120. Probationary Periods

Introduction

Government Code Section 19170 provides that the probationary period for permanent employees shall be six months unless the State Personnel Board (SPB) establishes a longer period of not more than one year.

Article VII, Section 3(a) of the State Constitution provides that SPB, by majority vote, shall prescribe probationary periods (see GC Sections 19170, et seq.). SPB Rules 321–327 also have information related to administering probationary requirements. For further information on interpretation of these laws and rules, contact SPB staff and/or refer to their policy manuals.

Establishing or Changing the Length of a Probationary Period

The probationary period for a class is determined when the class is established. It is based on considerations related to the work performed, the length of time required to demonstrate job proficiency, and the length of time needed to evaluate work performance.

NOTE: Extending the length of the probationary period for individuals occurs if the probationer is absent from the position for an extended duration. These extensions are governed by SPB Rules 321 and 322.

Change of probationary period for a class may be proposed by departments subject to the Department of Personnel Administration review. A change in the length of a probationary period requires approval by SPB. This is done using the Board Item process described in Section 105 of this manual.

Standards for Six-Month Probationary Periods

A six-month probationary period is appropriate when class incumbents are exposed to most work assignments during a six-month period, and supervisors have sufficient time to effectively evaluate job performance. A six-month probationary period is appropriate in the absence of clearly identified reasons for a longer period.

Typically, classes that are appropriate for six-month probationary periods do not require advanced education or highly specialized skills. These classes may include some entry-level and trainee classes.

Standards for Twelve-Month Probationary Periods

Classes that perform work that cannot be effectively evaluated in six months usually have 12-month probationary periods. This longer period may be needed for a variety of reasons such as the duration of the work cycle, the specialized knowledge required, the independent nature of the work, or the time needed to make meaningful movement toward a long-term goal. Some of the work assignments and conditions that call for 12-month probationary periods include:

  • Administrative and executive classes, and selected professional, technical, clerical, and scientific classes typically at the full-journey level and above.
  • Classes whose assignments are usually long term, or of such a variety where the effectiveness of the assigned duties performed cannot be evaluated on a day-to-day basis.
  • Classes that require specialized knowledge and skills of a highly technical nature which are relatively uncommon to State service.
  • Classes having an organized training program (such as Park Ranger) whose training program extends beyond six months.
  • Classes that require travel or field work with limited or occasional supervision.
  • Classes in which the job cycle is not completed within a six-month period (such as Budget Analyst where the full work cycle corresponds to the annual budget cycle).
  • Managerial and supervisory classes.