Skip to content
 
SF Careers Logo with City Seal
 
 

Eligibility and Eligible Lists

An Eligible List is a list of candidates who have passed a Civil Service Exam for a specific job or job class. Lists are organized in descending order (highest to lowest) based on candidates' final scores.

Based on the position, one of the two eligible lists listed below will be utilized:

1) Discrete Lists

This list type is typically used for job advertisements that are open for a specified time period. These lists are usually saved for positions that are filled infrequently.

During this period, candidates, who apply to the job advertisement and meet the minimum qualifications, will be invited to take an exam around the same time.

After the exam, candidates will be scored and added to the Discrete Eligible List at the same time.

Typically, these lists are static; meaning they do not change once adopted*. All candidates on the Eligible List will be considered for department positions until the list expires.

2) Continuous Lists

There are some positions that the City is always seeking to fill. These list types are referred to as Continuous Eligible Lists.

For this type of list, the Eligible List is dynamic; candidates are constantly being added to the list and expiring off the list once their eligibility period ends. The eligibility period is typically a year; however, it is dependent on the list.

Furthermore, the City uses banded scores for Continuous Lists. This method is to ensure fairness in ranking as candidates are added to the list at different times. As a result of this method, candidates may notice that the score on the Eligible List is slightly higher than the score they received via email.

Note: The Eligible List is subject to change after adoption (e.g., as a result of appeals), as directed by the Human Resources Director or the Civil Service Commission.

Both Eligible List types include the following information. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the following terms.

  • Post Date: The date that this list was first released to the public. This does not necessarily indicate that the list was ready for use.
  • Job Details: The Classification Code, Title, and Specialty that this list is applicable to. The list may only be used to hire this specific type of job.
  • Duration: How long the list will be good for. Unless extended, the individuals on the list will no longer be eligible after this time.
  • Inspection Dates: These important dates define the period in which the list and its candidates may be inspected for accuracy.

Notice of Score and Rank

Individuals will be notified of their exam score and ranking on the Eligible List by mail or email.

The City publicly posts a report showing the ranks and scores of every candidate on an Eligible List. Names are omitted for all jobs except for those classified as public safety. For positions that fall within that classification, names will be included for public review. All lists are added and maintained on the SF|DHR website.

Referral from an Eligible List

When a department has an open Permanent Civil Service (PCS) position, an Eligible List is used to find qualified candidates.

Each Eligible List has a Certification Rule, established by Union partners, the Civil Service Commission, and the City. The Certification Rule for each exam is included in the score notification email and job advertisement.

First, the Certification Rule dictates how many ranks can be considered at a time for an open position.

As positions across the City are filled, more ranks will become available in accordance with the preexisting rule. There are some job classifications that allow for a special Certification Rule known as Rule of the List. This means that all ranks are available for consideration, no matter how many positions are using the list.

Once you're on an Eligible List, departments may email you to see if you're interested in their jobs. These emails have to be fair to everyone, so they might seem generic. Make sure to read each message and do any next steps they mention.

Note: The Human Resources Director may approve use of the Eligible List resulting from a particular selection process to make Permanent Civil Service appointments to other position(s) involving the same or similar title in any department.

Duration of an Eligible List

Your score notification will detail how long you remain active on the Eligible List. Besides Eligible List expiration dates, candidates can also be removed for the following:

  1. Request to be inactive; or
  2. Refuse a position the number of times allowed by the examination announcement; or
  3. Hired for a City position off of that Eligible List

Note: Sometimes, lists may be extended, and affected individuals will be notified via email. If a list is extended, you might be referred to a hiring department after the initial list duration.