Career Executive Assignments
Statutory Definition
Government Code Section 18547 defines Career Executive Assignment "as an appointment to a high administrative and policy influencing position within the state civil service in which the incumbent's primary responsibility is the managing of a function or the rendering of management advice to top level administrative authority". Such a position can be established only in the top managerial levels of state service and is typified by broad responsibility for policy implementation and extensive participation in policy evolvement.
SPB's Role
Article VII, Section 3 of the State Constitution provides SPB with the authority to prescribe probationary periods and classifications; this includes establishment of Career Executive Assignment allocations. Departmental requests to establish new or revise existing CEA allocations must be submitted to SPB for review.Each proposal is assessed based on the strength of the request. For more information see SPB Policy Memo dated September 3, 2002 titled: Establishing New Career Executive Positions.
Government Code Section 19889-19889.4 establishes the Career Executive Assignment (CEA) category of civil service appointment.Career Executive Assignments are meant to encourage the development and effective use of well-qualified and carefully selected executives.Government Code 19889 states "In order to carry out this purpose the State Personnel Board shall establish by rule a system of merit personnel administration specifically suited to the selection and placement of executive personnel". California Code of Regulations, Subchapter 2, Career Executive Assignments Sections 548 through 548.154 outline the SPB Rules for CEA allocations.
Government Code Sections 19889.3, 18990 and 18992 define eligibility requirements for candidates to compete in Career Executive Assignment Examinations.
Responsibilities of SPB vs. DPA
The State Personnel Board is responsible for new CEA allocations, revision of existing CEA allocations, return rights of terminated CEAs (both regular and improved) and CEA examinations. The Department of Personnel Administration is responsible for CEA levels, red circle rates, salary cap and salary flat rates.
Online Bulletin System
Current Open CEA Exam Bulletins can be located on the Online Bulletin System.
- CEA Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
- Link to Additional CEA Information Resources
- Link to 2006 Report on CEA Positions
- Link to CEA Reinstatement Rights Worksheet
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