Jobs
State Application Process
The state registers
To obtain a classified position with the state of Washington, you will need to qualify to have your name placed on a state register. The purpose of the registers is to maintain a list of qualified candidates for jobs as they become available throughout the state. The Washington State Department of Personnel maintains these registers.
To have your name placed on a state register, you must achieve a qualifying score on an employment examination. The basis of these employment exams is to measure your knowledge, skills and abilities to do the job. Different examinations are designed for each register. Each classified recruitment announcement contains information about the examination for the register. Please be sure to read the recruitment announcement to find out what kind of examination will be used, how long it will take, and possibly the date, time and location of testing.
The most common types of examinations are:
A. Experience and Training (E&T) tests: Your relevant experience and training is measured in this test. Credit is given for the kinds of experience and training needed to do the job, based upon the information you provide. Many of the recruitment announcements have the exam questions printed directly on them. Be sure to answer the E&T questions thoroughly. To receive full credit, follow the format of the questions, and include all requested information such as dates of employment, types of duties you performed that pertain to each question, and the number of months you performed the duties.
B. Multiple Choice tests: Written exams are given at various locations throughout the State. The recruitment announcement will tell you how long the test will take. Some recruitments have the dates, times and locations of the test printed on them; if not, you will be notified when and where to appear for the test.
C. Some job classes do use other types of exams: This information will be on the recruitment announcement. You may also be asked to take a performance examination at the time of the interview. These performance exams are to see how you would perform doing routine tasks on the job such as telephone skills or keyboarding abilities.
For more information, visit the Department of Personnel's Frequently Asked Questions page about tests.
Special assistance is available to persons of disability whose condition would interfere with taking a test. For example, you may require a reader, sign language interpreter, or additional time if English is your second language. Please call 360-664-1960 Voice or 360-753-4107 TDD to make arrangements for special accommodations.
The Washington State Department of Personnel offers a list of tips to increase your success in searching for employment with the State of Washington. For more information, visit the Job Seekers Responsibility page.