Skills-based Hiring in California

Workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs): Your Skills Belong in Public Service

You do not need a four-year degree to build a successful career in government. 

Across the country, more than 70 million workers have developed valuable skills through community college, military service, apprenticeships, workforce training programs, certifications and on-the-job experience instead of through a bachelor’s degree. These individuals are known as STARs — workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes. 

State and federal governments are increasingly prioritizing assessing candidates based on their competencies and experience rather than relying primarily on college degree requirements as a proxy for skills. As governments strive to fill in-demand roles and build more inclusive talent pipelines reflective of their communities, skills-based hiring is opening new pathways into public service careers for STARs.  

Whether you are changing careers, advancing in your field or looking for mission-driven work with great benefits, public service may offer opportunities that match your skills and experience.

California’s Skills-Based Hiring Efforts

In 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-11-23 directing the California Department of Human Resources to update its existing policies, as well as training materials, to require explicit analysis of whether a bachelor’s degree is necessary for successful performance in a position and, if it is determined necessary, supporting data that demonstrates the necessity.  

Since its creation in 2012, the CalHR has ensured there are multiple pathways, including without a degree, to most jobs. It has removed barriers to employment by changing the minimum qualifications of nearly 170 job classifications where a degree or other educational requirement now is not necessary, expanding opportunity and access to well-paying jobs in public service. 

California’s commitment to skills-based hiring recognizes that many stable, well-paying public sector jobs can be performed successfully by workers who gained skills through alternative routes rather than a four-year degree. The state also has invested heavily in workforce development, apprenticeships and “earn-and-learn” pathways to help workers build careers in high-demand industries.

Recent California workforce initiatives have included: 

• Expanding registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs 

• Investing in regional workforce partnerships 

• Supporting training in industries such as healthcare, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and technology 

• Streamlining hiring and recruitment processes across state government 

• Creating pathways into public sector jobs for workers from diverse backgrounds 

Jobs Open to STARs in California

More than 30,000 state government jobs in California do not require a four-year degree. These jobs represent a range of industries including human resources, data services, healthcare, IT, finance and accounting. CalHR maintains a list of state jobs that do not require a degree. Visit the CalCareers website to learn more.  

Tips for STARs Applying to California State Government Jobs

Focus on Your Skills 

Carefully review minimum qualifications listed in the job announcement to understand how you will be evaluated for the position. Align your work experience to the key knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position.  

Translate Your Experience 

Use clear, results-oriented language that explains what you accomplished in previous roles. Quantify your impact whenever possible. 

Highlight Certifications and Training 

Industry certifications, apprenticeships, bootcamps and technical training programs can strengthen your application. 

​​Build a Strong Resume​ 

Government resumes are often more detailed than private-sector resumes. Include: 

• Specific job duties and years of experience 

• Accomplishments and measurable outcomes 

• Training and certifications 

• Tools and technologies used 

• Leadership or supervisory experience 

Prepare for assessments  

To get a job with the State of California, you must first qualify for and pass a civil service exam (or assessment) tailored to your specific job classification. Depending on the specific job classification you are targeting, the exam format will vary. Skills-based assessments may include applicant questionnaires, knowledge based tests, work samples, job simulations, or structured interviews. You can learn more about the exams and assessment process here.