How to become a "merit employee"?

From what I see, it depends on what department or agency you work for. Some departments are listed as merit departments, and others aren’t. Ask the testing agency what the eligibility is.

The term “merit employee” means a current state employee. The term probably derives from the fact that most, but not all, state government positions have to be earned through competition. It’s often a lengthy and drawn-out process, but people manage to suffer through it somehow. At one time, going the distance and earning the right to a state job through this process meant it was then tough to just take it away from someone. Management had to show reasonable cause to fire you, and you got to use seniority to bump new hires and avoid being laid-off. State employment usually meant below-average wages, but the job security was much better than in the private sector. This, of course, doesn’t exist anymore and firing or laying off a government employee in some states is as easy as leaving the data pertaining to their position out of annual budget submissions to the legislature. Job gone; no appeal.

Sometimes, state agencies limit applicants for particular vacancies to people who are already state employees. I’m sure each state has a different process, but most government agencies provide information about job openings and the steps needed to apply on their websites. You can also try calling their general info number listed in the government pages of your telephone book. Some are even more than happy to help “walk-ins” who stop by with no appointment. Just check the building directory for a personnel/human resources office.

One of the most confusing things for job seekers is a given state department’s level of authority to recruit for and fill its own vacancies. In some states, a single department might be set up to centralize all or most of the recruitment and employment testing activities for all departments. So, even though you might only be interested in working for Department A, you might have to apply through Department B, who must first certify you as eligible for Department A’s consideration.

Another confusing aspect are the diversity of screening methods used. For some jobs, you may be able to fill out a short application, attend an interview, and then be hired. For others, you may have to complete a lengthy application, take a written test, and then sit on a waiting list. Screening methods vary based on factors like complexity of the job, turnover rates, etc.