Generalist Class Consolidation

Approved on Aug. 11, 2025, the Generalist Classification Consolidation will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026. This initiative is the largest human resources streamlining effort in California in decades. Once implemented, this consolidation will reduce 67 classifications into eight and impacts over 30,000 Bargaining Unit 1 and related excluded positions throughout state government.

The Generalist Classification Consolidation project launched in 2015, and it has been guided by executive orders (N-16-22; N-11-23, N-30-25) and various civil service efficiency initiatives sponsored by the Government Operations Agency. In partnership with the State Personnel Board (SPB), CalHR spearheaded this consolidation to meet the State’s evolving hiring needs.

CalHR began developing the Generalist Classification Consolidation concept over 10 years ago. After extensive research, recommendations and several iterations, CalHR settled on a cost-neutral version of the consolidation in 2021. The Union and Excluded Organizations were noticed of the finalized proposal in August 2024, with consensus gained from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in May 2025. This allowed the consolidation to be heard and approved on Aug. 11, 2025, at an SPB meeting.

The Generalist Classification Consolidation focused on classifications that are analytical in nature, including the supervisory and managerial levels. The work includes but is not limited to program support; administrative services functions; human resources; business services; budgets; and contracts. Classifications that fell under these areas were consolidated.

Once implemented, on Jan. 1, 2026, this consolidation will revise and re-title the service-wide Staff Services series; establish the Analyst III and Analyst IV classifications; reallocate by board resolution incumbents of department-specific classifications to the revised/retitled or new classifications; and abolish the old classifications after reallocation. The alternate range criteria (ARC) 069 will be revised and added to the Analyst I classification, and the following ARCs will be abolished: 005, 065, 113, 137, 149, and 412. The Generalist series utilizes the single-pattern style minimum qualifications, where inside and outside state service experience are equivalent. The minimum qualifications were broadened to allow analytical, technical, clerical or customer service experience to be equally qualifying. In addition, education may be applied on a year for year basis in lieu of experience. The examination will go-live on Jan. 1, 2026.

Consolidating and modernizing the state’s complex Classification Plan is a giant step toward improving the hiring process in state government. Classification consolidation means fewer civil service classifications, which means fewer examinations and that is simply more efficient and cost-effective. This shift is a step in the right direction to address several key issues in California’s hiring process. By broadening the minimum qualifications and removing unnecessary educational barriers in the Generalist Classification Consolidation, the state took a giant step toward making it easier to attract qualified candidates into civil service and for departments to find the right talent.

The Generalist Classification Consolidation delivers fewer classification; fewer examinations; easier hiring; transfer options; and a greater career path with potential promotional opportunities for those who are not interested in supervising. On Jan. 1, 2026, we are not only promoting a stronger state government, but this consolidation will also result in improvements to the state by providing:

• Faster, streamlined and more efficient hiring process
• Reduced administrative burden
• Simplify transfers
• Reduce costs to state
• Modernized job descriptions
• Skills-based hiring leading to better candidates
• Greater candidate clarity on job requirements
• Improved career paths and opportunities
• Clearer career path and progression
• Broader experience is valued
• Improved recruitment and retention

• Allocation Guides – Coming Soon
• Alternate Range Criteria 069
  • ARC 069
  • Abolished ARCs
• Board Memo Generalist
• Class Structure
• Classification Mapping
• Class Specifications
  • Analyst
  • Supervisor/Manager
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Generalist Class Consolidation Presentation
• Generalist Class Consolidation Recording
• Glossary – Coming Soon

For questions or further information, please email consolidation@calhr.ca.gov.