Tanya Parker, CSC Docket No. 2022-1773

BackgroundTanya Parker appeals the test mode for the promotional examination for Principal Parole Counselor, State Parole Board (PS6246I) State Parole Board.

The subject examination had a closing date of September 21, 2021, and was open to employees in the competitive division who had an aggregate of one year of continuous permanent service as of the closing date in the title Senior Parole Counselor, State Parole Board. Seventeen candidates appear on the eligible list, which has not yet been certified.

This examination was processed as an unassembled examination (UE), i.e., candidates were ranked on the eligible list based on an evaluation of their education and experience as listed on their applications. The unassembled examination standard conferred a base score of 70.000 for all eligible applicants. Full credit was awarded for ten years of experience in the field of criminal justice, social work or related areas. Eight points were awarded for a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. It is noted that no credit was given for experience gained more than ten years prior to the examination closing date, in this case, October 2011.

The appellant received an unassembled examination score of 77.450, 3 points of PAR credit, and a seniority score of 1.219, for a final average of 81.970, and ranked seventeenth on the resultant eligible list. In this regard, the appellant received eight points for possession of a Bachelor’s degree. She received full credit for her position as Senior Parole Counselor, State Parole Board, which she held from March 2018 to September 2021. The remaining positions on her application were inapplicable.

Appellant's argumentOn appeal, the appellant states that her score was obtained from the date of hire rather than a test score, and she expects to take a written examination.

CONCLUSION

N.J.A.C. 4A:4-2.2(1) provides that the Civil Service Commission shall administer examinations for appointment in the competitive division of the career service, which may include any one or more of the following:

1. Written tests;

2. Oral tests;

3. Performance tests;

4. Physical performance tests;

5. Evaluation of education, training or experience;

6. Computer-based tests;

7. Assessment exercises; and

8. Other appropriate measures of knowledge, skills, and abilities.

At the outset, according to N.J.A.C. 4A:4-2.2, the Civil Service Commission has the authority to determine the most appropriate selection instrument to use in assessing candidates in a given competitive title. For the subject announcement, a decision was made to select individuals for appointment by using an unassembled examination. The unassembled examination was appropriate and has been administered, and there will not be another examination in the form of an assembled examination, such as a written examination. Additionally, no scoring error for the appellant is evident from the record.

A thorough review of the record indicates that the decision of the Division of Agency Services is amply supported by the record, and appellant provides no basis to disturb that decision. The appellant has failed to meet her burden of proof in this matter.

ORDER

Therefore, it is ordered that this appeal be denied.

ClosingThis is the final administrative determination in this matter. Any further review should be pursued in a judicial forum.