There are several
combinations and variations. Any one or a combination of
the types of tests described here may be used. Read the
"Scope" section carefully; it will tell you what subjects
will be covered.
If you have a physical disability that may
require accommodation in the testing process, you should also
obtain a copy of "Important Information for Persons with
Disabilities Applying for State Civil Service Examination"
(SPB-83).
Written tests are given in a wide variety of locations throughout
California. Performance tests and oral tests are usually
only given in large metropolitan areas. Candidates are
not reimbursed for travel to and from test sites.
Written Test: The test date is printed on
the examination announcement. These tests typically consist of
multiple-choice questions. Refer to the "Scope of Written
Test" on the bulletin to determine what will be on the test.
Six to eight weeks after the test, you will receive a notice
telling you whether you passed. You will not receive a
percentage score until all parts of the examination process are
completed. If the test is pass/fail only, scores are not
assigned.
Oral Test/Interview: The oral test may be
called "Qualifications Appraisal", "Employee Development
Appraisal", or "Promotional Readiness Examination".
Before going to the interview, review the "Position",
"Examination Information" and "Scope" sections
of the examination bulletin. In your interview, you may be asked
to tell the panel of two to three people about your education
and experience and how they have prepared you for this job.
The panel will have reviewed your application before you come
into the oral interview, and may ask you some situational questions
and for more detail on your qualifications. It is in the oral
test/interview that you must demonstrate your qualifications
to the panel, who will rate you competitively.
Internet/Automated Examination: Examinations
for some jobs require applicants to apply via the Internet, complete
an on-line education and experience examination process and/or
appear at a test site to take a computer-based test. Information
regarding these tests can be accessed from the SPB Web site.
Performance Test: Clerical and trades classifications
frequently include performance tests in which candidates demonstrate
their knowledge of tools and materials or their ability to operate
machines or equipment.
Supplemental Application/Achievement Rating Test:
Consists of essay questions that are mailed out to candidates
to be returned before the oral test/interview. They are used as
an elaborate of your education and experience and provide
information for the interview panel.
Education and Experience Evaluation: If the
examination announcement states that there may be an Education
and Experience Evaluation, it is absolutely critical that you
fill out your application as completely and thoroughly as possible.
Your score in this type of examination will depend entirely upon
the information submitted on your application. There will not
be a written test or interview.
Agility/Physical Ability: For law enforcement
and some other jobs, physical ability tests are commonly given
and are frequently combined with vision and hearing tests.
These are usually given just prior to hiring.
STEP 4. EMPLOYMENT LIST
The names of people who pass all parts of the examination are
placed on an employment list. When there are job openings in
State civil service, the people (eligibles) with the highest
scores on the employment list are contacted first. The department
has the discretion to hire anyone who is certified as eligible
from the employment list or people that have other eligibility
for appointment.
STEP 5. HIRING INTERVIEW
The oral test you may have taken as part of the examination process
was to determine your qualifications for the classification.
The hiring interview is specific to a particular job, in a department
for the classification. A classification can be used
in a wide variety of departments; so before you go to your
interview, you should acquaint yourself with the mission and
functions of that department and how the job you are interviewing
for contributes.
STEP 6. PROBATION
When you have been hired, you will serve a probationary period
of six months to one year. You will receive three probationary
reports from your immediate supervisor, which will be discussed
with you and reviewed by another supervisor. When you have
successfully completed your probation, you will attain permanent
status as a State employee.