How to Apply
If you're new to employment with the State of California, or a current employee looking to move to a new job classification, you must complete the exam/assessment and application process below. If you're a state retiree, register on Boomerang to be placed in a hiring pool state departments use for recruiting.
Why Take an Exam/Assessment?
CalPERS is part of the merit-based California civil service selection system. This is to ensure individuals hired into and promoted within civil service are selected on the basis of their job-related qualifications and that such selection decisions be free of illegal discrimination and political patronage.
To determine if an applicant qualifies for a specific job type, they must complete an examination for each job type (classification) to establish eligibility. Upon completing an exam, the applicant receives their results. Once a person successfully establishes eligibility for the specific job title/classification, they may apply for an advertised job vacancy.
Exam and Application Process
- Search for an exam/assessment. You can view all state open exams/assessments at CalCareers, or view CalPERS Job Openings & Exams. If you're not already a state employee, you may only apply for open exams/assessments. If you're a current or former state employee, or veteran, you may apply for open or promotional exams/assessments.
- Apply and prepare for the exam/assessment. Review the exam bulletin and classification specifications carefully to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications. Follow the "Where to Apply" instructions in order to view the official exam bulletin and take the exam/assessment. Read the official exam bulletin and instructions under the "Taking the Test" header.
- Take the exam/assessment and review your results. Successful candidates are determined eligible for a classification and placed on an employment list divided into ranks by score. Only candidates in the top three ranks are immediately eligible for appointment and can apply for job openings in the classification for which they tested. Your exam/assessment results, located in your CalCareer account, will tell you your score and/or rank. Once you're on an employment list, you may start receiving letters from CalPERS and other state agencies inviting you to apply for openings. Each of these invitations will note their specific application requirements.
- Apply for jobs. Search for CalPERS job openings and submit your application online using CalCareers. Applicants may also apply for CalPERS jobs by submitting the Standard State Application (STD 678) by mail. All paper applications must be postmarked as instructed in the job bulletin.
Veterans' Preference
Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for any veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran seeking employment with the state. Eligible participants who achieve a passing score in an open examination/assessment are ranked in the top rank of the resulting eligibility list. Learn more about veterans' preference eligibility and how to apply.
Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP)
LEAP is an alternate way for persons with disabilities to demonstrate their qualifications for employment. Candidates will need to be LEAP-certified by the Department of Rehabilitation prior to taking a LEAP exam.
