print logo
Main Content Anchor

Selection Services Program (SSP)

​​SSP provides test development and validation, examination assembly, and administration services to state departments on a fee-for-service basis. SSP uses a wide range of advanced research methodologies, statistical techniques, and principles in conducting test validation and construction while applying and/or interpreting federal guidelines, state laws, rules, and policies. SSP is responsible for administering generally-funded service-wide, LEAP, and classification consolidation examinations. SSP staff provide examination consultation, technical assistance, policy guidance, as well as the interpretation of SPB selection laws, rules, regulations.

SSP Services - Selection Instruments

​

Job Analysis Review 

 Job analysis report(s) will be reviewed to ensure the critical knowledge, skills, abilities and tasks have been identified for successful job performance and that the study meets applicable state and federal laws, rules, and guidelines. If it has been determined that your job analysis report does not meet the above requirments, additional costs may be incurred.

Job Analysis

A study will be conducted to identify the critical knowledge, skills, abilities and tasks required for successful job performance. A job analysis questionnaire will be developed to collect and analyze data. Selection Services Program staff will work with your department to produce and distribute job analysis questionnaires to subject matters experts (SMEs).  

Examination Planning and Consultation

Examination planning is critical, as it serves as the foundation for the examination process. SSP can assist your department in addressing the following questions:

  • What testing method best serves your department's needs?
  • What rules and regulations must be considered?
  • What is the best way to validate the chosen selection process?
  • Which documents must be archived?

Request for Open Servicewide Examinations

Departments interested in independently administering servicewide examinations on an open basis must complete the Request For​m to Administer a Servicewide Classification and submit the request for approval to CalHR's Selection Divison at servicewide@calhr.​​ca.gov. CalHR will evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis. Factors taken into consideration when reviewing requests for approval will be:

  • If permission was given to another department to administer an examination for the requested classification and collaboration is a possibility;
  • The number of lists currently exist for the requested classifications and the number of eligibles remaining on those lists;
  • If the requesting department exhausted all possible recruitment resources prior to request (e.g list appropiration, promotional exam, statewide job announcement)
  • If the resulting list can be converted into a consortium examination to be utitlized by all state departments

Departments must receive written approval from CalHR prior to beginning their examination process. CalHR will be conducting periodic audits of open servicewide examination administration. As a result, Departments administering open servicewide examinations without CalHR approval are subject to having the established eligibility list frozen and/or abolished.​

Training and Experience (T&E) Exam Administration and Programming Services

An automated On-Line Internet examination with continuous filing and scoring will be created. SSP will review the classification specifications for each classification to develop minimum qualification questions and evaluations, then work with CalHR's Information Technology Unit for programming. Once programming is complete, there will be internal and departmental user acceptance testing (UAT) of the examination to ensure all of the features and evaluations are working properly and fix if necessary prior to releasing the exam. The departmental user acceptance testing (UAT) includes providing the department a hyperlink to the examination  to be tested by departmental subject matter experts (SMEs) for the purposes of collecting their feedback.

Minimum Qualification (MQ) Scheduling

Departments can request SSP to develop a Minimum Qualification (MQ) Scheduling system. This MQ system will allow applicants the ability to file online, receive an internet based minimum qualification determination, and option to select a date and time to be scheduled/tested. The scheduling system will only be available to applicants when there is an upcoming scheduled administration and the system will remain open until all seats are filled. This system will allow for ongoing access to the daily applicants activity and provide reports and reporting capabilities for administrative users.

Cost Proposal Inquiries

To obtain further information regarding contracting with the Selection Services Program, please contact sdproposals@calhr.ca.gov. One of our Customer Service and Outreach (CSO) ​​​team members will be glad to assist you with any questions you may have including the cost proposal process and timeframes. 

​SSP Selection Instruments (Examinations)

Assessment Centers

An assessment center is a method of evaluating candidates through the use of a battery of test procedures that assesses the level of expertise and possession of requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Training and Experience (T&E)

T&E evaluations are self-reporting instruments used to assess applicant job-related training, experience, education, accomplishments, and the possession of knowledge, skills, and abilities. SSP team will work with SMEs to develop the T&E evaluations. SSP will review, revise, and finalize the exam materials. 

Qualification Appraisal Panel (QAP) Interview

A Qualification Appraisal Panel (QAP) is a formal, systematic, and standardized interview process in which all candidates are asked the same pre-established, job-related questions in the same order.

Situational Judgment Test (SJT)

A Situational Judgment Test (SJT) typically presents applicants with a job-related scenario. The applicants then choose an appropriate course of action to indicate how they would deal with such situations or what actions they would take in response to the hypothetical situations. Responses can be either verbal or written (e.g., multiple choice). These tests are particularly well suited for aptitudes requiring decision-making.

Work Samples and Performance Tests

Work samples are a broad class of assessment techniques that replicate job tasks and/or job behavior, are administered in a standardized manner, and allow for the observation of candidate behavior in performing the prescribed tasks. Several examples include In-Basket Exercises, Writing Assessments, Oral Presentations, and Performance Tests.

Written Examinations

A written examination is a testing procedure in which a candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics (e.g., personality, customer service orientation, adaptability, etc.) are assessed through the use of a variety of item formats that may evaluate subject areas such as mathematics, reading, comprehension, grammar, spelling, and/or technical knowledge. 

511B (Minimum Qualification Tool)

The purpose of the 511B is to provide interpretation of the classification specification minimum qualifcations.

​Training

Selection Analyst Certification Program

The Selection Analyst Certification Program provides selection analysts with the foundation to build knowledge and skillsets in the area of selection. Further information on this training program, please visit: Selection Analyst Certification Program.

One Column Page
Link Back to Top