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Jobs at CDE

Examinations and jobs available with the California Department of Education.

Career Opportunities

General Information

The California Department of Education (CDE) is part of the state civil service system. As such, a majority of CDE positions are filled with persons who have successfully competed in a civil service examination and are eligible (i.e., reachable) on an employment list for a specific classification.

State Special Schools

CDE operates 2 Schools for the Deaf in Fremont External link opens in new window or tab. and Riverside External link opens in new window or tab. and a School for the Blind in Fremont External link opens in new window or tab.. There are 3 Diagnostic Centers located in Fremont External link opens in new window or tab.Fresno External link opens in new window or tab., and Los Angeles External link opens in new window or tab. which also provide services for the children of California.  Career opportunities are available and advertised for all locations on their websites.

How to Get a State Job

Step 1: Create or Login to Your CalCareer Account

With a CalCareer External link opens in new window or tab. account, you can take state civil service examinations, store different versions of your application (“templates”) and apply for vacancies at 150 departments. You can also track your application status, and save your resume all in one place. Questions / issues with your account contact the CalHR Call Center at 866-844-8671, for assistance.

Step 2: Take Examination/Assessment

Before you can work for the State, you need to take and pass an examination for the job type (classification) that you wish to be considered for employment. The assessment process can take many forms (i.e. self-assessments or written exams) and may be required to be completed in person, online, or by mailing in a qualification assessment questionnaire. Examination Bulletins list the minimum qualifications and the steps required to apply and/or complete the examination/assessment.

Step 3: Search and Apply for Jobs

Once you have successfully taken the examination and established eligibility for the job type (classification) that you wish to be considered for employment, you may apply for job vacancies. Login to your CalCareer account, locate a job posting External link opens in new window or tab. that you are eligible for and follow the prompts. Electronically filing for job vacancies is easy, saving time and resources.

Careers in Education

Teaching positions in local California schools are filled at the district or school level. Many job opportunities are listed on Current job vacancies using EdJoin External link opens in new window or tab. , or contact each school or district office for more information.

For information regarding teacher credentialing, contact the Commission on Teacher Credentialing at 916-322-4974, or you may visit: Commission on Teacher Credentialing External link opens in new window or tab..

For information on the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), call 916-928-4001, or select California Basic Educational Skills Test External link opens in new window or tab..

Nondiscrimination Statement

The State of California, Department of Education (CDE), is committed to ensuring equal, fair, and meaningful access to employment and education services. The CDE does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis and/or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, immigration status, political affiliation, pregnancy and related conditions, race, religion, retaliation, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by California state and federal nondiscrimination laws respectively. Not all bases of discrimination will apply to both education services and employment. The Office of Equal Opportunity is charged with overseeing, leading, and directing the CDE’s efforts to meet the legal obligations set forth in state and federal civil rights laws, and regulations in CDE employment and delivery of education services. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination and civil rights should be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity. Any questions regarding Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972 or Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1974, please contact:

Randi Thompson, EEO Officer
Equity, Civil Rights, Title IX, ADA/504, MOA Coordinator
California Department of Education
1430 N Street, Suite 4206
Sacramento, CA 95814
Telephone: 916-445-9174
Confidential Fax: 916-324-9818
Email: OEOinfo@cde.ca.gov

Helpful Links

Questions:   Examination & Recruitment Office | CDEExams@cde.ca.gov | 916-319-0857
Last Reviewed: Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Recently Posted in Department Information