DOP Merit System

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There are two classification plans established and administered by the Division of Personnel (DOP): classified and classified-exempt.  Classified services are those positions covered under the DOP merit system standards. Classified-exempt positions are those that are classified by the DOP but are not covered under the DOP merit system standards. 

Certain provisions within the DOP's legislative rules and policies are applicable only to classified positions and are not applicable to classified-exempt positions. 

However, certain policies, rules, and benefits pertain to State employees regardless of the classification plan. 

The following chart details the types of positions and benefits or regulations applicable to each. To download a PDF version of this chart, click here​

Benefit or Regulation

Applicable to 

DOP Classified Positions

Applicable to 

Classified-Exempt Positions


Adherence to all p​rovisions of the DOP Administrative Rule


Yes

No


Adherence to certain provisions of the DOP Administrative Rule


Yes.  Adherence to All Rule provisions

Yes, Section 14: Attendance and Leave

Other Sections: Discretionary


Participation in the State retirement plan


Yes

Yes


Eligibility to join one of PEIA’s health plans


Yes

Yes


​Eligibility to join an employee federal credit union


Yes

Yes


Inclusion in the DOP’s Classification Plan


Yes

Yes


Inclusion in the DOP’s Compensation Plan


Yes

No


Subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)


Yes

Yes


Established work schedule


Yes

Yes


Right to transfer and/or to be reinstated into  a position in the classified service


Certain Positions

*See Footnote

No


Access to the Grievance Procedure for State Employees


​​Yes

Certain Positions

*See Footnote


Adherence to all DOP and State policies



Yes


No


Adherence to certain DOP and State policies


Yes.  Adherence to All DOP policies


Yes. Adherence to applicable policies: Examples.

1) Annual Increment

2) Drug-and-Alcohol-Free Workplace

3) Emergency Situations/Inclement Weather

4) Fair Labor Standards Act Interpretive Bulletin

5) Prohibited Workplace Harassment

6) Smoking Restrictions in the Workplace

7)Supervisor/Manager Training Program 

8) Temporary Classifi-

cation Upgrades

9) Temporary Transition

10)Whistle-Blower Law Interpretive Bulletin

11)Witness/Jury Service

12) Workers' Compensation/Sick Leave

13) Workplace Security



Certain DOP-Legislative Rules apply

Yes








1) Leave Donation Program Rule 

2) Paid Leave for Organ Donation Rule

3) State Employees for Reimbursement Training, Education, and Professional Development Rule

4) Workers’ Compensation Temporary Total Disability Rule



Position duties are established by the DOP Classification Specifications


Yes

Yes


Minimum requirements of education and experience for the position as established by the DOP.


Yes

Recommended 


Compensation range for positions as established by the DOP


Yes

Recommended 


Minimum salary increase upon promotion or reallocation (reviewed by the DOP)


Yes

No


Eligibility for salary advancement (merit/discretionary pay increase)


Yes 

Yes



Annual Salary Increment Increase


Yes

Yes


Paid Holidays


Yes

Yes


Examination for appointment


Yes

No


Certain political affiliation required


No

For limited positions


Competitive hiring from a DOP Certification of Eligibles (Register) and job posting required



Yes


No


Must successfully complete a probationary period.


Yes

No


Layoff and preference rights


Yes

No


At-will employment status


No

Yes


Tenure for State service


Yes

Yes


Accrual of annual leave


Yes

Yes


Maximum carry forward of annual leave hours (amount limited)


Yes

Yes


Accrual of unlimited sick leave


Yes

Yes


Eligibility for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave and Parental Leave Act


Yes

Yes


Leaves of absence without pay


Yes

Discretionary


Paid Military Leave


Yes

Yes


Paid court, jury, and hearing leave


Yes

Yes


Eligibility for subsidized educational leave


Yes

(with available agency funds)

Discretionary


Free training and development opportunities through the DOP


Yes

Yes (DOP-covered agencies or fee-paying agencies only)


DOP employee performance evaluations required annually


Yes

Discretionary


Eligibility for membership in Employee Representative Organization(s)


Yes

Yes


Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation benefits


Yes

Yes


Eligibility for Unemployment Compensation benefits


Yes

Yes


Eligibility to participate in the Donated Leave Program


Yes

Yes


Protection from unlawful discrimination


Yes

Yes


Eligibility to participate in payroll savings plans


Yes

Yes


Eligibility for parking on a State-owned lot or inside the State parking garage


Yes

Yes


*Beginning July 1, 2025, newly appointed individuals and employees in classified service who voluntarily change positions within the Department of Commerce, Department of Tourism, Bureau of Senior Services, Department of Administration, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Revenue, and Department of Veterans’ Assistance shall be transferred to the classified-exempt service and shall be exempt from the state grievance procedures. 

Provided, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Senior Services and the secretary of each of these departments have the authority to designate certain employees' status under the classified civil service system and grievance procedures as may be deemed necessary to comply with federal law, federal regulation, or the requirements for receipt of federal funding or assistance.

House Bills 2008, 2009, and 2013 do not apply to the Department of Health, Department of Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, the Public Service Commission, or Division of Natural Resources Police Officers.