The CEA Application Process

Career Executive Assignments (CEA) are appointments to high administrative and policy-influencing positions for which the primary responsibility is the managing of a function or rendering of management advice to top level administrative authority.

To be eligible, you must be a current civil service employee with permanent status; or be employed by the legislature for two or more consecutive years as defined in Government Code Section 18990; or be employed by the Executive Branch for two or more consecutive years in a non-elected status as defined in Government Code Section 18992.

To apply for any CEA exam, you must submit:

1. A Standard State Application Form (678) providing your experience and job titles, names and addresses of employers, periods of employment and education relevant to the minimum qualifications. (Resumes are optional).
2. A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) describing your education and experience as it directly relates to the screening criteria identified in the exam bulletin. Please provide specific examples of your experience that demonstrates each of the factors included in the screening criteria. Examples you provide may be the only tool used for determining your final score and rank on the eligible list. The SOQ also serves as documentation of each candidate's ability to clearly and concisely present information. It should not exceed two pages.  Applicants not submitting a SOQ will be disqualified from the examination. For additional information, contact rmurray@dfg.ca.gov