Classified vs. Unclassified Civil Service

What Is the Classified Service?

The classified civil service includes most state and local government positions. Classified employees are hired through merit-based processes — either competitive examinations or qualification reviews — and receive tenure protections, layoff rights, and appeal rights under the Civil Service Act.

What Is the Unclassified Service?

Unclassified positions are exempt from civil service rules. They include elected officials, cabinet-level appointees, senior policy staff, and certain professional roles. Unclassified employees serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and do not receive the same tenure protections as classified employees.

Key Differences

• Merit hiring: Classified positions require exams or qualification reviews; unclassified do not.
• Tenure: Classified employees earn tenure after probation; unclassified employees serve at-will.
• Appeal rights: Classified employees may appeal disciplinary actions to the Civil Service Commission; unclassified employees generally cannot.
• Salary: Classified salaries follow negotiated pay schedules; unclassified salaries are individually negotiated.

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