Eligible List Disclosure FAQs

What does Cert Rule mean?

• Certification (Cert) rule means the rule departments have to abide by in order to hire off of an eligible list.
• Rule of 3 Names: Requires departments to only hire from within the top three names on the eligible list.
• Rule of 3 Ranks: Requires departments to only hire from within the top three ranks on the eligible list. There may be more than one individual in each rank; therefore, departments will be able to select from a larger eligible pool.
• Rule of 1 Rank: Requires departments to hire from within the first or highest rank, unless there are less than three interested eligibles in Rank 1. Then the department may also hire from Rank 2.
• Rule of 1 Name: Requires departments to hire the first person who is interested, if a list appointment is to be made.
• Rule of the List: Everyone on the list is eligible for employment consideration regardless of ranking. This certification rule applies only to lists created through the Limited Examination and Application Program (LEAP) and the State Restriction of Appointments (SROA) Program.
  

What does List Order mean?

The following is the order in which eligible lists must be used and is specifically outlined in the Government code:

1. Reemployment Lists (Individuals who have been laid off or demoted in-lieu-of layoff)
   a. Subdivisional reemployment lists - Rule of 1 name - (one name per rank)
   b. Departmental reemployment lists Rule of 1 name - (one name per rank)
   c. General reemployment lists - Rule of 3 names - (one name per rank)
2. State Restriction of Appointment List - Rule of the List (Individuals who have been identified for layoff.)
3. Promotional Lists
   a. Subdivisional promotional lists - May be Rule of 1 Rank, 3 Ranks, or 3 Names
   b. Departmental promotional lists - May be Rule of 1 Rank, 3 Ranks, or 3 Names
   c. Multidepartmental promotional lists - May be Rule of 1 Rank, 3 Ranks or 3 Names
   d. Servicewide promotional lists - May be Rule of 1 Rank, 3 Ranks or 3 Names
4. Preferred Limited Term List - Rule of 3 Ranks
5. Open Lists - Rule of 3 Ranks
   a. Departmental open List- Rule of 3 Ranks
   b. Servicewide open list - Rule of 3 Ranks
6. Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) - Rule of the List
7. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first.

Can I find out what my rank is today just in case it has changed?

Unfortunately, the State Personnel Board is unable to tell candidates their exact rank on a list based on the preferences (tenure, time-base, location) you indicated. The process is computerized and departments with vacancies access the system on a daily basis, so ranking can change from day to day. However, the information provided through the eligible list disclosure system is an accurate reflection of your standing on the entire eligible list and is updated daily.

Do they have to fill positions with the top person on the list first?

If there are eligibles on a subdivisional or departmental reemployment list then yes, they must be hired first. Otherwise, when filling a position, employers may select anyone in the top three ranks for the job. On lists that are considered 3 names lists, employers may hire any one of the top 3 names interested in the job.

How do I get my candidate ID number?

Your Candidate ID number is displayed on your final results letter. This number is unique to you and your examination, and cannot be provided by State Personnel Board staff. Please be sure to keep a copy of your results information. If you do not have your results letter/notice, please contact the department that administered the examination.

If I have eligibility on one list, does that mean I am eligible for any job with the State of California?

No. List eligibility is classification specific. Eligibles may only use their list eligibility for positions in the specific job classification for which the list was established. However, departments sometimes use/borrow a list for a different class, when they do not have a list, to fill a vacancy.

Why do some candidates have more than 100% as their score?

A candidate's final score may include extra points for Veteran's Preference points, Career credits, and/or Seniority points. Veterans preference points are granted in certain open/open-nonpromotional examinations. Seniority points are granted only in certain examinations for the California Highway Patrol. Career credits are granted only in open-nonpromotional examinations.

What is the difference between a merged list and a dated list?

On a dated list, eligibles are tested at the same time and start and end their eligibility at the same time. On a merged list, individuals are tested on a continuous or frequent basis and their names are merged onto an existing eligible list in score order. Eligibles will have the same length of eligibility, however the dates that their eligibility starts and ends may vary.

What is the difference between a Spot and a Statewide list?

A Spot list is established to fill positions in a specific geographical location. Eligibles are generally restricted to that specific location. A Statewide list is established to fill positions throughout the entire state. Eligibles are generally allowed to choose and change their location preference.