Job Classification In Rhode Island State Government (RISG) - There are various types of positions in RI State Government. Positions fall within one of three categories: classified (i.e. noncompetitive classified and competitive classified positions), unclassified, or nonclassified. It is important to understand the differences between these categories, so a brief description of each is presented below.

Classified (Noncompetitive) positions: Includes positions that require the performance of routine, laboring, custodial, or domestic tasks, or those positions that are subject to continuing supervision. Also included are those positions that require licenses, certificates, or registrations. Individuals may be appointed to these positions upon the recommendation of the appointing authority and the approval of the Personnel Administrator, subject to established requirements for character, registration, certification, and/or licensure or physical condition as set forth in Title 36-4-6 of the Rhode Island General Laws of 1956, as amended.

Classified (Competitive) positions: These positions are governed by competitive civil service examinations, which are open to those who satisfy the minimum requirement of education and previous experience. Requirements for a particular position are stated on the official examination announcement, available at the Department of Administration, Office of Personnel Administration (OPA) and local Department of Labor and Training offices. Preparation for examinations will be covered below. Competitive classified positions consist of all positions in the classified service except those assigned as noncompetitive classified positions and those specifically exempted by legislative act.

Unclassified positions: Positions in unclassified service are established by laws and are subject to compliance with standards of the Federal Government and regulations set forth by the Personnel Administrator. Positions in this category generally include the employees of elected officials, courts, boards and commissions, both houses of the general assembly, department directors, and various positions of a policy making character. All appointment are made by the Appointing Authorities or the Governor in accordance with the provisions of the laws governing such appointments and the Personnel Rules adopted for the Unclassified Service.

Nonclassified service positions: Positions within the nonclassified service are covered under contract terms for the Board of Governors for Education (Higher Education) and include senior administrative staff, as well as faculty.

Quasi- Public Corporation - According to RI General Law §22-10-2, a "quasi-public corporation" means a body corporate and politic acting as a public corporation, which has been organized pursuant to law and granted certain powers, rights and privileges by the general laws, while exhibiting a distinct legal existence from the state, and not constituting a department of the state government, in order to perform a governmental function.

The best way for you to prepare for an examination is to get a copy of the job specification; aka: job spec. The job spec will give you more information about the position to be filled and is available upon request. It will give illustrative examples of work and the general knowledge, skills and abilities required. Other material which you may want to study include elementary texts, technical references, periodicals and the like which can be obtained from a library. In addition, Arco books are published to aid in exam preparation. Previous exams may not be obtained for study purposes.

Cheryl A. Burrell
State Diversity Administrator
Department of Administration, Human Resources Outreach & Diversity Office (HROD)
One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908-5860
Phone: (401) 222-6397 | Fax: (401) 222-6391 | E-Mail: cburrell@hr.ri.gov

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY EMPLOYER
Reasonable accommodations are provided for individuals with disabilities, upon request, by calling
James Pitassi (401) 222-6395 or RI Relay: 711