Selection Services Program (SSP)

Back to Selection Division

SSP provides test development and validation, examination assembly, and exam 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 servicewide, LEAP, and classification consolidation examinations. SSP staff provide examination consultation, technical assistance, and policy guidance, as well as the interpretation of SPB selection laws, rules, and regulations.

SSP Services – Selection Instruments

Job Analysis Review

Job analysis report(s) will be reviewed to ensure the critical tasks, knowledge, skills, and abilities 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 requirements, additional costs may be incurred.

Job Analysis Development

A study will be conducted to identify the critical tasks, knowledge, skills, and abilities 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 matter 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?

Minimum Qualification (MQ) Programming and UAT

Departments can request SSP to program Minimum Qualification (MQ) questions and conduct UAT on provided passing patterns. This MQ system will allow applicants the ability to file online, and receive an internet based minimum qualification determination. SSP provides these services to state departments on a fee-for-service basis. Once programmed, departments will receive a justification memo to provide to their ECOS consultant that will allow them to create LEAP exams for the specific classification.

Request to Administer Servicewide Examinations

Departments interested in independently administering servicewide examinations on an open basis must submit the request for approval to CalHR’s Selection Division through the RTS by selecting the “Request to Administer Servicewide Classification.” 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 that 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 appropriation, promotional exam, statewide job announcement)
If the resulting list can be converted into servicewide examination to be utilized 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 administrations. As a result, Departments administering open servicewide examinations without CalHR approval are subject to having the established eligibility list frozen and/or abolished.

Cost Proposal Inquiries

To obtain further information regarding contracting with the Selection Services Program, departments should submit a request through the RTS by selecting the “Contracted Examination Services” request form. A consultation call will be scheduled, where scope, costs, timeframes, and deliverables will be defined.

SSP Selection Instruments (Examinations)

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. The 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 behaviors, 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., 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 qualifications.

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.

SSP Resources for State HR Professionals

Job Analysis Templates and Resources

Please go to the Job Analysis Grapevine page to view job analysis templates and resource,