# FAQs

### What do the job types mean?

The state uses three hiring vehicles:

* Civil service
* Career Executive Assignment (CEA), which is a subset of civil service
* Exempt

Each type has different hiring processes:

<table><thead><tr><th>Processes</th><th width="180.33333333333331">Civil service</th><th>CEA</th><th>Exempt</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Competitive interview</td><td>Required</td><td>Required</td><td>Recommended</td></tr><tr><td>Minimum qualifications</td><td>Defined by job classification</td><td>Defined by hiring manager</td><td>Defined by hiring manager</td></tr><tr><td>Civil service exam</td><td>Required based on job classification</td><td>Required and designed by hiring manager</td><td>No</td></tr><tr><td>Salary</td><td>Based on job classification</td><td>Based on CEA ranges A, B, or C</td><td>Determined by role</td></tr><tr><td>At will employment</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>Governor appointed</td><td>No</td><td>No</td><td>Yes*</td></tr></tbody></table>

\*All exempts must be approved and officially appointed by the Governor's Office.

Learn more at these links:

* [CalHR's job information on CEAs](https://www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/Pages/cea-job-info.aspx)
* [Search CalHR's job classifications and descriptions](https://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/pages/job-descriptions.aspx)
* [View CalHR's pay scales](https://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/pages/pay-scales.aspx)

### How do I apply for jobs with the state?

ODI put together a [handy guide for how to apply to civil service jobs](https://digital.ca.gov/join-us/applying-civil-service-job/). Couple of highlights:

* **While Civil Service exams are required, you do not have to take the exam before you apply.**
* If the Civil Service job is a CEA (Career Executive Assignment), your exam is a bit different. The statement of qualifications you submit with your application serves as the exam. So take your time with it!

{% hint style="info" %}
[NxtGov](https://nxtgov.org/) put together a bunch of resources on applying for state jobs. [The entire google drive folder is available](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1D1io5DzcehltkqzINzdLczBXT9TJpSgG). The [Statement of Qualifications Tip Sheet](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xG1uB0RljR3guW_Rn0HOrMfm4dpZPD0S) is especially helpful.  SOQs are required for all civil service applicants and used for screening applicants.
{% endhint %}

### How can I be notified of job openings?

Complete the [CalData Job Interest Form](https://airtable.com/shrI3kCJqhsQfKeJx) to be notified when positions open.

### Can I work remotely?

Yes. As long as you live in California. In the future, we may have more hybrid options are the ability to come into regional offices. You also have the option of working at our Sacramento Office, which is conveniently located at the [Sacramento Amtrak Station](https://www.amtrak.com/stations/sac).


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