Federal Workers FAQ

Below are frequently asked questions relating to federal workers transitioning to state service including information about benefits and retirement and resources for navigating the application and hiring process.
  1. I’m a federal worker living out of state but want to apply to work in California. Am I required to live in California when applying?
    1. You are not required to live in California when you apply. However, you need to reside in the state once you are hired and start working.
  2. What resources are available for me to learn more about state departments and the application process?
    1. There are online resources on the Work for California (Work4CA) website, including videos and tutorials. You may also find virtual and in-person job fairs on our Work4CA Hiring Events webpage. You may also call CalCareers for support using the Help Page on the CalCareers website.
      Finally, some departments may offer personalized support including one-to-one career consultations and virtual webinars. You can find these through the department's career webpages, LinkedIn posts and our events on the Work4CA Hiring Events webpage.
  3. I previously worked for the federal government. Am I required to take an examination to work for the State of California?
    1. All applicants regardless of prior public service must take an exam or assessment to qualify for most classifications.
  4. Will my federal experience count towards any state benefits, such as seniority or vesting?
    1. Federal work experience cannot qualify for state service credits or seniority scores. For additional information on qualifying services, please visit 1709 – Seniority Calculations HR Manual.
      For information on healthcare vesting with a State of California employer, please visit the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) website.
  5. Does the state offer retirement plans similar to federal plans (e.g., FERS or CSRS)?
    1. The California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) administers retirement benefits for state employees through a defined benefit plan. The plan provides benefits based on members’ years of service, age, and final compensation. In addition, benefits are provided for disability death, and payments to survivors or beneficiaries of eligible members. The state also offers additional opportunities to save for retirement through its Savings Plus Program with 401(k) and 457 Plans.
  6. Is there reciprocity between the national vesting system and California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)?
    1. You can learn about reciprocity on the CalPERS website.
  7. What benefits are available to state employees?
    1. The State of California offers a competitive benefits package for employees, including health, dental, vision, reimbursement accounts, cash options (or cash in lieu of benefits), group legal services insurance, group long-term disability insurance, employee assistance program, and more. You can learn more about the benefits offered on the Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website as well as the Benefits Summary Guide on the benefits website.
      State employees are also eligible for several types of time off, including annual leave, or vacation and sick leave, holidays, personal day and more. Visit the Leave Benefits webpage for more information. Additionally, some departments may offer flexible work arrangements.
  8. How does the state determine starting salary for new employees?
    1. New-to-state candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range, where applicable, unless there is a Hire Above Minimum rate established for the classification (see Payscale Section 5).
  9. Is there a list of qualifications that I can use to match my federal experience to those required for state employment?
    1. The specific qualifications required for employment are found in the “Minimum Qualifications” section of the official classification specification for each type of state job. The class specifications are typically linked from the open jobs advertised on CalCareers. The state has careers available in a wide variety of occupations requiring varying levels and/or types of experience and/or education/licensure/credential.
  10. Will I be given any specific priority for my federal service?
    1. Like the federal government, the State of California adheres to the merit principle. You must demonstrate that you are the most qualified applicant in the candidate pool through the hiring process.
  11. What programs are available for veterans and veterans’ partners?
    1. Veterans’ Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans’ Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date. Please note, you still must prove your eligibility and participate in all the steps of the competitive hiring process. Veterans’ Preference does not guarantee you will be selected for an interview or for a position. This is a voluntary assistance program, and Veterans are not required to participate. Veterans’ Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.
  12. What programs are available for persons with disabilities?
    1. If you are a person with a disability who (1) has a physical or mental impairment or medical condition that limits one or more major life activities; (2) has a record or history of such impairment or medical conditions, or; (3) is regarded as having such an impairment or medical condition, you may wish to participate in Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP), authorized by Government Code sections 19240-19243.4.
  13. What job protections do state government employees have?
    1. Most employees who are appointed to permanent civil service classes gain certain status rights and job protections after passing probation for their classification which prevents them from being arbitrarily dismissed or laid off without due process. More information about Layoff protections can be found on our website: Layoff Information for Employees and Layoffs and SROA Frequently Asked Questions
      State employees also enjoy a robust set of legal protections from discrimination, retaliation, and unfair treatment. These protections are reinforced by laws, regulations, and union contracts (also referred to as a memorandum of understanding) can provide additional safeguards such as seniority-based job protections, grievance processes, employment-related actions, and extra workplace protections.
  14. If I have never worked in the state before, how long will it take me to vest?
    1. The time it will take you to vest depends on what field you work in. We recommend you visit the CalPERS website to learn more or contact them directly.
  15. What is the state’s hiring process timeline like?
    1. Jobs are posted for a minimum of 10 calendar days. After the final filing date, applications are screened and only the most qualified are moved forward to the next stage of the hiring process, which often consists of an interview. This process can take anywhere between a couple of weeks to a couple of months. The selected applicant is required to meet minimum qualifications and also to have eligibility, often through passing the examination. Taking the examination and obtaining eligibility prior to applying can help to streamline the process.
  16. Are there relocation benefits for state government positions?
    1. New-hires to state service may be eligible to submit reimbursement claims for allowable, state-approved relocation expenses. Typically, relocation reimbursement for allowable expenses for new-hires to state service is permissive (not mandatory), conditional, and must be approved in advance. Certain allowable relocation expenses may require advance approval from the Department of Finance and/or CalHR in addition to the required advance approval by the appointing power (hiring agency or department).
      Since each relocation situation is unique, employees who have inquiries about the relocation policy should contact their employer for guidance. For bargaining units with an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), if the MOU contains relocation language that is in conflict with this language, the MOU language shall be controlling. Please note that some MOUs may reference the excluded relocation rules.
  17. I have worked for the state before. How will my prior state service count towards seniority and vesting?
    1. This depends on how long you worked, what your role was and when you were hired. Please reach out to the HR office at the department where you are hired and/or CalPERS for specific retirement-related guidance.
  18. For federal employees who are interested in executive-level opportunities, what is the difference between civil service executive roles and exempt executive roles?
    1. Civil service executive roles are typically allocated to the Career Executive Assignment classification (class code 7500). CEAs are non-tenured executive positions available to individuals inside or outside of state civil service who meet the requirements for the specific role and who are successful in the examination process for the specific CEA position. Exempt executives are typically governor’s appointees and would have to apply through the Governor’s Office website. No exam is required for Exempt positions, which enjoy many benefits of civil servants without being subject to the examination-based selection process. Exempt appointees are also at-will
  19. What is the CEA process?
    1. Career Executive Assignments (CEAs) are state employees in high-level managerial positions. CEAs develop and implement policy. They may serve in a department Director's cabinet or form a department's executive staff. CEAs serve at the top levels in a department (first or second levels for small departments, top three for medium-sized departments, top four for large departments). You can learn more about them on the Career Executive Assignments webpage.
  20. How can I join the Administration?
    1. You can find appointment opportunities through the Governor’s Office website. This includes government and judicial appointments.
  21. Where can I find an organizational chart for state departments?
    1. You can find organizational charts on their websites. If you would like to see the Governor’s Office or Executive Branch organization charts, you can find them on the Governor’s Office website.
  22. How should I fill out my application template? What is an STD 678?
    1. Learn about how to fill out an application template with the help of our video, Work4CA: How to Fill Out an Application. It walks you through the application and the different parts of it.
  23. What is a Statement of Qualifications?
    1. The Statement of Qualifications is often required to apply for a career with the state of California. An SOQ is a way for employers to learn about an applicant’s qualifications and experience in job-related areas. The Statement of Qualifications is like a set of interview questions that you answer in writing with specific examples. Typically, an SOQ consists of one or more questions asking you to address your qualifications. An SOQ may be scored as part of the application screening process and may serve as a writing sample and written interview for the recruitment. Not every position requires an SOQ, so double check the instructions for each position you apply to.
  24. What should I expect at a state interview?
    1. Our Work4CA Interview Checklist provides information to help people prepare for interviews, what to expect during it and suggestions on what to do after the interview.
  25. Does the state offer telework opportunities for employees?
    1. Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-22-25 on March 3, 2025, which requires all agencies and departments within the Governor’s Administration to update their hybrid telework policies to a default of at least four days per week by July 1, 2025. The order establishes a four-day-per-week in-office expectation, with further telework flexibilities granted on a case-by-case basis in light of individual circumstances, consistent with the executive order and existing family-friendly employment policies and legal obligations.
  26. Additional Resource
    1. CalCareers FAQ