N.J.S.A. 11A:4-15 Working test period
The purpose of the working test period is to permit an appointing authority to determine whether an employee satisfactorily performs the duties of a t… Implemented by a rule in N.J.A.C. Title 4A.
In plain language
The working test period exists so an appointing authority can find out whether someone actually does the job. It is part of the examination process, not something after it, and it must be served in the title the certification and appointment were for. Four months following a regular appointment, extendable to six at the Commission's discretion, except for entry-level law enforcement, correction officer and firefighter titles, where it is twelve. Progress reports go to the employee during the period and a final report to both the employee and the Commission at the end. An employee may be terminated at the end of the period, or for cause during it. A promoted employee keeps permanent status in the lower title throughout and returns to it if they do not complete the period, unless they were removed for cause. Termination at the end of the period is appealable to the Commission under 11A:2-6, with the burden on the employee rather than the employer.
Written by the NJ Civil Service Navigator editorial team from the text of this section. The statute itself is below, unabridged.
Current through the close of the 221st Legislature (L. 2025, c. 346). What that means
Enacted by L. 1986, c. 112, effective September 25, 1986. Last amended by L. 2025, c. 261, effective January 12, 2026, the most recent of 2 amendments.
A New Jersey statute changes only when the Legislature amends it, so a section untouched since its last amendment is settled rather than out of date.
Reviewed as of July 28, 2026. Official text: njleg.state.nj.us.
The purpose of the working test period is to permit an appointing authority to determine whether an employee satisfactorily performs the duties of a title. A working test period is part of the examination process which shall be served in the title to which the certification was issued and appointment made. The commission shall provide for:
a.A working test period following regular appointment of four months, which may be extended to six months at the discretion of the commission, except that the working test period for entry level law enforcement, correction officer, and firefighter titles shall be 12 months;#
b.Progress reports to be made by the appointing authority and provided to the employee at such times during the working test period as provided by rules of the commission and a final progress report at the end of the entire working test period shall be provided to the employee and the commission;#
c.Termination of an employee at the end of the working test period and termination of an employee for cause during the working test period; and#
d.The retention of permanent status in the lower title by a promoted employee during the working test period in the higher title and the right to return to such permanent title if the employee does not satisfactorily complete the working test period, but employees removed for cause during a working test period shall not be so returned.#
The rules that implement this section
A statute sets the framework and the Civil Service Commission’s rules fill in the detail. Where a question turns on procedure, the rule usually governs; where it turns on who is covered or what the Commission may do, the statute does.
- N.J.A.C. 4A:2, the whole chapter
Legislative history
Session laws, newest first
- L. 2025, c. 261, section 1Amended
effective January 12, 2026 - L. 2008, c. 29, section 41Amended
effective June 30, 2008 - L. 1986, c. 112Enacted
effective September 25, 1986
How this section has been applied
6 reported decisions cite this section. Citations only: the summaries in the source are the publisher's own writing, and where we describe a case we write it from the decision itself.
New Jersey Supreme Court 3
- Lingrell v. New Jersey Civil Service Com.37 A.2d 278
- Communications Workers v. New Jersey Dep't of Personnel154 N.J. 121, 711 A.2d 890, 1998 N.J. LEXIS 442
- Dodd v. Van Riper51 A.2d 34, 1947 N.J. LEXIS 189
Appellate Division 3
- Devine v. Plainfield31 N.J. Super. 300, 106 A.2d 355, 1954 N.J. Super. LEXIS 567
- Briggs v. Department of Civil Service64 N.J. Super. 351, 165 A.2d 810, 1960 N.J. Super. LEXIS 366
- Capibianco v. Civil Service Com.60 N.J. Super. 307, 158 A.2d 834, 1960 N.J. Super. LEXIS 559
Effective-date provisions
Quoted from the session laws themselves.
- Section 120 of L. 2008, c. 29 provides: “This act shall take effect immediately and any actions necessary to implement this act may be taken any time thereafter. General implementation shall be completed no later than 12 months following enactment.” Chapter 29, L. 2008, was approved on June 30, 2008.