Exam Bulletin - Quality Control Technician, PI (Cleaning Products)

Prison Industry Authority

Exam Code: EX-2119

Examination Plans Included:

  • QUALITY CONTROL TECHNICIAN, PRISON INDUSTRIES (CLEANING PRODUCTS) - Open

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

Bulletin Updates

  • Continuous filing dates have been added.
  • Clicking the “Apply Now” above on this exam bulletin does not submit your application to the job vacancy, the link above is for the exam only. You must go to the job posting to apply for the position separately.
  • Test Details section on the Exam Bulletin has been updated.

Classification Details

QUALITY CONTROL TECHNICIAN, PRISON INDUSTRIES (CLEANING PRODUCTS): $5,453.00 - $6,770.00 per Month

View the QUALITY CONTROL TECHNICIAN, PRISON INDUSTRIES (CLEANING PRODUCTS) classification specification.

Application Instructions

TIP: It is recommended to apply to a job vacancy via the job posting prior to taking the exam, as the exam process may exceed the job posting final filing date. When applying to a job posting you may choose “other” when asked for eligibility then enter in the text field “Exam application being submitted”. This is a department specific exam; you must submit your STD 678 State Application directly to the Department to be admitted to this exam.

The ONLY methods to apply for this exam is by emailing the Department’s exam unit, mailing, or dropping off to the address indicated in the instructions; applying through CalCareers is not an option. By clicking the “Apply Now” button at the top of the bulletin, you will be prompted to either use a template application or create an application. You will then be directed to either download to PDF or print a hard copy to submit via the accepted options (email, mail or drop off).

Please see the “How to Apply” section of this exam bulletin for more details.

Upcoming Filing Cutoff Dates:

  • 4/10/2025
  • 4/24/2025
  • 5/1/2025
  • 5/15/2025
  • 5/29/2025
  • 6/12/2025
  • 6/26/2025
  • 7/10/2025
  • 7/24/2025
  • 8/7/2025
  • 8/21/2025
  • 9/4/2025
  • 9/18/2025
  • 10/2/2025
  • 10/16/2025
  • 10/30/2025
  • 11/13/2025
  • 12/4/2025
  • 12/18/2025
  • 1/8/2026

Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) must be received or postmarked by the filing date indicated above. Applications postmarked, personally delivered or received via interoffice mail after the filing date will be processed in the next group.

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):

  • QUALITY CONTROL TECHNICIAN, PRISON INDUSTRIES (CLEANING PRODUCTS) - Open

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

Exam Code(s):

    2119

For QUALITY CONTROL TECHNICIAN, PRISON INDUSTRIES (CLEANING PRODUCTS), once you have participated in any of the following examinations, you may not recompete for 12 months:

Exam Code(s):

  • EX-02119

How To Apply:

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

You may apply by mail to:

  • Prison Industries Authority
    Exam Unit
    560 East Natoma Street
    Folsom, CA 95630

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678).

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

  • Prison Industry Authority
    Exam Unit
    560 East Natoma Street
    Folsom, CA 95630
    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Non-operational weekends and holidays

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678). All applicants must provide proof of identification. Accepted forms of identification are: 1) a photo identification card or 2) two forms of signed identification.

You may apply by email to:

Exams@calpia.ca.gov

Indicate the Examination Code and Classification(s) on your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678).

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.

00103080 - QUALITY CONTROL TECHNICIAN, PRISON INDUSTRIES (CLEANING PRODUCTS)

Either I

Two years of experience in California state service performing the duties of a Laboratory Technician (Chemical Analysis).

Or II

Experience: Two years of any kind of chemical testing and analyses
and 

Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with major work in chemistry. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.)

Position Description

00103080 - QUALITY CONTROL TECHNICIAN, PRISON INDUSTRIES (CLEANING PRODUCTS)

A Quality Control Technician, Prison Industries (Cleaning Products) is responsible for evaluating and updating current formulations to ensure the department is providing a safe quality product to our customers; reviews packaging and labeling criteria; PH testing of waste tank water before disposal; reviews Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for accuracy; tests all raw materials and the certification of analysis; reviews and troubleshoots any batch sheet issues; tests and retain samples of chemicals produced by the factory for quality control purposes; and reviews all regulatory requirements for label text. A Quality Control Technician, Prison Industries (Cleaning Products) also plans and schedules production including labor, materials, and equipment; coordinates and/or supervises installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment and/or machinery; makes recommendations to increase production efficiency and product quality; trains, counsels, and supervises offenders or residents in production work, quality control, safety, and personnel development; evaluates their performance and recommends appropriate action; assists in budget preparation and makes recommendations for needed materials, labor, and equipment; supervises preparation of records and reports on production, processing, and inventories; maintains order and supervises the conduct of persons committed to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; prevents escapes and injury by these persons to themselves or others or to property; maintains security of working areas and work materials; inspects and searches premises for contraband; and does other related work.

Special Personal Characteristics

Tact, patience, and ability to work with persons confined in a correctional institute on.


Special Physical Characteristics

Persons appointed to positions in this class must be reasonably expected to have and maintain sufficient strength, agility, and endurance to perform during stressful (physical, mental, and emotional) situations encountered on the job without compromising their health and well-being or that of their fellow employees or that of incarcerated individuals.  Assignments during tour of duty may include sole responsibility for the supervision of incarcerated individuals and/or the protection of personal and real property.

Additional Desirables

Supervisory experience; education equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12) grade; and assertiveness.

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

Examination Information

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1Supplemental ReportAfter Acceptance100%

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

It is anticipated that candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for this examination will be sent an email within 2 business days after the cut-off datewhich will contain the instructions and the link to complete the online Training and Experience (T&E) examination. It is the candidate’s responsibility to contact California Prison Industry’s Examination Unit at (916) 358-2696 or email Exams@calpia.ca.gov if they have not received the T&E link within 2 business days of the cut-off date.

NOTE: The Training and Experience (T&E) exam link will be sent to YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS INDICATED ON YOUR STD 678 APPLICATION from Survey Monkey. Any requests for alternative email addresses must be requested by contacting the Examination Unit at Exams@calpia.ca.gov before the cut-off date.

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. Fundamentals of general, analytical, inorganic and organic chemistry to ensure compliance with CALPIA programs and regulations in order to conduct CALPIA activities and achieve its goals.
  2. Chemical laboratory methods, procedures, materials and equipment used in making quantitative and qualitative analyses to ensure accuracy and effectiveness, and analyze and summarize data.
  3. Principles of organic and inorganic chemistry as applied to the testing of raw materials and finished products to extract or identify key issues, draw conclusions and make recommendations.
  4. Basic computer skills, including document creation and CALPIA operating systems to effectively design, develop, and format written documents, such as memos, letters and reports.

Ability to:

  1. Perform chemical testing work to make decisions in accordance with program or work unit goals and objectives.
  2. Analyze and interpret test information to ensure the quality, integrity and validity of products.
  3. Make recommendations on materials substitutions to address situations, convey information, and accurately communicate CALPIA objectives.
  4. Conduct independent chemical research and investigation work, and make recommendation relating to the development of specifications to determine and implement appropriate course of action, to evaluate potential effects of proposed regulations and alternatives in support of CALPIA’s mission.
  5. Prepare reports to ensure valid and reliable data and communicate information relating to CALPIA to various audiences.
  6. Analyze situation accurately and take effective action to ensure valid and reliable data to effectively achieve CALPIA goals.
  7. Keep accurate records to ensure integrity, compliance and minimize negative outcomes.
  8. Set up, adjust, calibrate, troubleshoot and maintain instruments to operate safely, efficiently and effectively with accuracy to ensure valid conclusions.


Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the QUALITY CONTROL TECHNICIAN, PRISON INDUSTRIES (CLEANING PRODUCTS) Classification will be established for:

  • Prison Industry Authority

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.

Testing Departments

  • Prison Industry Authority

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

Prison Industry Authority
Exam Unit
560 E Natoma Street
Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: (916) 358-2696
Exams@calpia.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.

Prison Industry Authority 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:
By Mail
In Person (see bulletin for details)
Alternate Application Process

While we recommend that you utilize your CalCareer Account to take advantage of all the tools available, you may choose to apply for this examination without using your account. In this case, print and complete the Exam Application Package Checklist and include it if you submit a hard copy application.

Exam Application Package Checklist

Blank Application Form (STD678)

Accommodation Request (STD679)