California State Jobs Exam General Practice 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which document governs the wages, hours, and working conditions negotiated between California state departments and employee unions?
- The California Constitution Article VII
- The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for each bargaining unit (Correct answer)
- The State Administrative Manual (SAM)
- The California Government Operations Agency Policy Manual
Correct answer: The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for each bargaining unit
Each bargaining unit has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) — a contract negotiated between CalHR and the union — that governs the specific terms of employment for those employees.
Question 2: Under California's Government Code Section 19572, which of the following is NOT listed as a cause for dismissal of a state employee?
- Insubordination
- Requesting reasonable workplace accommodations (Correct answer)
- Dishonesty
- Inexcusable absence without leave
Correct answer: Requesting reasonable workplace accommodations
Requesting reasonable accommodations under the ADA or FEHA is a protected right and cannot be a basis for discipline — it is not a cause for dismissal under Government Code 19572.
Question 3: A California state employee's performance evaluation rating of 'Needs Improvement' may affect which of the following?
- Their ability to file a union grievance
- Their eligibility for a merit salary increase (Correct answer)
- Their right to use accrued vacation leave
- Their enrollment in CalPERS
Correct answer: Their eligibility for a merit salary increase
Merit salary increases (MSIs) in the California state system typically require a satisfactory or above performance rating — a 'Needs Improvement' rating can disqualify an employee from receiving an MSI.
Question 4: What is 'catastrophic leave donation' in the California state civil service system?
- A program where employees donate unused leave to a colleague facing a serious illness or injury who has exhausted their own leave (Correct answer)
- A program where the state donates extra leave to employees during declared disasters
- A tax-exempt retirement contribution option
- A leave type for employees affected by natural disasters
Correct answer: A program where employees donate unused leave to a colleague facing a serious illness or injury who has exhausted their own leave
California's Catastrophic Leave Program allows employees to voluntarily donate accrued vacation or sick leave to a coworker who has a catastrophic illness or injury and has used all of their own leave.
Question 5: Under California's Incompatible Activities policy, state employees must obtain approval before doing which of the following?
- Volunteering at a nonprofit unrelated to their state duties
- Engaging in outside employment or business activities that may conflict with their state duties (Correct answer)
- Joining a professional association in their field
- Attending job-related educational courses in the evening
Correct answer: Engaging in outside employment or business activities that may conflict with their state duties
California Government Code requires state employees to disclose and obtain approval for outside employment or activities that could conflict with, compromise, or be incompatible with their official duties.
Question 6: Which California state entity is responsible for administering health benefits (medical, dental, vision) for most state employees?
- CalHR through direct contracts
- California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) (Correct answer)
- Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
- Office of Employee Benefits (OEB)
Correct answer: California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
CalPERS administers health benefit plans for state employees and retirees, contracting with various health plan providers to offer coverage options.
Question 7: A California state employee who is demoted in lieu of layoff retains what important right?
- Their previous salary level for up to 24 months
- The right to place their name on a reemployment list for their former higher classification (Correct answer)
- Automatic promotion back to the higher classification after 6 months
- Exemption from the probationary period in the lower classification
Correct answer: The right to place their name on a reemployment list for their former higher classification
Employees who accept a demotion in lieu of layoff are entitled to have their names placed on a reemployment list, giving them priority consideration when positions in their former classification become available.
California State Jobs Exam General Practice 5
Which document governs the wages, hours, and working conditions negotiated between California state departments and employee unions?