The Application Process For Jobs In The Skilled and Professional Services 

APPLICATION

1. State Personnel Management System recruitment opportunities take place throughout the year and are announced through newspaper ads, job bulletins and other recruiting activities.  The most up-to-date job information is available in the State Jobs area of this website. Information on current job opportunities may also be obtained by visiting your nearest Maryland Job Service/Unemployment office.  When a recruitment opportunity is announced, file a separate State application (MS100) for each position by the announced closing date (the last date on which applications will be accepted).  Please be aware that many state agencies perform some of their own recruiting.  Your application must be sent to the agency that is recruiting.  The address of that agency will be specified on our list of recruitment opportunities and on the bulletin for that job.  To avoid delays and possible loss of applications, do NOT send applications to OPSB unless the bulletin has our address on it.
2. You may obtain application forms by: writing to the Maryland Department of Budget and Management, Office of Personnel Services and Benefits, 301 West Preston Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201; calling (410) 767-4850, or TTY/TT* Maryland Relay Service, 800-735-2258.
3. Applications are accepted only for positions currently on our list of recruitment opportunities. Applications received for positions not on the current recruitment schedule will not be processed.
4. You may file clear photocopies of your application. Each copy must include the correct job title and original signature. Photocopies must be of standard size (8 ½" x 11"). Reduced copies will not be accepted.
5. Your application is part of the examination process. Answer each question fully and clearly. The information you give is used to determine if you are approved to continue in the examination process. In some cases, the application is used to decide your rating. You must meet the minimum qualifications for the position to which you are to be appointed. Verification of Minimum Qualifications will be completed by the appointing authority.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. You are required to be authorized under the United States Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 to be hired in the position for which you have applied.
2. You must possess the minimum qualifications stated on the job specification sheet. Exceptions are made, however:
   1. if a high school diploma or college degree is required and you will be receiving one within six months after the test date, you may be admitted to the examination.
   2. if a license, certificate or associate membership is required and you have applied for it, or are in the process of getting it, you may be admitted to the examination unless otherwise stated on the specification sheet.
   3. if you are a promotional candidate and will meet the experience requirements within six months after evaluation by the Office of Personnel Services and Benefits you will be admitted to the examination. A promotional candidate is an employee who has been appointed to a budgeted position in the skilled or professional service.

   All requirements must be met before a candidate may be selected for a permanent state position.

3. Educational credentials from foreign countries must be evaluated by an approved education review service. For further information, call International Consultants of Delaware, Inc., 109 Barksdale Professional Center, Newark, DE 19711 (302) 737-8715 or World Education Services, Inc., P. O. Box 57206, Washington, DC 20037-7206, 1-800-937-3897 or 202-331-2925.
4. If you are a State employee and your job duties are different from those listed for your assigned classification, your "acting" experience may be accepted as qualifying. However, it must be verified by your supervisor and processed through your agency’s personnel division.
5. You will be given credit for part-time or temporary work based on the number of hours worked. It must total the full amount of experience required. You will also be given credit for volunteer work that meets the experience qualifications. You need not have been paid. You must include on your application the amount of time spent in such activity.
6. Some positions may also require "Selective Qualifications" and have "Limitations on Selection".  These are specified on the job bulletin.  Applicants must meet those additional qualifications AND the Minimum Qualifications.

EXAMINATION

1. You must pass an examination to be considered for a permanent position. The purpose of the examination is to create a list of persons eligible to fill vacant positions. To be notified for an examination, applications must be delivered to the Office of Personnel Services and Benefits by 4:30 P.M. on the closing date or, if mailed,  postmarked by the closing date.
2. Test accommodations are made for candidates with disabilities, providing the Office of Personnel Services and Benefits is notified in advance of the type and extent of the disability. After receiving a test notice, it is the applicant’s responsibility to contact the Office of Personnel Services and Benefits, (410) 767-4921, or TTY/TT use Maryland Relay Services 1-800-735-2258, to request accommodations.
3. Some State Personnel Management System examinations are written, oral or a demonstration of skill. The content of an examination is based on the job duties and the level of responsibility of the job.   For many positions, the examination may be a rating of your education and experience as described on the State application or qualification supplement. In these cases your test score will depend on information you supply.  Be sure you give clear, complete and accurate information on your application or on any qualification supplements you are sent.
4. Written and performance tests may be given at test centers throughout Maryland including: Baltimore City, and Anne Arundel, Allegany, Bel Air, Easton, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, Salisbury, Somerset and Washington counties.
5. If you miss a scheduled examination for personal reasons, a special examination will not be arranged. If you can not come to a Saturday examination because of religious affiliation, or because you are in the military reserve and have been called to active duty, an alternate test date may be arranged for you. Your request for an alternate test date must be made in writing. If you are a military reservist, you must submit a copy of your official orders.
6. Veterans’ credit points, which you may be entitled to receive, will be added to your final passing rating. A copy of your DD 214 indicating your hornorable discharge must be submitted to the Office of Personnel Services and Benefits to receive veterans' credit. Promotional candidates do not receive veterans’ credit, but do receive seniority credit.

SELECTION

1. You will receive your notice of test results from the Office of Personnel Services and Benefits or from the agency that is doing the recruitment. Numerical test scores are not given.  If you pass the test your test score will be expressed as "Qualified", "Better Qualified" or "Best Qualified ".  Your next contact will be from a person in the agency that is responsible for hiring. When a State agency has a vacant position, they may select from among laid-off candidates, candidates available for reinstatement, candidates available for transfer, the best qualified group of open candidates or the best qualified promotional candidates within their organization. You must be able to provide evidence that you meet the minimum qualifications for the position to which you are appointed. Prior to appointment, verification will be completed by the appointing authority.
2. Generally, candidates receive an initial one year of eligibility on the employment list. However, lists may be reviewed for possible extension after being in effect for ten months.
3. You should report to the Office of Personnel Services and Benefits any change of address, name or availability for employment. Include your social security number in the information submitted.

BENEFITS

1. State employees have paid vacations of two to five weeks a year based on years of State service, 12 State and National holidays, paid sick leave, 6 personal leave days, family leave, merit salary increases, retirement benefits, social security benefits and Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage.
2. Employees have the opportunity to join group health insurance plans, partly subsidized by the State, the State Employees Credit Union, employee organizations, a group life insurance plan, a group accident insurance plan and a savings bond plan.
3. Promotional opportunities are available as experience is gained.

*TTY/TT: For use by persons with communication disabilities, e.g.. deafness.