Current Exams

California has a merit-based civil service selection system. This ensures the state hires and promotes people based on job-related qualifications. Before you can work for the state, you need to take and pass an exam for the specific job classification.

Note: Some positions are temporary and do not require an exam. Review the job announcement to see if you must first complete an exam.

After completing the exam, you will receive a final score and be placed on an eligibility list. Only those candidates in the top three ranks are considered reachable and ready for an appointment. As the ranks are cleared, the next lowest rank becomes reachable.

Exam Types

There are two types of exams: Open and Promotional.

Open exams are open to anyone who meets the minimum qualifications listed on the exam bulletin for the classification, regardless of their current place of employment.

Promotional exams are limited to current or recent EDD employees with permanent status who meet the minimum qualifications listed on the exam bulletin for the classification.

We administer many of our own open and promotional examinations, and the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) administers many open examinations which we also use.

How to Apply for an Exam

To learn how to apply for an exam, follow the steps listed on How to Get a State Job. You must also follow the How to Apply instructions listed on the exam bulletin.

Disclaimer

This information is provided as a courtesy of our Human Resource Services Division (HRSD). It is your responsibility to review the actual exam bulletin accessible below.

Open Exams

Career Executive Assignment (CEA) Exams

View all current vacancies for CEA and exempt positions at the Employment Development Department on CalCareers.

Promotional Exams