California State Jobs Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A coworker asks you to cover their desk and handle walk-in visitors while they are at lunch. A visitor arrives and requests to speak with a manager about a complaint. What should you do?

Tell the visitor to submit a written complaint and leave
Redirect the visitor to another agency entirely
Listen to the full complaint yourself and promise to resolve it
Greet the visitor professionally, take their contact information, and notify the appropriate manager (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Greet the visitor professionally, take their contact information, and notify the appropriate manager

Office Technicians should provide courteous service to all visitors, gather necessary information, and route requests to the appropriate staff member rather than making commitments beyond their authority.

Question 2: A team of 5 employees can process 150 applications in a week. If two new employees join the team and work at the same rate, how many applications can the team of 7 process in one week?

210 (Correct answer)
200
240
180

Correct answer: 210

First, find the processing rate of a single employee. Rate = Total applications / Number of employees = 150 / 5 = 30 applications per employee per week. Now, multiply this rate by the new number of employees: 30 applications/employee * 7 employees = 210 applications.

Question 3: A colleague appears under the influence of alcohol at work. Most appropriate action?

Report to supervisor immediately (Correct answer)
Confront them publicly
Offer coffee
Ignore unless in your group

Correct answer: Report to supervisor immediately

Impairment is a safety issue. Report to your supervisor.

Question 4: A state employee notices their coworker frequently using the office's high-quality color printer and state-provided paper to print personal items, such as flyers for a side business.

Review the department's specific policy on the personal use of state resources to confirm if it's a violation before taking further action. (Correct answer)
Confront the coworker directly and tell them to stop immediately.
Report the coworker's actions directly to the department's human resources manager.
Anonymously leave a copy of the state's policy on appropriate use of resources on the coworker's desk.

Correct answer: Review the department's specific policy on the personal use of state resources to confirm if it's a violation before taking further action.

The most professional and prudent first step is to confirm that a policy is actually being violated. State agencies have specific policies regarding incidental personal use of resources, and it's important to know the rules before acting. Acting without knowing the exact rule could lead to unnecessary conflict or a false accusation. Once the policy is understood, further steps can be taken if necessary.

Question 5: You are managing a shared office calendar and two senior staff members have requested the same conference room at the same time. What is the best first step?

Cancel both reservations and reopen the slot
Randomly assign the room to one person
Notify both parties of the conflict and ask them to resolve it
Book the room for the person who requested it first (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Book the room for the person who requested it first

A first-come, first-served policy is fair and defensible; the person who booked first has priority unless policy dictates otherwise.

Question 6: A department manager argues, "To improve our team's response time to public inquiries, we must invest in a new, expensive customer relationship management (CRM) software. This software will allow us to track inquiries more efficiently." The manager's argument depends on which of the following assumptions?

The current slow response time is primarily due to inefficient tracking of inquiries, not other factors like staffing levels or complex procedures. (Correct answer)
The public will be more satisfied with faster response times.
The cost of the new CRM software is within the department's current budget.
Employees will be able to learn the new CRM software quickly and without resistance.

Correct answer: The current slow response time is primarily due to inefficient tracking of inquiries, not other factors like staffing levels or complex procedures.

The manager links the solution (new software for efficient tracking) to the problem (slow response time). For this argument to be logical, the manager must assume that the identified problem (inefficient tracking) is the actual root cause of the slow response. If the slowness is due to other reasons, the new software won't solve the problem.

Question 7: Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement?

The list of approved vendors are on my desk.
Neither the managers nor the supervisor want to approve the request.
The committee, along with the department head, supports the new policy. (Correct answer)
Each of the applicants have been notified.

Correct answer: The committee, along with the department head, supports the new policy.

The subject of the sentence is 'The committee'. The phrase 'along with the department head' is an interrupting phrase and does not make the subject plural. Therefore, the singular verb 'supports' is correct. In the other options, the verbs do not agree with their subjects ('list...is', 'Each...has', 'Neither...nor...wants').

Question 8: A new set of records needs to be filed alphabetically. Which of the following business names should be filed FIRST? A. The Corner Store B. 24-Hour Express Shipping C. Twenty-First Century Solutions D. A-1 Best Cleaners

Twenty-First Century Solutions
The Corner Store
24-Hour Express Shipping (Correct answer)
A-1 Best Cleaners

Correct answer: 24-Hour Express Shipping

According to standard filing rules, numbers written as digits are filed before letters. Therefore, '24-Hour Express Shipping' comes before any name beginning with a letter. 'A-1 Best Cleaners' begins with a letter. 'The Corner Store' is filed under 'C' because leading articles like 'The' are typically ignored. 'Twenty-First Century Solutions' is filed under 'T' because the number is spelled out and treated alphabetically.

Question 9: Directive: 'Supervisors shall ensure safety equipment is inspected monthly. Documented on Form ST-7. Retained 3 years.' What is required?

Replace equipment every 3 years
Ensure monthly inspections occur and are properly documented and retained (Correct answer)
Submit Form ST-7 to their supervisor
Personally inspect all equipment

Correct answer: Ensure monthly inspections occur and are properly documented and retained

The directive requires ensuring inspections, documentation, and retention.

Question 10: Read the following passage and answer the question that follows: 'The California Public Records Act (CPRA) grants the public the right to access records from state and local government agencies. The fundamental principle is that governmental records shall be disclosed to the public, upon request, unless there is a specific reason not to do so, as exempted by law. These exemptions are narrowly construed to maximize public access. An agency must provide a written response within 10 days, stating whether the request will be granted and when the records will be available. If a request is denied in whole or in part, the agency must justify its decision by citing the specific legal exemption.' Based on the passage, which of the following statements is most accurate?

Government agencies must provide all requested records to the public within 10 days.
The CPRA prioritizes government privacy over public access.
An agency can deny a public records request without providing a reason.
The CPRA is designed to ensure public access to government records, with limited, specific exceptions. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The CPRA is designed to ensure public access to government records, with limited, specific exceptions.

The passage explicitly states that the fundamental principle is public disclosure unless a specific legal exemption applies, and that these exemptions are 'narrowly construed to maximize public access.' This directly supports the idea that the act is designed to ensure access with limited exceptions.

Question 11: Budget: Personnel 65%, Operations 20%, Equipment 10%, Travel 5%. Total $3.2M. How much for Operations?

$580,000
$500,000
$640,000 (Correct answer)
$720,000

Correct answer: $640,000

20% of $3.2M = $640,000.

Question 12: A five-member state commission plans to discuss a sensitive personnel matter involving an employee's performance. To avoid a public debate, three members agree via a series of one-on-one phone calls to vote a certain way at the next official meeting. This series of calls most likely constitutes a violation of which California law?

The California Public Records Act (CPRA)
The Political Reform Act
The Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act (Correct answer)
The State Civil Service Act

Correct answer: The Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act

The Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act prohibits a majority of members of a state body from using a series of communications (a 'serial meeting') to discuss or deliberate on business outside of a properly noticed public meeting. The phone calls among a quorum of members to decide on an action constitutes an illegal serial meeting.

Question 13: Best practice for office supply reordering?

Maintain minimum stock levels and reorder at thresholds (Correct answer)
Order only when items run out
Let each employee order their own
Order everything at start of fiscal year

Correct answer: Maintain minimum stock levels and reorder at thresholds

Par levels prevent stockouts while avoiding excess inventory.

Question 14: Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of a customer feedback survey used by a California state agency?

To justify budget increases to the legislature
To identify service gaps and improve the quality of public interactions (Correct answer)
To document complaints solely for disciplinary purposes
To satisfy a legal requirement with no practical use

Correct answer: To identify service gaps and improve the quality of public interactions

Customer feedback surveys help agencies identify weaknesses and continuously improve service delivery to Californians.

Question 15: A constituent submits a complaint through an online portal. According to best practices for California state agencies, the agency should:

Send an acknowledgment promptly and provide an estimated resolution timeline (Correct answer)
Request that the constituent resubmit the complaint by mail
Respond only if the complaint is deemed valid after review
Archive the complaint for the annual review cycle

Correct answer: Send an acknowledgment promptly and provide an estimated resolution timeline

Prompt acknowledgment and a clear timeline demonstrate accountability and keep the constituent informed throughout the process.

Question 16: Which California department administers the state civil service system?

Department of Finance
State Controller's Office
Department of General Services
CalHR (Correct answer)

Correct answer: CalHR

CalHR manages California's civil service system.

Question 17: Which of the following is a key strategy for improving reading comprehension during a timed exam?

Reading every word of the passage aloud to yourself.
Focusing only on the first and last sentences of each paragraph.
Previewing the questions before reading the passage to identify key information to look for. (Correct answer)
Answering questions based on prior knowledge, not the text.

Correct answer: Previewing the questions before reading the passage to identify key information to look for.

Previewing the questions helps to focus your reading on the specific information needed to answer them. This makes your reading more purposeful and efficient, which is crucial in a timed setting. The other options are generally inefficient or incorrect strategies.

Question 18: The concept of "intersectionality" in employment discrimination law refers to:

The interaction between state and federal anti-discrimination statutes
How multiple overlapping protected characteristics can combine to create unique forms of discrimination (Correct answer)
Discrimination that occurs only within a single department or work unit
Discrimination involving two separate employers acting in coordination

Correct answer: How multiple overlapping protected characteristics can combine to create unique forms of discrimination

Intersectionality recognizes that employees who belong to multiple protected groups may face unique forms of discrimination that cannot be fully understood by examining each protected characteristic in isolation.

Question 19: An employee needs to locate a specific contract from five years ago that has been archived off-site. The FIRST step should be to:

Drive to the archive facility without prior notice
Ask a coworker to reconstruct the contract from memory
Request that all boxes from that year be sent to the office
Consult the agency's records index or finding aid to identify the box and accession number before requesting retrieval (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Consult the agency's records index or finding aid to identify the box and accession number before requesting retrieval

Using the records index to identify specific location information minimizes retrieval time and prevents unnecessary box transfers.

Question 20: A California state agency is converting paper records to digital format. Which practice is MOST important for ensuring the integrity of digitized records?

Deleting the original paper records immediately after scanning
Storing all digital files in a single unsecured folder for easy access
Verifying that digital images are complete, legible, and linked to accurate metadata (Correct answer)
Scanning at the lowest resolution to save storage space

Correct answer: Verifying that digital images are complete, legible, and linked to accurate metadata

Verifying completeness, legibility, and accurate metadata ensures digitized records meet evidentiary and legal requirements.

Question 21: Alex sits left of Beth. Chris sits right of Beth. Dana sits left of Alex. What is the order from left to right?

Dana, Alex, Beth, Chris (Correct answer)
Dana, Beth, Alex, Chris
Chris, Beth, Alex, Dana
Alex, Dana, Beth, Chris

Correct answer: Dana, Alex, Beth, Chris

From clues: Dana, Alex, Beth, Chris.

Question 22: When filing documents alphabetically, how should you handle names that begin with 'Mc' versus 'Mac'?

Always file Mc before Mac
File them as if both are spelled Mac (Correct answer)
Group all Mc and Mac names at the end of M
File them separately in their exact spelling order

Correct answer: File them as if both are spelled Mac

Standard filing rules treat Mc and Mac as the same prefix, filing them as if both were spelled Mac.

Question 23: An employee receives a complaint via email about a coworker's rude behavior toward the public. The BEST action is to:

Reply directly to the complainant with your personal opinion of the coworker
Delete the email to avoid conflict
Acknowledge receipt, document the complaint, and forward it to the appropriate supervisor (Correct answer)
Confront the coworker immediately without involving management

Correct answer: Acknowledge receipt, document the complaint, and forward it to the appropriate supervisor

Documenting and escalating complaints through proper channels protects all parties and ensures appropriate follow-up.

Question 24: If the pharmacy is closed, drugs must be given immediately

Within two hours maximum (Correct answer)
90 Feet from patient rooms
Daily
3.2 Nursing Hours per patient day

Correct answer: Within two hours maximum

In healthcare settings, protocols are in place for urgent medication access when a pharmacy is closed. The 'Within two hours maximum' guideline is a common regulatory standard for emergency drug administration. This ensures patient safety and timely treatment by mandating that necessary medications are provided promptly, even outside regular pharmacy operating hours.

Question 25: An employee is consistently late. What is the first step in progressive discipline?

Verbal counseling and discussion (Correct answer)
Immediate termination
Written warning
Suspension without pay

Correct answer: Verbal counseling and discussion

Progressive discipline starts with verbal counseling.

Question 26: You are preparing a correspondence packet for your director to sign before an important deadline. You notice the letter contains the wrong recipient address. The director is in back-to-back meetings for the next three hours. What do you do?

Send the letter as-is to meet the deadline and send a correction afterward
Ask a co-worker to sign on the director's behalf since it is a minor fix
Wait until the director is available, even if the deadline passes
Correct the address, note the change in a brief memo attached to the packet, and flag it for the director's awareness before signing (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Correct the address, note the change in a brief memo attached to the packet, and flag it for the director's awareness before signing

Administrative assistants may correct clear factual errors like addresses, but must document the change and ensure the signing authority is aware before the correspondence goes out. This maintains transparency without unnecessarily delaying the deadline.

Question 27: Which of the subsequent sentences is error-free?

Norms are the rules that regulate how teams make decisions, conduct meetings, hold members accountable, and share information. (Correct answer)
Analysts promptly rallied behind him so that, in the spring of 1997, the companies stock was at a record high.
Common sense suggests that leadership is an important determinant of the fate of organizations, but many writer's challenge this assumption.
Personality and performance are intricately linked, and personality has prove to have direct influence on overall organizational effectiveness.

Correct answer: Norms are the rules that regulate how teams make decisions, conduct meetings, hold members accountable, and share information.

The sentence 'Norms are the rules that regulate how teams make decisions, conduct meetings, hold members accountable, and share information' is grammatically correct and free of spelling errors. The other options contain errors: 'has prove' should be 'has proven,' 'companies stock' should be 'company's stock,' and 'writer's challenge' should be 'writers challenge.'

Question 28: An 'urgent' email from 'IT' asks for your login credentials. What should you do?

Respond with credentials
Forward to supervisor and actual IT to verify (Correct answer)
Click links to check legitimacy
Reply asking for details

Correct answer: Forward to supervisor and actual IT to verify

Likely phishing. Legitimate IT never requests passwords via email.

Question 29: 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?

No, because all overtime requires written pre-approval regardless of circumstances
Yes, but only if the employee notifies HR within 24 hours
Yes, because the operational need arose unexpectedly during the shift (Correct answer)
No, because 90 minutes exceeds the allowable emergency overtime threshold

Correct answer: Yes, because the operational need arose unexpectedly during the shift

The policy includes an explicit exception for unexpected operational needs that arise during the shift. A critical system error requiring immediate resolution qualifies as exactly that type of emergency exception.

Question 30: An employee has already received an informal verbal counseling for repeated tardiness. However, the behavior has continued. According to the principles of progressive discipline, what is the most appropriate next step for the supervisor?

Stop tracking the employee's arrival time, as the verbal counseling was ineffective.
Issue a formal written warning that clearly documents the recurring issue and states the required improvement. (Correct answer)
Suspend the employee for one day without pay to show the seriousness of the issue.
Proceed directly to recommending termination for insubordination.

Correct answer: Issue a formal written warning that clearly documents the recurring issue and states the required improvement.

Progressive discipline involves a sequence of increasingly formal and severe actions. After an informal verbal warning fails to correct the behavior, the standard next step is to create a formal record with a written warning. This document ensures the employee understands the seriousness of the issue and the specific expectations for correction.

Question 31: A department has a budget of $1,200 for a project. 35% of the budget is allocated to salaries, 45% to equipment, and the rest is for miscellaneous expenses. What is the dollar amount allocated for miscellaneous expenses?

$540
$240 (Correct answer)
$420
$80

Correct answer: $240

First, calculate the percentage allocated to miscellaneous expenses. Total percentage must be 100%. So, 100% - 35% (salaries) - 45% (equipment) = 20%. Now, calculate 20% of the total budget: 0.20 * $1,200 = $240.

Question 32: A state office manager finds several boxes of routine financial records that are 10 years old. Before taking any action, the manager should first consult the department's official records retention schedule. What is the primary purpose of this schedule?

To provide a catalog of records available for public inspection under the CPRA.
To identify which records are the most important and should be stored in the most secure location.
To list the employees who are authorized to access sensitive financial information.
To specify the legally required timeframes for keeping different types of records before they can be destroyed or archived. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To specify the legally required timeframes for keeping different types of records before they can be destroyed or archived.

A records retention schedule is a formal document that dictates how long different types of records (record series) must be kept by an agency to meet legal, fiscal, and administrative requirements. It provides the legal authority for the eventual disposition of records, whether that is destruction or transfer to the State Archives.

Question 33: An employer who enforces an "English-only" workplace rule must generally demonstrate that the rule:

Is justified by a legitimate business necessity such as safety or essential job functions (Correct answer)
Has been reviewed and approved by the California Labor Commissioner
Was established as a written policy before California's FEHA took effect
Applies only to employees in customer-facing roles and not back-office staff

Correct answer: Is justified by a legitimate business necessity such as safety or essential job functions

English-only workplace rules may constitute national origin discrimination under FEHA unless the employer can show the rule is justified by a legitimate business necessity, such as safety requirements or essential communication functions.

Question 34: You receive a phone call for your supervisor who is in a meeting. What is the best course of action?

Tell the caller to call back later
Ask the caller to email instead
Transfer the call directly into the meeting
Take a detailed message including caller name, number, and purpose (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Take a detailed message including caller name, number, and purpose

Taking a complete message ensures the supervisor has all the information needed to return the call promptly.

Question 35: A memorandum to all department heads reads: 'To enhance inter-departmental collaboration, all project proposals must now include a 'Stakeholder Impact Statement.' This section should briefly outline how the project may affect the operations of other departments and propose mitigation strategies for any potential negative impacts. The goal is to foster a more integrated approach to our initiatives.' What is the primary purpose of this memorandum?

To provide a detailed guide on writing mitigation strategies.
To announce a new, mandatory step in the project proposal process. (Correct answer)
To criticize the lack of collaboration between departments.
To reduce the number of project proposals submitted.

Correct answer: To announce a new, mandatory step in the project proposal process.

The memorandum's main point is to inform department heads about a new, required component for all project proposals—the Stakeholder Impact Statement. The other options are either not supported by the text or misinterpret the memo's intent.

Question 36: A report on a new state-sponsored job training program contains the following statement: "All participants who attended every session of the program found employment within three months of completion. However, not every participant who found employment within three months attended every session." Based on this statement, which of the following can be logically inferred?

The majority of program participants found employment within three months.
Some participants who missed at least one session still found employment within three months. (Correct answer)
Attending every session guarantees finding employment within three months.
The program is the most effective way for unemployed individuals to find a job.

Correct answer: Some participants who missed at least one session still found employment within three months.

The first sentence establishes that if a participant attended every session, they found a job. The second sentence states that the reverse is not true: not everyone who got a job attended every session. This directly implies that there is a group of people who found employment despite missing one or more sessions.

Question 37: Which of the following is an example of a 'tickler file' system?

A file cabinet organized by department name
A database of all employee contact information
A log of incoming mail sorted by sender
A chronological reminder system that surfaces tasks on the date action is needed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A chronological reminder system that surfaces tasks on the date action is needed

A tickler file is a date-based follow-up system that reminds the user of tasks, deadlines, or pending items on the appropriate day.

Question 38: Regulation: 'No outside employment that conflicts with state duties, unless prior written approval obtained.' What exception exists?

Exception only for part-time employees
Outside employment allowed if prior written approval obtained (Correct answer)
Any job that doesn't pay well
No exceptions

Correct answer: Outside employment allowed if prior written approval obtained

The 'unless' clause provides the exception: prior written approval.

Question 39: Which California law provides broader employment discrimination protections than federal law, including coverage for smaller employers?

California Labor Code Section 1102
California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) (Correct answer)
California Employment Relations Act
California Civil Rights Initiative

Correct answer: California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)

The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) provides broader protections than federal law, covering employers with 5 or more employees and protecting additional characteristics not covered federally.

Question 40: Supervisor assigns a 'high priority' task but gives no deadline. Best approach?

Assume due end of day
Ask for a specific deadline or timeframe (Correct answer)
Complete whenever you get to it
Wait for follow-up

Correct answer: Ask for a specific deadline or timeframe

Seek clarification to meet expectations and prioritize properly.

Question 41: Which federal agency is responsible for enforcing federal employment discrimination laws?

Civil Rights Division of the DOJ
Office of Personnel Management
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) (Correct answer)
Department of Labor

Correct answer: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the federal agency charged with enforcing federal employment discrimination laws including Title VII, the ADA, and the ADEA.

Question 42: The bar chart below displays the number of vehicles that used a state-operated toll bridge during one week, broken down by vehicle type. (Image of a bar chart: Cars = 3,500, Trucks = 1,000, Motorcycles = 500) Which of the following statements is best supported by the data in the chart?

The combined number of trucks and motorcycles was less than half the number of cars. (Correct answer)
The total number of vehicles that used the bridge was less than 5,000.
Motorcycles represented more than 15% of the total weekly traffic.
The number of cars using the bridge was exactly three times the number of trucks.

Correct answer: The combined number of trucks and motorcycles was less than half the number of cars.

First, find the total number of vehicles: 3,500 (Cars) + 1,000 (Trucks) + 500 (Motorcycles) = 5,000 total vehicles. Let's evaluate each option: A) 3 * 1,000 (Trucks) = 3,000. The number of cars is 3,500, which is not exactly three times. This is false. B) The percentage of motorcycles is (500 / 5,000) * 100 = 10%. 10% is not more than 15%. This is false. C) The total number of vehicles is exactly 5,000, not less than 5,000. This is false. D) The combined number of trucks and motorcycles is 1,000 + 500 = 1,500. Half the number of cars is 3,500 / 2 = 1,750. Since 1,500 is less than 1,750, this statement is true.

Question 43: When communicating with a member of the public who speaks limited English, a California state employee should FIRST:

Speak louder so they can understand better
Ask them to return with someone who speaks English
Hand them a brochure and end the conversation
Speak slowly, use plain language, and offer interpreter services if available (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Speak slowly, use plain language, and offer interpreter services if available

State employees must make reasonable accommodations for limited-English speakers, including offering interpreter services.

Question 44: 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?

16.7% (Correct answer)
25.0%
20.0%
12.5%

Correct answer: 16.7%

Benefits of $25,000 divided by the total budget of $150,000 equals 0.1667, or approximately 16.7%.

Question 45: The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 amended which major civil rights law to clarify that pregnancy discrimination is a form of sex discrimination?

The Equal Pay Act of 1963
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 amended Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions as a form of sex discrimination.

Question 46: A pie chart shows: Administrative 35%, Technical 25%, Professional 20%, Support 15%, Management 5%. If total workforce is 2,000, how many are in Technical and Professional combined?

900 (Correct answer)
1,000
800
700

Correct answer: 900

Technical (25%) + Professional (20%) = 45% of 2,000 = 900.

Question 47: When setting performance goals for an employee using the widely accepted SMART framework, what does the 'A' represent?

Attainable (Correct answer)
Ambitious
Approved
Applicable

Correct answer: Attainable

The 'A' in the SMART goal acronym stands for Attainable. This principle emphasizes that goals should be realistic and achievable for the employee, given their skills and available resources. Setting unattainable goals can lead to discouragement and decreased motivation.

Question 48: A colleague takes credit for your idea in a meeting. How should you handle it?

Interrupt and accuse them
Privately speak with them after the meeting (Correct answer)
Send a group email calling them out
Say nothing

Correct answer: Privately speak with them after the meeting

Address privately and professionally to preserve working relationships.

Question 49: An order costs $234.50 before a 15% government discount. What is the final cost?

$199.33 (Correct answer)
$204.15
$200.50
$210.00

Correct answer: $199.33

$234.50 x 0.85 = $199.325, rounded to $199.33.

Question 50: What is the correct way to handle a confidential document that is no longer needed and must be discarded?

Store it in a general filing cabinet until the end of the year
Use an approved shredder or secure destruction service (Correct answer)
Tear it in half and dispose of it in the trash
Place it in the regular recycling bin

Correct answer: Use an approved shredder or secure destruction service

Confidential documents must be destroyed using approved shredding or secure destruction methods to prevent unauthorized access.

Question 51: Primary purpose of California's probationary period for new state employees?

Delay benefits
Restrict rights permanently
Evaluate whether employee can perform job duties (Correct answer)
Pay at lower rate

Correct answer: Evaluate whether employee can perform job duties

Probation is a working test period to evaluate job performance.

Question 52: Which of the following is a key purpose of conducting regular performance evaluations for state employees?

To exclusively document mistakes for future disciplinary actions.
To provide a formal opportunity to discuss performance, set future goals, and identify developmental needs. (Correct answer)
To compare one employee's performance directly against their colleagues.
To fulfill a bureaucratic requirement with as little discussion as possible.

Correct answer: To provide a formal opportunity to discuss performance, set future goals, and identify developmental needs.

Performance evaluations are a critical supervisory tool for two-way communication. Their primary purpose is to provide structured feedback on past performance, align on future expectations and goals, and identify opportunities for training and professional growth, thereby supporting the employee's career development.

Question 53: A supervisor asks you to schedule a meeting with 8 attendees across three offices. Best first step?

Schedule and notify attendees
Book largest conference room
Check shared calendar for overlapping availability (Correct answer)
Email all asking availability

Correct answer: Check shared calendar for overlapping availability

Shared calendar identifies available slots without back-and-forth.

Question 54: Intermediate care facilities' emergency generators need to be tested under load conditions for at least? <br> Answer: Must be reviewed annually and revised at least every five years

FALSE (Correct answer)
TRUE

Correct answer: FALSE

Emergency generators in intermediate care facilities typically need to be tested under load conditions much more frequently than annually or every five years (e.g., monthly or quarterly) to ensure operational readiness. The provided answer describes the review and revision frequency for a *plan*, not the testing frequency for the generator itself. Therefore, the statement that the answer describes the testing frequency is false.

Question 55: Two equally qualified candidates for an assignment, one is a personal friend. What should the supervisor do?

Flip a coin
Assign the other to avoid favoritism appearance (Correct answer)
Assign the friend since both qualify
Ask the team to vote

Correct answer: Assign the other to avoid favoritism appearance

Avoid the appearance of favoritism when qualifications are equal.

Question 56: Standard font and formatting for a formal state document?

Times New Roman or Arial, 12pt, appropriate margins (Correct answer)
Any decorative font
Handwriting-style fonts
Comic Sans, single-spaced

Correct answer: Times New Roman or Arial, 12pt, appropriate margins

Professional fonts (TNR, Arial) in 12pt with standard margins.

Question 57: The payor of last resort is which of these?

Copay
Champva
Tricare
Medicaid (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Medicaid

Medicaid is often referred to as the 'payor of last resort' because it provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families who typically have no other means of obtaining health insurance. It steps in to cover healthcare costs only after all other potential sources of payment, such as private insurance or Medicare, have been exhausted.

Question 58: During system transition, colleague urgently needs a document. Some docs in old system, some in new. Best approach?

Guess which system and search only that one
Ask them to find it themselves
Search both systems to locate the document (Correct answer)
Wait until transition is complete

Correct answer: Search both systems to locate the document

Search both systems to ensure the document is found.

Question 59: Which of the following is the correct alphabetical order for filing purposes?

San Jose, San Francisco, San Diego, San Bernardino
San Bernardino, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco
San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose (Correct answer)
San Diego, San Bernardino, San Francisco, San Jose

Correct answer: San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose

After 'San,' compare the next word alphabetically: Bernardino, Diego, Francisco, Jose.

Question 60: Which sentence uses correct punctuation for a state memorandum?

The meeting will be held on: Monday, March 5, 2026.
The meeting will be held on Monday March 5, 2026
The meeting will be held on Monday, March 5, 2026. (Correct answer)
The meeting, will be held on Monday March 5 2026.

Correct answer: The meeting will be held on Monday, March 5, 2026.

Commas between day and date, date and year, period at end. No colon after 'on.'

Question 61: When answering a multi-line office phone and you must place a caller on hold, the correct procedure is to:

Transfer the caller to voicemail without notice
Ask the caller to call back later
Place the caller on hold immediately without explanation
Ask permission to place the caller on hold and wait for a response before doing so (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Ask permission to place the caller on hold and wait for a response before doing so

Professional phone etiquette requires asking permission and waiting for acknowledgment before placing a caller on hold.

Question 62: Freddy wants to place an order for supplies. His budget is 8 percent higher than it was last month. If his budget last month was $352.86, what is his budget for this month?

$419.19
$409.31
$381.09 (Correct answer)
$324.64

Correct answer: $381.09

To calculate Freddy's new budget, first determine the 8 percent increase: $352.86 multiplied by 0.08 equals $28.2288. Then, add this increase to his previous budget: $352.86 + $28.2288 = $381.0888. Rounded to the nearest cent, Freddy's budget for this month is $381.09.

Question 63: First step in a California state employee grievance process?

Contact attorney general
File with governor's office
Informal resolution with immediate supervisor (Correct answer)
Appear before the SPB

Correct answer: Informal resolution with immediate supervisor

Grievance procedures begin with informal resolution with the immediate supervisor.

Question 64: 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?

A Standard Form 678 (Transfer Request)
A new civil service examination application
A completed STD 678 (Examination/Employment Application) (Correct answer)
A letter of intent addressed to CalHR

Correct answer: A completed STD 678 (Examination/Employment Application)

The STD 678 is California's standard state employment application form used for both examination sign-ups and job applications, including transfers within the same classification.

Question 65: A team has experienced a significant, mandated change in its core processes, leading to a noticeable drop in morale and productivity. Which supervisory action is most likely to effectively address this situation?

Send a memo reminding the team of productivity expectations and deadlines.
Advise employees who are unhappy with the change to seek a transfer to another unit.
Hold a team meeting to acknowledge the challenges, listen to concerns, and transparently communicate the reasons for the change and the path forward. (Correct answer)
Wait a few months for the team to adjust to the new process on their own.

Correct answer: Hold a team meeting to acknowledge the challenges, listen to concerns, and transparently communicate the reasons for the change and the path forward.

During times of change, transparent communication and employee involvement are crucial for maintaining morale. By holding a meeting, the supervisor can validate the team's feelings, reduce uncertainty by providing clear information, and rebuild trust, which are essential steps to regain engagement and productivity.

Question 66: How should you file a document from the 'Department of Motor Vehicles' in an alphabetical system that uses the 'as written' rule?

Under D for Department (Correct answer)
Under V for Vehicles
Under M for Motor
Under C for California

Correct answer: Under D for Department

The 'as written' rule files documents under the first word as it appears, which is Department.

Question 67: A California state office receives documents numbered 1045, 1054, 1405, and 1450. In ascending numerical order, which document is filed third?

1450
1045
1054
1405 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 1405

1045 < 1054 < 1405 < 1450, so 1405 is the third document.

Question 68: A project manager is writing an email to their team. Which sentence contains a grammatical error?

She and I will be presenting the findings tomorrow.
The team's progress on the quarterly report is impressive.
Please review the attached document for your reference.
Its essential that we meet the upcoming deadline. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Its essential that we meet the upcoming deadline.

The word 'Its' is a possessive pronoun, but the sentence requires the contraction for 'it is'. The correct sentence would be 'It's essential that we meet the upcoming deadline.' This is a common grammatical error tested in professional writing assessments.

Question 69: "Quid pro quo" harassment in the workplace occurs when:

An employee is subjected to a hostile work environment based on a protected characteristic
An employer retaliates against an employee for reporting discrimination
A supervisor conditions job benefits or threatens adverse action based on submission to sexual advances (Correct answer)
A neutral policy disproportionately affects a protected group

Correct answer: A supervisor conditions job benefits or threatens adverse action based on submission to sexual advances

Quid pro quo harassment (Latin for 'this for that') occurs when a supervisor makes employment decisions conditional on an employee's submission to unwelcome sexual or other improper advances.

Question 70: California's FEHA generally applies to employers with how many or more employees for most anti-discrimination protections?

5 or more employees (Correct answer)
15 or more employees
1 or more employees
50 or more employees

Correct answer: 5 or more employees

California's FEHA generally applies to employers with 5 or more employees, which is lower than the 15-employee threshold required under federal Title VII, giving California workers broader coverage.

Question 71: A state employee discovers they gave a citizen incorrect information about a deadline. The CORRECT response is to:

Hope the citizen does not notice the error
Contact the citizen promptly, correct the information, and note the correction in the case record (Correct answer)
Blame the error on outdated agency materials
Wait to see if the error causes a problem before acting

Correct answer: Contact the citizen promptly, correct the information, and note the correction in the case record

Promptly correcting misinformation protects the public's interests and maintains trust in the agency.

Question 72: Someone claiming to be from the governor's office calls requesting confidential records. What should you do?

Transfer to supervisor's voicemail
Provide immediately
Verify identity through official channels before releasing (Correct answer)
Refuse all records

Correct answer: Verify identity through official channels before releasing

Verify identity and authority before releasing confidential information.

Question 73: Which action BEST supports a culture of excellent public service within a California state agency?

Sharing effective practices with teammates and supporting consistent service standards (Correct answer)
Competing with colleagues for the most closed cases
Focusing solely on metrics without regard for constituent satisfaction
Keeping successful techniques to oneself to stand out during evaluations

Correct answer: Sharing effective practices with teammates and supporting consistent service standards

Sharing effective practices supports team-wide service quality and aligns with the collaborative culture expected in state service.

Question 74: When filing business names, which of the following is the last indexing unit for 'The Law Offices of Peter M. Black, Jr.'?

The
Jr. (Correct answer)
Law
Black

Correct answer: Jr.

Personal names within a business name are indexed as written. Seniority suffixes like 'Jr.' are always considered the last indexing unit when they appear. The word 'The' at the beginning is disregarded or treated as the last unit, but a personal suffix takes precedence for the final position. The indexed order would be: Black / Peter / M / Law / Offices / of / Jr.

Question 75: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a routing slip attached to an incoming document?

It indicates the document has already been approved
It replaces the cover letter for the document
It permanently labels the document for archiving
It identifies the sequence of people who need to review the document (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It identifies the sequence of people who need to review the document

A routing slip lists the people who must receive and act on a document in a specific order, ensuring no recipient is missed.

Question 76: A state department's filing system uses a numeric-alphabetic hybrid code. You are filing a document coded '4B-Martinez-2024.' Which placement is correct under standard filing rules?

After all '4A' documents, before any '4C' documents, alphabetically among 'B' subcategory by surname
At the end of all '4' series documents regardless of letter
After '4B-Lopez-2024' but before '4B-Nelson-2024' (Correct answer)
Before '4A' documents because 'B' comes after 'A' and takes precedence

Correct answer: After '4B-Lopez-2024' but before '4B-Nelson-2024'

Within the same primary code (4B), documents are filed alphabetically by surname. 'Martinez' falls between 'Lopez' and 'Nelson' alphabetically, making that position correct.

Question 77: Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

The report is due Friday; and the team should review it.
The report is due Friday; however, extensions may be requested. (Correct answer)
The report is due; Friday, however extensions may be requested.
The report; which is due Friday, needs review.

Correct answer: The report is due Friday; however, extensions may be requested.

Semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses before conjunctive adverb 'however.'

Question 78: What does the term 'probationary period' mean for a new California state civil service employee?

A disciplinary period following a policy violation
A trial period during which performance is evaluated before permanent status is granted (Correct answer)
A mandatory union membership waiting period
The period before a background check is completed

Correct answer: A trial period during which performance is evaluated before permanent status is granted

The probationary period is a working test during which the employee demonstrates their ability to perform the duties of the position before gaining permanent civil service status.

Question 79: Which should the medical front office assistant consult when choosing a timeline for medical record retention?

The patient
State guidelines (Correct answer)
Hipaa privacy rule
Practice policy manual

Correct answer: State guidelines

While HIPAA privacy rules and practice policy manuals provide important context, medical record retention timelines are primarily dictated by state laws and regulations. These state guidelines specify the minimum period for which medical records must be kept, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards for patient information management.

Question 80: A bar chart shows Department A processed 1,200 applications while Department B processed 900. What percentage more did A process compared to B?

30%
75%
25%
33.3% (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 33.3%

The difference is 300. 300 / 900 = 33.3% more than Department B.

Question 81: Correct alphabetical filing order for: De La Cruz, Delaney, Del Rio, Delgado?

De La Cruz, Delaney, Del Rio, Delgado
De La Cruz, Delgado, Delaney, Del Rio (Correct answer)
De La Cruz, Del Rio, Delaney, Delgado
Delaney, De La Cruz, Delgado, Del Rio

Correct answer: De La Cruz, Delgado, Delaney, Del Rio

Remove spaces: DELACRUZ, DELGADO, DELANEY, DELRIO.

Question 82: In California State offices, which form is used to request reimbursement for travel expenses?

STD 204
STD 678
STD 25
STD 261 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: STD 261

STD 261 is the California state form used to authorize and reimburse travel expenses for state employees.

Question 83: Utility rooms should contain

100 SQUARE FEET
90 Square Feet (Correct answer)
At least 8 feet
80 Square Feet

Correct answer: 90 Square Feet

This question likely refers to the minimum size requirement for utility rooms in a specific type of facility, such as healthcare or residential care. '90 Square Feet' would be a regulatory standard to ensure adequate space. This allows for the proper placement of equipment, storage of supplies, and safe movement for staff performing utility-related tasks.

Question 84: A California state employee who believes they were passed over for promotion due to discrimination should first file a complaint with which entity?

The employee's direct supervisor
The federal EEOC only
The Department of Fair Employment and Housing (CRD) (Correct answer)
The California Supreme Court

Correct answer: The Department of Fair Employment and Housing (CRD)

The Civil Rights Department (formerly DFEH) is the state agency that investigates workplace discrimination complaints for California employees.

Question 85: A state agency employee drove 288 miles in 4.5 hours. To maintain this average speed, how many miles will the employee drive in 6 hours?

432 miles
384 miles (Correct answer)
400 miles
360 miles

Correct answer: 384 miles

First, find the average speed in miles per hour (mph). Speed = Distance / Time. Speed = 288 miles / 4.5 hours = 64 mph. Now, use this speed to find the distance traveled in 6 hours. Distance = Speed * Time. Distance = 64 mph * 6 hours = 384 miles.

Question 86: A customer becomes verbally aggressive at the service counter. The MOST appropriate response is to:

Remain calm, speak in a measured tone, and follow agency protocol for de-escalation (Correct answer)
Match their tone to assert authority
Walk away from the counter without explanation
Argue back to correct their misperceptions

Correct answer: Remain calm, speak in a measured tone, and follow agency protocol for de-escalation

Remaining calm and following de-escalation protocols protects both staff and the public while maintaining professionalism.

Question 87: You are working on a time-sensitive project and discover a more efficient way to complete a key process. However, this new method deviates from the established written procedures for your team. The project is due in two days, and your supervisor is out of the office until the deadline day.

Ask a senior coworker for their opinion and follow their advice without question.
Use the more efficient method to ensure the project is completed on time and inform your supervisor when they return.
Stick to the established procedures, even if it means you might miss the deadline.
Document the new method and the established procedure, then email your supervisor with the information and continue with the established procedure while awaiting a response. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Document the new method and the established procedure, then email your supervisor with the information and continue with the established procedure while awaiting a response.

This option demonstrates good judgment by respecting established protocol while also being proactive. It ensures there is a written record of your attempt to communicate with your supervisor about a potential process improvement. Simply changing the process without authorization is risky, while ignoring a potential improvement or failing to meet a deadline is not ideal.

Question 88: A supervisor asks you to prioritize a stack of tasks. Which framework is most appropriate for ranking work by urgency and importance?

FIFO (First In, First Out)
Eisenhower Matrix (Correct answer)
Round-Robin scheduling
LIFO (Last In, First Out)

Correct answer: Eisenhower Matrix

The Eisenhower Matrix categorizes tasks by urgency and importance to guide prioritization decisions.

Question 89: Which keyboard shortcut is universally used to undo the most recent action in most word processing software?

Ctrl + S
Ctrl + Z (Correct answer)
Ctrl + Y
Ctrl + X

Correct answer: Ctrl + Z

Ctrl + Z is the standard undo command across Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and most other word processing applications.

Question 90: (3+5)^2 x 2 - 13 =

43
128
115 (Correct answer)
56

Correct answer: 115

To solve the expression (3+5)^2 x 2 - 13, follow the order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS). First, calculate the parentheses: (3+5) = 8. Next, apply the exponent: 8^2 = 64. Then, perform the multiplication: 64 x 2 = 128. Finally, complete the subtraction: 128 - 13 = 115.

Question 91: When transferring inactive records to a state records center, an agency must TYPICALLY prepare:

A verbal agreement with the records center staff
A court order authorizing the transfer
A press release announcing the transfer
A transmittal form listing the box contents, dates, record series, and authorized destruction date (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A transmittal form listing the box contents, dates, record series, and authorized destruction date

A transmittal form with complete metadata ensures records can be located, managed, and destroyed appropriately once inactive.

Question 92: Retaliation in an employment discrimination context is prohibited when an employer takes adverse action against an employee for:

Requesting a lateral transfer to another department
Any protected activity, such as opposing discrimination or participating in an EEO investigation (Correct answer)
Filing a workers' compensation claim only
Taking an excessive number of sick days

Correct answer: Any protected activity, such as opposing discrimination or participating in an EEO investigation

Retaliation is prohibited when an employer takes adverse employment action against an employee for engaging in protected activity, which includes filing complaints, opposing discriminatory practices, or participating in investigations.

Question 93: Which of the following fractions is the largest?

7/12
1/2
5/8
3/4 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3/4

To compare fractions, you can convert them to decimals or find a common denominator. Converting to decimals: 5/8 = 0.625; 3/4 = 0.75; 7/12 = approximately 0.583; 1/2 = 0.50. Comparing the decimals, 0.75 is the largest, which corresponds to 3/4.

Question 94: An employee discovers a misfiled record that is three months old. The CORRECT action is to:

Report the misfiling to law enforcement
Leave it in place to avoid creating confusion
Destroy the misfiled record and recreate it
Remove it from the incorrect location, correct the file, and note the correction in the filing log if applicable (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Remove it from the incorrect location, correct the file, and note the correction in the filing log if applicable

Correcting misfiles promptly ensures records remain retrievable and accurate within the agency's filing system.

Question 95: Most appropriate email closing for interagency correspondence?

Best regards, (Correct answer)
XOXO,
Later,
Cheers,

Correct answer: Best regards,

'Best regards' is professional and appropriate for government correspondence.

Question 96: When a California state employer becomes aware of potential workplace harassment, what is their legal obligation?

Immediately terminate the accused employee to prevent further liability
Report the incident directly to law enforcement within 24 hours
Wait for the affected employee to file a formal written complaint before investigating
Promptly investigate the situation and take appropriate corrective action (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Promptly investigate the situation and take appropriate corrective action

California employers have a legal duty under FEHA to promptly and thoroughly investigate harassment complaints and take appropriate corrective action, regardless of whether a formal complaint has been filed.

Question 97: A California state department's budget shows expenditures of $2.4M in Q1, $2.8M in Q2, $3.1M in Q3, and $3.7M in Q4. What is the average quarterly increase?

$650,000
$433,333 (Correct answer)
$325,000
$500,000

Correct answer: $433,333

Total increase from Q1 to Q4 is $1.3M over 3 intervals. $1,300,000 / 3 = $433,333.

Question 98: When explaining a complex government process to a member of the public, the MOST effective technique is to:

Use technical acronyms to appear professional
Provide a single long paragraph of written explanation
Refer them entirely to the agency website without further explanation
Break the process into simple sequential steps and check for understanding (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Break the process into simple sequential steps and check for understanding

Breaking down complex information and confirming comprehension ensures the public can act on the guidance provided.

Question 99: Under California's Government Code, how many days does a state employee typically have to appeal a formal disciplinary action to the State Personnel Board?

30 days (Correct answer)
90 days
10 days
60 days

Correct answer: 30 days

State employees generally have 30 days from receipt of a Notice of Adverse Action to file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.

Question 100: Which federal law prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin?

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act
The Equal Pay Act
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the primary federal law prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

California State Jobs Exam

The California State Jobs Exam exam validates essential knowledge and skills required for certification or licensure in this field.

100

Questions

120 min

Time Limit

70%

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