Welcome to the State Personnel Board

Constitutionally established in 1934, the State Personnel Board (SPB) is responsible for guiding and directing California's Civil Service System to ensure that employment decisions are based on merit and free from political patronage. SPB adopts all classifications and establishes all rules and policies governing recruitment and selection. SPB audits departments' employment practices for compliance with merit system laws and rules. Additionally, SPB hears state employee appeals from disciplinary actions and investigates and resolves merit-related examination and appointment complaints, as well as whistleblower retaliation complaints and requests to file charges against state employees. The Executive Officer renders decisions in cases filed by employee organizations challenging state contracts for personal services based on a violation of the civil service mandate.

SPB is led by a five-member board appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate for ten-year terms. The five-member board meets monthly to approve classifications, prescribe probationary periods, adopt merit-related rules, hear appeals and decide complaints. The Board appoints an Executive Officer to administer the civil service system under the rules adopted by the Board.

What's New?

• Final Notice for CEA Proposal Process
• Notice of Decision Not to Proceed with the Discrimination Complaint Process Rulemaking Action
• Final Notice for Petitions to Participate in Examinations
• Waiver of Appointment Regulatory Action Memo
• Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Action: Conflict of Interest Code
• Waiver of Appointment Action Approved
• 15-Day Notice Period, CEA Proposal Process
• Final Notice for Discrimination Complaint Process
• Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Action: Petitions to Participate in Examinations
• Final Notice for Waiver of Appointment
• Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Action: CEA Proposal Process
• Cost Savings CPI 2026
• Second 15-Day Notice Period, Waiver of Appointment
• State Personnel Board Elects 2026 Officers

View older announcements in the What's New Archive »