1. How can I find out about working for the State in a specific job?
From the home screen, click on Advanced Job Search. Under the Advanced Filters section, enter the job title into the classification box and click search jobs. Once you have identified the classification you are interested in, you can start searching for open examination/assessment bulletins by clicking on the Exam/Assessment Search box. Type the job title into the classification box, and choose it from the drop down. Then, click Search. Click on View Exam Posting. Click on the “Click Here” link to go to the official exam bulletin. The exam bulletin provides information on the examination/assessment and the classification. Please visit the New to State Service page for more information.
2. I am looking for a specific exam and can't find it. What should I do?
All examinations/assessments that are given by CalHR and other State departments are listed on this website. Examinations/assessments are administered within specific testing end dates or continuously (recurring testing periods). Please refer to Question #1 to search for the exam bulletin of the examination/assessment you are interested in. Once you have read the exam bulletin, scroll to the “Taking the Exam” section (usually on the last page). There you will find a link to continue with the exam/assessment or a list of dates and times self-scheduling will be available. Not all examinations/assessments are always available. Exams are posted based on department need, on a statewide basis. Please check back, as the site is updated on a continuous basis.
1. Do I have to be a US 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 to be eligible to work in the United States.
2. 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, for which 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 examination given by the hiring department to be considered for a bilingual position.
3. Can I use a college degree from a foreign country?
The State of California recognizes degrees from specified accredited educational institutions. To find out if an institution of higher education is accredited, use the following resources:
- Western United States: The Western Association of Schools and Colleges is one of six regional accrediting associations in the United States. The Association provides assistance to schools located in California, Hawaii, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Fiji, and East Asia.
- List of accredited senior colleges and universities
- List of accredited community and junior colleges
- California: List of schools approved by the California Bureau of Private Post-Secondary Education
- United States: Federal Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
- International: International Association of Universities
4. Am I required to provide my Social Security Number on my applications?
Providing this is voluntary in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (PS 93-579). However, the Social Security Number is required for purposes of granting Veterans' Preference and Career Credits, and to check for eligibility for promotional examinations.
1. How do I know what will be on the exam?
Read the exam bulletin section “Examination Information” for the type of test(s) given, (e.g., written, oral test/interview, training and experience), how each test will be weighted (e.g., pass/fail, percentage of final test score), and the scope of the exam, including knowledge, skills, and abilities, required to perform the job. Refer to the knowledge, skills and abilities on the bulletin.
1. How do I take a typing test?
Please review the following link: Typing Certification Tests.
1. How do I find out what exams I have taken?
Log into your CalCareers Account and click on the Exams/Assessments Records tab. Here you can view your Active and Expired Eligibility, as well as any Exam/Assessment notifications. Please allow up to three (3) business days for online examination/assessment results and six (6) to eight (8) weeks for in-person written examination/assessment results to appear.
2. How do I change my information on an eligible list?
Log into your CalCareers account and select the "Exams/Assessments Records" side tab, select the classification you wish to change the preference for. Click on “Change Conditions of Employment.” Double click the one you would like to choose on the left marked "Available" and it will move to the right side marked "My Selected.” Lastly, click Save Conditions when you are done.
1. What health, medical, vision, dental and other benefits are available to State employees?
Please review benefit information from CalHR.
2. What programs are available for persons with disabilities?
If you are a person with a disability who (1) has a physical or mental impairment or medical condition that limits one or more major life activities; (2) has a record or history of such impairment or medical conditions, or; (3) is regarded as having such an impairment or medical condition, you may wish to participate in CalHR's Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP), authorized by Government Code sections 19240-19243.4.
For additional information, please refer to the links below.
3. I previously worked for the Legislature. Am I required to take an examination to work for the State of California?
Yes. Employees of the Legislature are not part of the State of California civil service system, consistent with Government Code section 18990.
4. I previously worked for the federal government. Am I required to take an examination to work for the State of California?
Yes. Employees of the federal government are not part of the State of California civil service system.
5. I work/worked for the California State University (CSU) system or the University of California (UC) system. Do I have to take an exam to work for the State of California?
Yes. Employees of the CSU and UC systems are not part of the State of California civil service system. Therefore, they are not eligible to transfer into civil service positions, and must take a State exam if interested in State employment.
6. I work/worked for a county. Do I have to take an exam to work for the State of California?
Yes. County employees are not part of the State of California civil service system. Therefore, they are not eligible to transfer into civil service positions, and must take a State exam if interested State employment.
