Exam Bulletin - Information Technology Specialist II

State of California

Exam Code: EX-1751

Examination Plans Included:

  • INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II - Open

Final Filing Date: Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Classification Details

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II: $8,130.00 - $10,893.00 (A) per Month

View the INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II classification specification.

Application Instructions

This is not a timed exam. If you request a Reasonable Accommodation your account will be locked and you will not be able to proceed with the exam until the request is processed.

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.

Who Should Apply:

The information below will help you determine which classification(s) is(are) appropriate for you. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as stated on this bulletin to compete in this examination.

Open and Open, Non-Promotional Examination(s):

  • INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II - Open

For all Classifications, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 12 months:

Exam Code(s):

    1751

For INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II, once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 12 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-01751

How To Apply:

Submit an Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) to apply for this examination.

Electronic applications can be submitted through your account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov.

Special Testing Arrangements:

If you require assistance or alternative testing arrangements due to a disability, indicate on your application that you need reasonable accommodation. You will be contacted by a representative of the testing department to make the necessary arrangements. If you have not been contacted by the time you receive notification of testing, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

If you are unable to submit your application or complete the test due to a disability, please contact the testing department listed in the Contact section of this bulletin.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants must meet the education and/or experience requirements as stated on this exam bulletin to be accepted to the examination.

Unless otherwise stated in the Minimum Qualifications, qualifying experience may be combined on a proportionate basis if the requirements stated below include more than one pattern and are distinguished as "Either" 1, "or" 2, "or" 3, etc. For example, applicants possessing qualifying experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 1 and additional experience amounting to 50% of the required time of Pattern 2 may be accepted to an examination as meeting 100% of the overall experience requirement.

00101414 - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II

When using education to meet the general experience requirements listed in the minimum qualifications, education must include the specified information technology or closely related course work. Closely related course work refers to a course of study involving the study of computing, such as software engineering, computer engineering, Management Information Systems, Geographic Information System, and computing technology.

One year as an Information Technology Specialist I; or

Five years of information technology experience, one year of which shall include experience in a lead or expert capacity performing a variety of progressively responsible technical or analytical tasks for computer systems or services in one or more of the major six domains or a closely related or emerging information technology field.

A bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for four years of the required general information technology experience. An associate's degree from an accredited college may substitute for two years of the required general information technology experience. Only one degree may be used for substitution.

When using education to meet minimum qualifications, education must include 15 semester units (or 22.5 quarter units) of information technology or closely related course work.

Position Description

00101414 - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II

Under general direction, incumbents demonstrate a depth of leadership and expertise in one or more domains. Incumbents perform a wide variety of tasks requiring innovative problem-solving where guidance is not readily available. Incumbents optimize and apply architecture solutions for the benefit of the overall organization and play a major role in advising management or formulating information technology strategy and policy within the organization. Incumbents typically work in the Software Engineering, Information Security Engineering, Information Technology Project Management, or System Engineering domains.

Incumbents may: develop and ensure security solutions and technical artifacts are in place throughout all information technology systems and platforms; monitor and assess security controls, conduct security impact analyses, and report system security statuses; perform risk assessments and recommend information technology solutions; analyze incident-related data and determine the appropriate response; design new technologies, architectures, and solutions that will support security requirements; develop implementation plans including cost-benefit or return on investment analyses; design infrastructure configuration and change management standards or requirements; develop or update project plans for information technology projects; lead and mentor project teams; manage integration of information systems and/or subsystems; manage project(s) to ensure adherence to budget, schedule, and scope; review software architecture and make recommendations regarding technical and operational feasibility; plan, design, and implement the enterprise data models using standardized modeling tools to align technology solutions with business strategies; perform configuration management and release management for system components; verify stability, interoperability, portability, security, or scalability of system architecture; create backup and recovery strategies; conduct disaster and recovery analysis, planning, implementation, and administration for systems; and monitor and conduct audits of system capacity, performance, and traffic analysis.

Preferred or Desirable Qualifications
For specific positions, departments may specify knowledge, experience, or specific training in one or more of the six identified domains.

All employees must have general qualifications as described by California Code of Regulations, title 2, section 172.

For information regarding position location(s), please refer to the Eligible List Information section.

Examination Information

We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for optimal performance when accessing the examination.

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1CalHR Online ExamN/A100%

A final score of 70% must be attained to be placed on the eligible list.

In addition to evaluating the applicant's relative knowledge, skill and ability as demonstrated by quality and breadth of education/experience, emphasis in each test component will be on measuring competitively, relative to job demands, each applicant's:

Knowledge of:
  1. Information technology governance principles and guidelines to support decision making 
  2. Complex and mission critical business processes and systems 
  3. Principles, methods and procedures for designing, developing, optimizing, and integrating systems in accordance with best practices 
  4. System specifications design, documentation, and implementation methodologies and techniques
  5. Emerging technologies and their applications to business processes
  6. Business or systems process analysis, design, testing, and implementation techniques 
  7. Techniques for assessing skills and education needs to support training, planning and development 
  8. Business continuity and technology recovery principles and processes 
  9. Principles and practices related to the design and implementation of information technology systems 
  10. Information technology systems and data auditing 
  11. The department's security and risk management policies, requirements, and acceptable level of risk 
  12. Application and implementation of information systems to meet organizational requirements 
  13. Project management lifecycle including the State of California project management standards, methodologies, tools, and processes 
  14. Software quality assurance and quality control principles, methods, tools, and techniques 
  15. Research and information technology best practice methods and processes to identify current and emerging trends in technology and risk management processes 
  16. State and federal privacy laws, policies, and standards
Ability to:
  1. Formulate and recommend policies and procedures 
  2. Perform effectively in a fast-paced environment with constantly changing priorities 
  3. Establish and maintain project priorities 
  4. Apply federal, state, department, and organizational policies and procedures to state information technology operations 
  5. Apply systems life cycle management concepts used to plan, develop, implement, operate, and maintain information systems 
  6. Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interests of the organization 
  7. Consider the business implications of the technology to the current and future business environment 
  8. Communicate change impacts and change activities through various methods 
  9. Conduct end-user training 
  10. Collaborate closely with technical subject matter experts such as database administrators, network engineers, and server administrators to ensure systems are secure and meet compliance requirements 
  11. Assess situation to determine the importance, urgency, and risks to the project and the organization 
  12. Make decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization 
  13. Provide quality and timely ad hoc project information to executives, project team members, and stakeholders 
  14. Develop decision making documents 
  15. Assess and understand complex business processes and customer requirements to ensure new technologies, architectures, and security products will meet their needs
  16. Recognize and apply technology trends and industry best practices 
  17. Assess training needs related to the application of technology 
  18. Interpret audit findings and results 
  19. Implement information assurance principles and organizational requirements to protect confidentiality, integrity, availability, authenticity, and non-repudiation of information and data 
  20. Apply principles and methods for planning or managing the implementation, update, or integration of information systems components 
  21. Apply the principles, methods, techniques, and tools for developing scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, and risk and procurement management 
  22. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the applied change management activities 
  23. Keep informed on technology trends and industry best practices and recommend appropriate solutions
  24. Foster a team environment through leadership and conflict management 
  25. Effectively negotiate with project stakeholders, suppliers, or sponsors to achieve project objectives 
  26. Analyze the effectiveness of the backup and recovery of data, programs, and services

    Eligible List Information

    A Servicewide Open eligible list for the INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II Classification will be established for:

    • State of California

    The names of successful competitors will be merged onto the eligible list(s) in order of final score regardless of test date. Eligibility expires 12 months after it is established. Applicants must then retake the examination to reestablish eligibility.

    Resulting Eligibility List(s) will be used to fill vacancies throughout the State of California.

    Veterans' Preference will be granted for this examination. Veterans' Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans' Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.

    You are not eligible for Veteran's Preference if you are:

    • A veteran who has been dishonorably discharged or released.
    • A veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who currently has permanent civil service status. (Permanent civil service status is the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This does not include limited term).

    Veterans' Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.

    Veteran status is verified by the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR). Directions to apply for Veterans' Preference are on the Veterans' Preference Application (Std. Form 1093), which is available at www.CalCareers.ca.gov, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

    Career Credits are not granted for examination(s) administered on an Open basis or a Promotional basis.

    Information Technology Specialist II Training and Experience Exam Preview

    Section 1: Knowledge

    Instructions:
    Rate your knowledge in relation to the following job-related statements. Then choose how much experience you have demonstrating your knowledge in relation to each statement. Respond to each of the following statements by choosing the option that most closely applies to you. You are required to respond to every item.

    Respond to each of the following statements by indicating how the statement applies to you. You are required to respond to every question and provide relevant examples. Also, indicate the references who can verify the information provided.

    In responding to each statement, you may refer to your WORK EXPERIENCE, whether paid or volunteer, your EDUCATION, and/or FORMAL TRAINING COURSES you have completed.

    PLEASE NOTE: This examination is designed to gain an overall assessment of your education, training, and experience as it directly relates to the duties and the knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position. Possession of specific education is not required to be successful in this examination; however, such achievements may substitute for desirable levels of experience. All components of this examination have been carefully validated by tying them directly to job requirements and documenting their relevance to the position.

    1. Knowledge of fundamental Information Technology concepts, practices, and/or principles to provide a foundation for technology related work.
    2. Knowledge of Information Technology industry best practices and/or guidelines used to solve complex technology related issues.
    3. Knowledge of policies, principles, techniques, and/or procedures used to deliver and/or support IT solutions or services.
    4. Knowledge of the development and/or utilization of technologies to meet current and/or future business needs.
    5. Knowledge of the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) including the associated methodologies, tools, and processes.

    Section 2: Abilities

    Instructions:
    Rate your ability in relation to the following job-related statements. Then choose how much experience you have demonstrating your ability in relation to each statement. Respond to each of the following statements by choosing the option that most closely applies to you. You are required to respond to every item.

    Respond to each of the following statements by indicating how the statement applies to you. You are required to respond to every question and provide relevant examples.

    Also, indicate the references who can verify the information provided.

    In responding to each statement, you may refer to your WORK EXPERIENCE, whether paid or volunteer, your EDUCATION, and/or FORMAL TRAINING COURSES you have completed.

    PLEASE NOTE: This examination is designed to gain an overall assessment of your education, training, and experience as it directly relates to the duties and the knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position. Possession of specific education is not required to be successful in this examination; however, such achievements may substitute for desirable levels of experience. All components of this examination have been carefully validated by tying them directly to job requirements and documenting their relevance to the position.

    6. Ability to comprehend technical documents to interpret specifications, solution implementations, capabilities, interdependencies, or compatibilities.
    7. Ability to effectively communicate technical information to non-technical people.
    8. Ability to collaborate closely with other subject matter experts to ensure Information Technology solutions meet functional and non-functional requirements.
    9. Ability to perform effectively in fast-paced environments and adjust priorities in response to urgent matters.
    10. Ability to identify complex problems, perform analysis to evaluate alternatives, and recommend appropriate solutions.
    11. Ability to analyze, develop, and/or document complex business processes and/or requirements utilizing industry best practices and standard methodologies.
    12. Ability to provide consultation and/or expertise in at least one information technology domain to assist with IT related issues.
    13. Ability to lead or oversee Information Technology efforts by coordinating with multidisciplinary groups to deliver an Information Technology product, service, or system as a business solution.
    14. Ability to respond to incidents or requests to meet service and/or operational level expectations.

    Testing Departments

    • State of California

    Contact Information

    Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

    State of California
    CalCareer Service Center
    1810 16th Street
    Sacramento, CA 95811
    Phone: (866) 844-8671
    CalCareer@calhr.ca.gov

    California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice). TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

    Equal Opportunity Employer

    The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

    Drug Free Statement

    It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free State work place. Any applicant for State employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective, because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing civil service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

    General Information

    Examination and/or Employment Application (STD 678) forms are available at the California Department of Human Resources, local offices of the Employment Development Department, and through your CalCareer Account (www.CalCareers.ca.gov).

    If you meet the requirements stated on this examination bulletin, you may take this examination, which is competitive. Possession of the entrance requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination described in this bulletin will be rated against a predetermined job-related rating, and all applicants who pass will be ranked according to their scores.

    State of California reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service laws and rules and all applicants will be notified.

    General Qualifications: Applicants must possess essential personal qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, the ability to work cooperatively with others, and a state of health consistent with the ability to perform the assigned duties of the class. A medical examination may be required. In open examinations, investigation may be made of employment records and personal history and fingerprinting may be required.

    Eligible Lists: Eligible lists established by competitive examination, regardless of date, must be used in the following order: 1) sub-divisional promotional, 2) departmental promotional, 3) multi-departmental promotional, 4) service-wide promotional, 5) departmental open, 6) open. When there are two lists of the same kind, the older must be used first. Eligible lists will expire in one to four years unless otherwise stated on the bulletin.

    High School Equivalence: Equivalence to completion of the 12th grade may be demonstrated in any one of the following ways: 1) passing the General Education Development (GED) Test; 2) completion of 12 semester units of college-level work; 3) certification from the State Department of Education, a local school board, or high school authorities that the competitor is considered to have education equivalent to graduation from high school; or 4) for clerical and accounting classes, substitution of business college work in place of high school on a year-for-year basis.

    Accepted applicants must provide proof of identification at each in-person test session. Acceptable identification consists of a photo identification card or two forms of signed identification.
    Application Methods:
    Electronic (Your CalCareer Account)