Exam Bulletin - Automotive Technician II

California Highway Patrol

Multiple Testing Departments. Please see list of Departments.

Exam Code: EX-3797

Examination Plans Included:

  • AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN II - Open

Final Filing Date: 1/30/2025

Classification Details

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN II: $4,219.00 - $5,554.00 per Month

View the AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN II classification specification.

Application Instructions

Final Filing Date: 1/30/2025.

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 not be accepted.

NOTE: Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as Quick Response Codes available at the United States Postal Service, are not considered postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application. It is the applicant's responsibility to submit their application on time and to ensure the envelope is postmarked.

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):

  • AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN II - Open

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.

You may apply by mail to:

  • California Highway Patrol
    Selection Standards and Examinations Section
    P.O. Box 942898
    Sacramento, CA 94298

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:

  • California Highway Patrol
    Selection Standards and Examinations Section
    601 North 7th Street
    Sacramento, CA 95811
    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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.

All application (STD 678) forms must include: employment history "from" and "to" dates (month/day/year), hours per week, title/job classification, and duties performed. Application (STD 678) forms received without this information will be rejected. Résumés or other documents will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application (STD 678) form.

NOTE: DO NOT SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES (CALHR) OR TO A LOCAL CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICE.

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

NOTE: All applicants must meet the experience and/or education requirements for this examination by the final filing date.

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.

00106830 - AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN II

Either I

In the California state service, one year of experience performing the duties of an Automotive Technician I. (Promotional candidates who are within six months of satisfying the experience requirement of this class will be admitted to the examination, but they must fully meet the experience requirement before being eligible for appointment.)

Or II

Three years of experience in maintenance of motor vehicles either: (a) in a major vehicle repair facility; (b) an automobile agency; or (c) a garage. Experience shall have included at least one year scheduling the servicing of vehicles, or experience in the installation, adjustment, or repair of specialized automotive electrical accessories or equipment. (College or trade school education in automotive mechanics or automotive engineering may be substituted for the required general experience on a year-for-year basis.)

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid California driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles; and evidence of satisfactory arrest and driving records. Applicants who do not possess the license will be admitted to the examination but must secure the license prior to appointment.

Position Description

00106830 - AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN II

This is the lead and advanced journeyperson level. Incumbents perform in one of the following work settings: (1) act as leadpersons to oversee the work of two or more journeypersons and subordinates in maintaining a large fleet of vehicles; (2) maintain a fleet of vehicles; perform preventative maintenance; schedule and verify maintenance and repair; make mechanical and electrical repairs and adjustments; diagnose and inspect motor vehicles and accessories for needed repairs; secure and maintain both manual and computer records on maintenance and servicing of a fleet of vehicles; arrange for disposal of hazardous materials; interpret repair manuals and related materials; maintain tools and equipment; order and maintain inventory of automotive parts and supplies; and (3) oversee equipment installation including the assembly, installation, removal and repair of special enforcement and emergency equipment on motor vehicles, recondition used vehicles, and perform the more complex installation functions including fabrication of new equipment installation techniques. Successful performance of many of the duties performed by this class require incumbents to crawl underneath a vehicle/down under the dashboard/into the trunk; lift and carry tires up to 60 pounds in weight; and work in varying, and sometimes extreme, temperatures.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

Possession of headlamp and brake adjustment certificates. Possession of a motor vehicle pollution control device installer's license.

Examination Information

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1WrittenN/A100%

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

Competitors who do not appear for the written test will be disqualified.

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:
  • Automotive equipment terminology and parts used in automotive maintenance and repair, how they interact and where they are located.
  • Preventative maintenance and repair procedures.
  • Service requirements of motor vehicles.
  • Record-keeping procedures.
  • Components of a vehicle, how they work and their interrelationships and where they are located.
  • Safe use of a large variety of electric and air-powered tools and their accessories, such as electric drill motors, air-powered impact wrenches, various small hand tools.
  • Proper size and type of wiring terminal or connector when making electrical connections.
  • Proper hardware needed to mount various pieces and specialty equipment.
  • Tools, equipment, and methods used in testing and repairing automotive equipment and accessories.
  • Vehicle component warranties, their limitations and requirements.
  • Safety equipment and procedures for hazardous materials.
  • Proper procedures for the disposal of waste tires.
  • Personal safety equipment (e.g., seat belts, air bags, lane departure) and procedures for hazardous materials.
  • Various tire sizes, types, production date identification, and how they relate to load, vehicle type and usage.
  • Various fuel systems and operations to safely diagnose leaks, pressure regulation and other failures.
  • Steering, suspension component operation and wheel alignment.
  • Various types of brake systems and components.
  • Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning system and components.
  • Emission system operation, diagnosis and repair.
  • Bureau of Automotive Repair smog reporting requirements.
  • Vehicle types, such as gas, electric and hydrogen.
  • Vehicle electrical and/or lighting systems and components.
  • Power train components, such as engine, transmission, differential.
  • Operational Safety and Health Agency and Department requirements (e.g., Personal Protective Equipment [PPE], Safety Data Sheet [SDS]).
  • Computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, fleet database).
  • Department code of conduct.
  • Proper grammar (e.g., spelling, punctuation, sentence structure).
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and procedures.
Skill in:
  • The operation and/or maintenance of motor vehicles.
  • Properly operating various tools and/or equipment.
  • Communicating effectively with personnel at the technical level.
  • Operating basic office equipment (e.g., fax machine, copier, scanner, computer).
  • Performing mathematical computations (e.g., algebra, arithmetic).
  • Effectively coordinating adequate inventory stock levels at multiple locations throughout the State.
  • The operation of information technology devices (e.g., smartphones, computers, tablets).
  • Operating computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, fleet database).
Ability to:
  • Interpret vehicle complaint forms and/or work orders and other written instruction.
  • Identify vehicle types (e.g., gas, electric, diesel, hydrogen).
  • Maintain both manual and computer records.
  • Make accurate mathematical computations.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the workplace.
  • Work in a stressful environment.
  • Read automotive repair manuals, charts, invoices, and other related materials.
  • Analyze situations accurately and take effective action.
  • Project and evaluate cost effectiveness of maintenance and repair work.
  • Work independently.
  • Follow verbal or written directions.
  • Effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
  • Operate tools and equipment used to diagnose and properly maintain a fleet of vehicles.
  • Locate and secure repair/maintenance services of outside agencies to facilitate best repair practices.
  • Maintain a valid California driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles and good driving record.

Eligible List Information

A Servicewide Open eligible list for the AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN 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 24 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.

Competitors may retest after 6 months.

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.

Written Test Information

Written Test Date: March 22, 2025

It is the competitor’s responsibility to contact the California Highway Patrol, Selection Standards and Examinations Section, Examination Services, at (916) 843-3820, three days prior to the written test date if a notice has not been received.

Written Test Location(s): The written test will be given in such places in California as the number of competitors and conditions warrant.

Drug Testing Requirements

Applicants for Automotive Technician II positions are required to pass a drug screening test. (The drug screening test will be waived for employees who are currently in a designated “sensitive” classification for which drug testing is required under California Code of Regulations, Section 213.)

Testing Departments

  • California Highway Patrol
  • State of California

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

California Highway Patrol
Selection Standards and Examinations Section
097/Examination Services
P.O. Box 942898
Sacramento, CA 94298-0001
Phone: (916) 843-3820

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.

California Highway Patrol 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)
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)