California Air Resources Board

The Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) is an optional pathway to state civil service for people with disabilities. LEAP is an alternative to the traditional testing process, which allows applicants with disabilities to demonstrate competency through on-the-job testing known as the Job Examination Period (JEP). People with Disabilities may pursue state employment through the standard, non-LEAP process, or the LEAP process.

Once an employee is LEAP certified through the California Department of Rehabilitation, they take the LEAP Assessment for positions they are interested in.  After they apply to positions they are qualified for and are selected for that vacant position, they begin a Job Examination Period (JEP). This is different from the standard, non-LEAP process, and the employee is evaluated every few months on their performance. 

Every month, or every two months (depending on the position), the hiring manager fills out the CalHR Form 273, and submits it to the EEO Office for review. The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office gathers all the documents and ensures that the agency is meeting LEAP examination process and requirements, while providing guidance and consultation, if needed. Once LEAP examination period is complete, and the employee has satisfactorily completed their examination period, EEO Office submits documents to recommend the employee for permanent employment status.

For more information regarding LEAP and the examination process, please see CalHR’s LEAP information page.