The CalCareers Job Application Process Explained - How to Apply for a California State Job

Sep 18, 2026

Guide to applying for California State of California jobs through CalCareers, presented as a two-step process. First, applicants take and pass an exam tied to the specific job classification, with separate exams required per classification. Exams come in Open (available to anyone meeting minimum requirements) and Promotional (limited to current state employees and veterans). After exam results place candidates on an eligible list, they apply for jobs within that classification, using online, mail, or in-person application methods before final filing deadlines.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLifestyle

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time2 min

AccessFree to download

Job application overview

Step 1: Take and pass the exam

Step 2: Apply for a job

After the final filing date

Help and tutorials

Work4CA Video: “The CalCareers Job Application Process Explained” Hi I’m Brandon, here to explain the job application process when applying to work for the State of California. There are essentially just two steps: First, take and pass an exam; then second, apply for a job. Now let’s look at each step in a little more detail, starting with the exam. So, what is an exam? An exam tests your knowledge and experience related to a specific field or classification. You must take a separate exam for each classification you’re interested in applying for. There are two types of exams: Open Exams, which may be taken by anyone who meets the minimum requirements, and Promotional Exams, which are limited to current state employees and veterans only. So if you’re new to employment with the State and you’re not a veteran, look for an open exam. Search [exams at](exams at CalCareers.ca.gov/Exams. Some exams are administered)[ ](exams at CalCareers.ca.gov/Exams. Some exams are administered)[CalCareers.ca.gov/Exams](exams at CalCareers.ca.gov/Exams. Some exams are administered)[. Some exams are administered](exams at CalCareers.ca.gov/Exams. Some exams are administered) in person, while others may be taken online. Follow the instructions on the exam bulletin to apply for and take an exam. Note that not all exams are given continuously, so check back often to ensure you don’t miss an opportunity to take a specific exam. Once you’ve taken an exam, you’ll be ranked based on your score and placed on an eligible list along with others who’ve passed the same exam. With eligibility established, you may begin applying for jobs within the classification for which you tested. Finding a state job to apply for is [simple. Visit](simple. Visit CalCareers.ca.gov to)[ ](simple. Visit CalCareers.ca.gov to)[CalCareers.ca.gov](simple. Visit CalCareers.ca.gov to)[ to](simple. Visit CalCareers.ca.gov to)[ ](simple. Visit CalCareers.ca.gov to)[search all available jobs. You can apply online](search all available jobs. You can apply online), by mail or in person, for jobs that interest you and for which you meet the minimum qualifications. After the final filing date, departments will invite the most qualified candidate to interview. If you still have questions, visit our Help and Tutorials [page on](page on CalCareers.ca.gov/Help)[ ](page on CalCareers.ca.gov/Help)[CalCareers.ca.gov/Help](page on CalCareers.ca.gov/Help)[ ](page on CalCareers.ca.gov/Help)for further assistance and to contact us. Have a great day!

FAQs

What are the two main steps in the CalCareers job application process?

First, take and pass an exam for the job classification. Second, apply for jobs within that classification.

What is the difference between Open Exams and Promotional Exams?

Open Exams can be taken by anyone meeting the minimum requirements. Promotional Exams are limited to current state employees and veterans.

How do applicants use their exam results to apply for jobs?

After passing the exam, candidates are placed on an eligible list and can apply for jobs within the classification they tested for.

Sep 18, 2026

Upload by Alex Sinclair