Exam Bulletin - Assistant Bureau Chief (Non-Sworn)

Department of Justice

Exam Code: EX-4913

Examination Plans Included:

  • ASSISTANT BUREAU CHIEF, NON-PEACE OFFICER - Open

Final Filing Date: 4/10/2026

Classification Details

ASSISTANT BUREAU CHIEF, NON-PEACE OFFICER: $12,392.00 - $14,782.00 per Month

View the ASSISTANT BUREAU CHIEF, NON-PEACE OFFICER classification specification.

Application Instructions

Final Filing Date: 4/10/2026.

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 not be accepted.

Do not submit applications to California Department of Human Resources through fax or interagency mail.

If using delivery methods that do not have certified delivery confirmation, there is no guarantee that your application will be postmarked and arrive by the final filing date. If your application is electronically submitted or received in hardcopy without a postmark and arrives after the final filing date, your application will be considered late and not be accepted into the examination unless you are able to provide clear evidence that it was submitted timely. Therefore, to ensure timely delivery of your application, it is recommended that you use either electronic delivery, parcel service, or certified mail. Using one of these options will provide proof the application was sent prior to the cut-off date. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Please note: This examination requires responses to the Training & Experience portion of the examination at the time you submit your application materials. Any applications that do not provide their Training & Experience responses may be rejected.

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):

  • ASSISTANT BUREAU CHIEF, NON-PEACE OFFICER - Open

How To Apply:

Applications received without the required documents will be considered incomplete and may be rejected. To apply for this examination, please complete and return the following required documents. 

  • Standard State Employment Application (Form STD 678): All applications must include "to" and "from" employment dates (month/day/year), time-base, duties performed, and applicable classification titles.
  • Official/Unofficial school transcripts (if applicable to meeting minimum qualifications): Candidates unable to obtain official transcripts before the final filing date may submit unofficial transcripts for the examination process. However, candidates will be required to submit official transcripts upon appointment to a position.
  • Training and Experience Narrative Responses
  • Signed Affirmation Page Training and Experience Narrative Affirmation

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:

  • Department of Justice
    Testing and Selection Unit
    ATTN: Assistant Bureau Chief (Non-Sworn) Examination
    P.O. Box 944255
    Sacramento, CA 94244-2550

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:

  • Department of Justice
    Testing and Selection Unit
    1300 I Street, First Floor Lobby
    Sacramento, CA 95814
    8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    ATTN: Assistant Bureau Chief (Non-Sworn) Examination

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.

The following items must be submitted with your Examination/Employment Application form. Failure to submit these items may result in rejection of your application.

  • Other - Training and Experience Narrative Affirmation Page - Please refer to the link in the "How to Apply" section of the examination bulletin
  • Other - Training and Experience Narrative Responses - Please refer to the instructions in the "Training and Experience Narrative" section of the examination bulletin
  • Other - Official/Unofficial school transcripts - (if applicable to meeting minimum qualifications): Candidates unable to obtain official transcripts before the final filing date may submit unofficial transcripts for the examination process. However, candidates will be required to submit official transcripts upon appointment to a position.

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.

00108680 - ASSISTANT BUREAU CHIEF, NON-PEACE OFFICER

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

 Either I

1. One year of experience in the Department of Justice, performing law enforcement related duties in a line or staff capacity comparable in level to those of a Department of Justice Administrator II. or

2. Two years of experience in the Department of Justice performing law enforcement related duties in a line or staff capacity comparable in level to those of a Department of Justice Administrator I.

Or II

Experience: Five years of supervisory experience in a law enforcement agency. At least two years must have been in a supervisory position which included administrative responsibilities, such as budgeting, management analysis, personnel, statistical analysis, or research in an identification, criminal statistics, narcotic enforcement, investigations, or technical services program area. (Experience in the California state service applied toward this requirement must include at least one year performing law enforcement related duties in a line or staff capacity comparable in level to those of a Department of Justice Administrator II or two years performing law enforcement related duties in a line or staff capacity comparable in level to those of a Department of Justice Administrator II or two years performing law enforcement related duties in a line or staff capacity comparable in level to those of a Department of Justice Administrator I. (Possession of a graduate degree in public administration, business administration, law, political science, or related areas may be substituted for one year of required experience.) and

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

DEFINITION OF TERMS:

The words “duties comparable in level.…” means that the applicant must have State civil service experience of appropriate type and length in a class at the same or higher level or responsibility as the class specified.

Equivalent to graduation from college is defined as: The completion of a specific number of college credits (120 semester units or 180 quarter units) from an accredited institution, even if no degree has been conferred. Accredited coursework may be combined.

“Performing law enforcement related duties” means that duties must be related to criminal justice and/or in a program/division/bureau that oversees the work of law enforcement related classifications.

Position Description

00108680 - ASSISTANT BUREAU CHIEF, NON-PEACE OFFICER

This level in the series is responsible for assisting a Bureau Chief, Division of Law Enforcement, Department of Justice, in the planning, organization, direction, and administration of a major program area of the Division of Law Enforcement. Incumbents are involved in a wide range of administrative and managerial duties of program implementation, such as the review of major projects within the Bureau, formulation of Bureau training programs, representing the Department before the general public and other law enforcement agencies, and acting for the Bureau Chief in his/her absence. Incumbents may be ordered by the Attorney General to assume responsibility for direction of local law enforcement activities in the event of a regional or statewide emergency.

Positions exist in Sacramento and Riverside. 

Examination Information

This examination consists of the following component(s):

Component OrderComponent TypeComponent DuePercentage of Final Score
1Supplemental ReportWith Application100%

Components that are due with your application will be scored and will count toward your final examination result. Failure to submit these items may result in disqualification or elimination from the examination.

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

The exam will consist of the following: 

Training and Experience Narrative - 100 %

The Training and Experience Narrative consists of job-related questions for which candidates must submit typed responses. A panel of subject matter experts will evaluate competitor responses to each question using job-related rating and scoring criteria. Examinations will be scored only for those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. Candidates are not to receive any coaching or assistance and supervisors are not to review, edit or make suggestions. The questions are provided at the end of this examination bulletin.

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. The criminal justice system and law enforcement related governmental functions and the organization.
  2. The organization and functions of California State government including the organization and practices of the Legislature and the Executive Branch.
  3. Research and statistics used to analyze the impact and effectiveness of programs, policies, and/or procedures to provide quantitative data documenting the status of the programs, policies, and/or procedures.
  4. Departmental budgeting and monitoring processes to ensure programs, projects, and/or bureau budget administration and reporting are appropriately developed and monitored.
  5. The budget change proposal process (BCP) to make desired changes to bureau or division budget.
  6. The legislative process (i.e., how a bill becomes a law).
  7. The principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management.
  8. The performance management process to assess and review job responsibilities, expectations, performance, and development strategies.
  9. Techniques for organizing and motivating teams of staff.
  10. Program development and evaluation techniques.
  11. Problem-solving methods.
  12. Leadership principles, techniques, and practices.
ABILITY TO: 
  1. Administer and manage a major law enforcement program of the Department of Justice.
  2. Appear before public and private groups professionally to explain departmental objectives, programs, and general administrative matters.
  3. Organize and direct the work of others.
  4. Develop and implement new administrative methods and procedures.
  5. Act independently with open-mindedness, flexibility, and tact to new or different ideas and opinions.
  6. Communicate information and ideas in writing clearly and in an articulate manner using appropriate tone, vocabulary, and grammar so others will understand.
  7. Communicate information and ideas orally in a clear voice using appropriate tone, volume, vocabulary, grammar, speed, and non-verbal cues so others will understand.
  8. Actively listen and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences, including recognition of non-verbal cues.
  9. Develop effective working relationships with organization and/or unit members of all levels to ensure teamwork is completed in an efficient manner.
  10. Quickly analyze information and materials and clearly formulate conclusions based on prescribed policies and procedures.
  11. Speak clearly and effectively to audiences at all levels including program staff, administrators, and elected officials.
  12. Maintain professional and credible relations with other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
  13. Maintain personal composure in highly stressful and frustrating situations.
  14. Offer high-level advice to the Attorney General or their senior staff on all matters pertinent to the bureau.
  15. Foster cooperative working relationships between both internal staff and external organizations.
  16. Write clearly and effectively using proper English grammar at a level sufficient to craft policy language or high visibility reports.
  17. Promote a work environment with equal opportunity, free from discrimination or harassment for all employees.
  18. Read and interpret complex written materials (e.g., program-related reports, legislation, etc.).
  19. Persuade others to adopt a perspective or stance on an issue to further the mission of the bureau.
SKILL IN:
  1. Assigning and delegating work to bureau staff equitably and reasonably based upon relative qualifications and workload demands of individual staff members.
  2. Reading and understanding State statutes, laws, proposed legislation, regulations, and other written documents to interpret, explain, and apply such policies.
  3. Negotiating solutions with internal and external stakeholders who may hold widely disparate views or positions on policy issues.
  4. Managing multiple projects and timelines simultaneously to meet competing deadlines.
  5. Delivering presentations and effectively communicating at high level meetings (e.g., large stakeholder groups, boards and commissions, the Legislature).
  6. Making decisions and delivering work products of a high-profile nature and in high intensity environments within required deadlines.
  7. Gaining and retaining the confidence and support of high-level administrators.
  8. Analyzing policies, procedures, and organizational structures to evaluate their impact or effectiveness.
  9. Developing a high-level plan or strategic goals to advance the bureau’s and/or division’s objectives.
  10. Organizing groups of staff or resources to advance the bureau’s and/or division’s objectives.
  11. Analyzing and evaluating complex problems (i.e., administrative, managerial) to determine the impact on a program or department and make effective recommendations as necessary.

Eligible List Information

A Departmental Open eligible list for the ASSISTANT BUREAU CHIEF, NON-PEACE OFFICER Classification will be established for:

  • Department of Justice

The list(s) will be abolished 12 months after being established, unless the needs of the State and conditions of the list(s) warrant a change in this period.

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.

Training and Experience Narrative

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

This Training and Experience Narrative is the sole component of the Assistant Bureau Chief (Non-Sworn) examination. The Narrative will be rated by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) using predetermined rating criteria. To be placed on the eligibility list a minimum score of 70% must be received on this component. Read the instructions carefully before completing this examination; failure to do so may result in an inability to process your Training and Experience Narrative and disqualification from this examination.

 

  • This Training and Experience Narrative consists of 3 questions.
  • You must type your responses to these questions.
  • Your response to each question may only consist of 1 page, single spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font, with a 1-inch margin on all sides of the page. The maximum number of pages you should complete for this Training and Experience Narrative is 3 pages. Responses that do not meet this criteria may not be rated and may result in disqualification from this exam.
  • You must write the question number you are responding to in the top left corner of each page.
  • Please keep your answers concise, but be sure to answer all questions completely and accurately. Providing specific information will allow the SMEs to properly evaluate your qualifications. Omitted information cannot be considered and will not be assumed.
  • The exam submitted should solely be your work. Candidates are not to receive any coaching or assistance and supervisors should not review, edit, or make suggestions to the Training and Experience Narrative responses.


Training and Experience Narrative Questions: 

Question #1

Please provide a detailed narrative of the relevant training, experience, and/or education that has prepared you to assume the duties and responsibilities of an Assistant Bureau Chief (Non-Sworn). In your response, please be sure to include specific examples of how your training and experience has prepared you for this position.

Question #2

Please describe your experience managing a program, including planning, directing, and/or organizing the work of multi-disciplinary staff. In your response, please include specifics demonstrating your role and how the program’s success was measured.

Question #3

Please describe your experience facilitating high stakes meetings and engaging with stakeholders that may have differing opinions to achieve a desired outcome or objective(s). In your response, please provide specifics detailing your role, any challenges and factors considered, and the outcome.

Appeal Information

Candidates may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board (SPB) within 30 days of the postmarked date of any decision notice (e.g., Minimum Qualifications denial, exam results). Examination appeals are required to meet one of the following grounds to be accepted by the State Personnel Board; (1) fraud; (2) discrimination; (3) erroneous interpretation or application of minimum qualifications (MQs); or (4) a significant irregularity in the examination process. Appeals can be filed online at the website above or mailed to Appeals Division, State Personnel Board, 801 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA 95814-4806. Please refer to SPB's website for more information this process at https://www.spb.ca.gov/appeals/appeals.aspx

 

 

Testing Departments

  • Department of Justice

Contact Information

Questions regarding this examination should be directed to:

Department of Justice
Testing and Selection Unit
ATTN: Assistant Bureau Chief (Non-Sworn) Examination
1300 I Street, Suite 720
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916) 210-6021
Fax: (916) 445-1218
TSU@doj.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.

Department of Justice 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)