California State Jobs Exam Test 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which agency oversees the merit-based civil service employment system in California?
- Department of Finance
- CalHR (Correct answer)
- State Controller's Office
- Employment Development Department
Correct answer: CalHR
CalHR oversees California's civil service system.
CalHR manages classification, compensation, labor relations, and workforce development for California state government.
Question 2: Most common path for advancing to a higher classification in state service?
- Asking the governor
- Taking and passing the civil service exam for the higher classification (Correct answer)
- Waiting for automatic promotion by seniority
- Transferring to private sector and returning
Correct answer: Taking and passing the civil service exam for the higher classification
The merit system requires passing a civil service exam.
To advance, employees typically take and pass the exam for the desired classification, placing them on an eligible list.
Question 3: Budget: Personnel 65%, Operations 20%, Equipment 10%, Travel 5%. Total $3.2M. How much for Operations?
- $640,000 (Correct answer)
- $580,000
- $720,000
- $500,000
Correct answer: $640,000
20% of $3.2M = $640,000.
$3,200,000 x 0.20 = $640,000.
Question 4: Policy: 'Leave requested 5 business days in advance except emergencies.' Employee requests 3 days ahead for a planned dental appointment. Compliant?
- Yes, dental is exempt
- No, planned dental is not an emergency (Correct answer)
- Yes, medical is always emergency
- Depends on seniority
Correct answer: No, planned dental is not an emergency
A planned dental appointment is not an emergency and doesn't meet the 5-day requirement.
A foreseeable appointment does not qualify as an emergency. The employee should have submitted the request at least 5 days ahead.
Question 5: Which sentence demonstrates best professional writing for state email?
- Hey, just wanted to let u know the report is done!!!
- Please be advised that the report has been completed and is available for your review at your earliest convenience.
- The report is complete and ready for your review. (Correct answer)
- FYI report done LMK if u need anything
Correct answer: The report is complete and ready for your review.
Clear, concise, and professional without being overly formal.
Option C is direct, professional, and concise. A uses casual language, B is overly wordy, D uses text abbreviations.
Question 6: Coworker takes home office supplies for personal use. Most appropriate response?
- Take some yourself
- Report to supervisor (Correct answer)
- Post on social media
- Confront loudly in front of others
Correct answer: Report to supervisor
Taking state property for personal use is misuse. Report through proper channels.
State supplies are purchased with taxpayer funds. Report observations to your supervisor for investigation.
California State Jobs Exam Test 2
Which agency oversees the merit-based civil service employment system in California?