California State Jobs Exam California State Jobs Exam/Questions/Test 1

Question 1

A state employee wants to transfer to a different department but remain in the same classification. Which document must they typically submit to be considered for an open position?

Accepted Answer

A completed STD 678 (Examination/Employment Application)

Answer

A new civil service examination application

Answer

A Standard Form 678 (Transfer Request)

Answer

A letter of intent addressed to CalHR

Question 2

An eligibility list for a California state classification expires after how long if no one is hired from it?

Accepted Answer

4 years

Answer

6 months

Answer

1 year

Answer

2 years

Question 3

A department's monthly budget report shows: Salaries $85,000, Benefits $25,000, Supplies $8,000, Contracts $12,000. Total budget is $150,000. What percentage of the budget is spent on Benefits?

Accepted Answer

16.7%

Answer

12.5%

Answer

20.0%

Answer

25.0%

Question 4

Under the California Government Code, which term describes the practice of filling state positions based on ability and fitness rather than political affiliation?

Accepted Answer

Merit principle

Answer

Seniority preference

Answer

Lateral entry

Answer

Veterans' preference

Question 5

Policy states: 'Overtime must be pre-approved by a supervisor except when the operational need arises unexpectedly during the shift.' An employee stays 90 minutes late without prior approval because a critical system error required immediate resolution. Is this compliant with the policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, because the operational need arose unexpectedly during the shift

Answer

No, because all overtime requires written pre-approval regardless of circumstances

Answer

No, because 90 minutes exceeds the allowable emergency overtime threshold

Answer

Yes, but only if the employee notifies HR within 24 hours

Question 6

A state hiring manager reviews three candidates on an eligibility list ranked 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Under California's 'Rule of Three,' which candidates may the manager consider for appointment?

Accepted Answer

Any of the top three candidates

Answer

Only the top-ranked candidate

Answer

The top two candidates only

Answer

All candidates on the eligibility list