DAS/HRD Certification - Information for Job Seekers

How do I apply? Online job postings and applications are available at careers.ohio.gov. For more information, contact the Civil Service Test & State Job Information Office at (614) 466-6947 or toll free at (877) 597-0077.

What if the job requires a test? Civil service examinations are given so that agencies are provided with a list of names to consider for certain job openings. When choosing counties, applicants should only select those counties in which they would accept an offer of a position. Counties may be deleted (at any time) or added (change of address only) upon written request. Results are mailed after the test is scored. A passing score of 70 or better places your name on an eligible list for one year in active status, but does not constitute a job guarantee. For information related to currently scheduled examinations, the testing program, test scores, reviewing your test, or retesting, contact the Civil Service Test & State Job Information Office.

What's my initial ranking? You may contact Certification Services for your initial ranking on the eligible list, upon receipt of your test score in the mail. A ranking does not constitute a guarantee of employment. The eligible list will be used only when agencies have vacancies to fill. Thus, when many vacancies are to be filled, more lists will be used. The scores are ranked from highest to lowest. This is the basis of the merit selection process. A ranking of 100 means there are 99 people ahead of you on the list. A ranking of 10 or lower would mean your name may be sent to the first agency that requests to fill a vacant position. Your ranking will fluctuate during your year of eligibility due to names being constantly added to or deleted from the list.

How long will I have to wait? We realize this can be the toughest part of the process, but you must rely on your patience. Three things must happen for your name to be sent to an agency: (1) there must be a vacancy, (2) you must be ranked among the top ten available names, and (3) the agency must request a list to fill the position externally. Forecasting job openings or when your name will be sent to an agency is impossible because agencies determine vacant positions and the timeframe by which they will be filled. If your name is sent to an agency, it is their responsibility to provide you with written notice regarding the position. Receipt of the written notice is confirmation that you are being considered and may be interviewed. The agencies will determine whom to select to fill the vacant position from the list of eligible names provided by our office.

How are positions filled? Job openings may be filled with the internal movement of an existing employee within the parameters established by civil service laws and respective bargaining unit contracts. If it is determined that there are no qualified employees who possess rights to the vacancy, the agency will request an eligible list. A list of the available ten highest scoring applicants will be sent to the agency for consideration. The agency will then send written notice to all individuals on the list, informing them of the nature and location of the position and that they are being considered for appointment. The agency may also call applicants, in addition to the written notification. All applicants are given six calendar days to reply to the agency. The result of your reply will determine your future status on the list. Our office will receive one of the following results from your communication with the agency.

'Selected' - accepting an offered position and starting date. Status is 'certified' and appointed. Name unavailable for future vacancies.
'Available not selected' - available, but not selected. Name will remain on the list in active status.
'Waived this pcn' - - not interested in position. Name will remain on the list in active status, except for waived position.
'Waived this class' - no longer interested in job title. Name will remain on the list in inactive status, and can be restored by written request.
'Declined job offer' - declining an offered position and starting date. Name will remain on the list in active status for agencies not declined.
'No reply' - failing to respond within six calendar days. Name will remain on the list in inactive status, and can be restored by written request.
'No show' - failing to show for a scheduled interview. Name will remain on the list in inactive status, and can be restored by written request.

Applicants who 'waived this pcn', 'waived this class', 'declined job offer', 'no reply' or 'no show', will be sent a letter by our office to ensure accuracy. This letter will provide your current status, agency contact information for result clarification, and the process for restoring your name to the list, should an error or miscommunication occur.

Keep your address and phone number current. Changes must be in writing and may be mailed or faxed to Certification Services. Our fax number is (614) 728-7096.
Take all examinations in classifications in which you have interest, and request in writing that your name be removed when you no longer have interest.
Maintain detailed records of test titles, dates of tests, test results, expiration dates, letters of notification, applications, phone conversations, and any other related correspondence. Have these records on-hand when communicating with or visiting all state employment contacts.
Reply immediately to any vacancy notification with true intent, referring to the bulleted results included above. It's important that you accurately portray your interest to the agency.
Read all posted job openings and correspondence carefully, and contact the initiator with any questions or concerns.
Provide our offices with feedback; let us know how we are doing. We want to know what you need and expect from our services; we value your input.


state home	OIT home	DAS home	site map	contact HRD	search DAS	privacy policy

Certification Services offers this information to assist you.